1.Don’t eat on the run. Grabbing an unhealthy snack is much more convenient than preparing a healthy alternative and often times you won’t pay attention to how much you’re eating. Make sure you schedule healthy meals into your day and if you’re forced to eat on the go, prepare healthy snacks ahead of time (a small bunch of grapes, handful of nuts, a bag of carrots, or a small yogurt smoothie) that you can grab as you’re leaving. If you need to take a weight loss supplement to give you the extra boost of energy and appetite suppressant, talk to your doctor and see if it’s right for you.

2.Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plan these meals ahead of time and make sure you’re eating healthy foods first. Whole grain breakfast foods and side dishes, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy or dairy substitutes. If you’re satisfied after your meal save the treats for a later time, if you’re still craving something sweet, allow yourself to have a small after dinner treat.

3.Keep a food diary. By writing down what you eat, you’re more likely to stick to stricter eating habits because you’ll have to hold yourself accountable in the end. In order to lose weight you need to make sure you’re consuming at least 500 calories less than what you’re burning in a day. You don’t necessarily have to calorie count everyday, but do it a couple times so you give yourself a general idea of what you’re average daily consumption is.

4.Drink plenty of water and other no-calorie beverages. This will curb your appetite and your daily snack attacks.

5.Don’t eat after dinner. Make sure you’re satisfied after your dinner meal and then close the kitchen down. If you absolutely cannot live without an evening snack try a bowl of fruit, or a 100 calorie snack pack, or 2 cups of popcorn.

6.Exercise. Make exercise a nonnegotiable priority. Don’t make exercise a punishment or a way to earn eating food. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine and make it a fun part of your day. Think about how much better you’ll feel afterwards, how well you’ll sleep, how much more energy you’ll have throughout your day.

7.“Ride the wave. Your cravings will disappear after 10 minutes if you turn your attention elsewhere."

8. Set specific goals and a time line that will allow you to monitor your progress and motivate you to keep going for another few weeks. Sometimes a diet that has an undefined end can seem impossible and is easier to cheat and quit. Make sure you clearly define what you expect out of yourself before you start your weight loss adventure.

9. Enlist the help of a friend. It's always easier to stay on top of something that may be difficulty if you have the support of someone you trust. If you allow your friend to hold you accountable for eating healthy and exercising you will be more likely to stick to your diet.

10. De-stress your life. It's not easy to follow a diet if the rest of your life is out of whack. Make sure you make a "to do" list and find time to accomplish your daily tasks, keep a clean home, improve relationships with your family, friends and loved ones. All of these things will work together to help you stick to your diet, lose weight, and keep it off for life!