* Don’t dwell on the junk that you are taking out of your diet. Instead, celebrate the healthy foods that you are putting in.


* Make bullet points of your main motivational issues and write them on a stack of cards. Display the cards where you will see them regularly - on your bathroom mirror, in your purse, in your car.


* Create a “mantra” to repeat to yourself when times get hard. For example, “Every day I am improving my health, my looks and my well-being. I am getting stronger in every way.”


* Consider asking for sponsorship from friends and family for a good cause. Perhaps you can raise money for starving children while you get your own eating under control?


* Start a file or scrapbook of articles, recipes and any other interesting titbits you read.


* Start another file of fashion and wardrobe ideas. Plan what you will need to buy when you shrink a size or two!


* Buy a piggybank and fill it up with a particular sum for every pound you lose. You can use it towards your new outfits!

* Find someone to share the experience with, and laugh your way through the tough times.


* Learn from other successful slimmers. Read other people’s stories, join a club, find a chat room, or start your own email group.