Have you ever wondered why some women are successful in their weight loss journeys, and why some are not? Or perhaps your friends rave over a program that they love, but you find yourself failing after the first 48 hours.

There is more to losing weight than simply following a program. Preparation, thyroid issues and your hormones are just some of the factors that need to be taken into account. Here are my top suggestions that you should read before you embark on any weight loss journey.

Make Changes Before You Start the Program

Do not wait until you sign up to a program to start making changes. You can make a start the minute you finish reading this article.

You can decide to get up off your seat and go for a walk. You could make yourself a cup of tea and instead of adding a teaspoon of sugar, add ½ teaspoon. Just do something that gets you started, and tell yourself that this time you mean business.

Have a Support System in Place

You may think you can do this alone, but research shows that people who have a support system in place are more successful in reaching their goals. You do not have to announce it to all the world.

Simply having a group you can go to, even an online group like the group of women that I give encouragement to, can make all the difference.

You will feel empowered and motivated and will know that you are not alone in your journey. Be sure to reach out and ask questions to get the most out of any group that you join.

Create Meal Plans

The saying, “Failure to plan is planning to fail,” is ever so true in this situation. This means taking the time out of your busy schedule to organize your meals for at least three days ahead.

It also means grocery shopping at least one day prior, to make sure you have all the ingredients you need. This leaves no room for error or hindering in your success.

Be Open to New Recipes

I know it can be quicker and easier to eat the same meals time after time, but you need to keep variety in your diet to stay motivated. Be adventurous and have fun with your food. There are so many wonderful recipes online, in magazines and in programs such as my 7-Day Program.

Do Not Focus on What You Cannot Eat

Do not dwell on what you cannot eat. You can still enjoy the occasional piece of chocolate or a piece of cake, but keep the portions smaller.

If you were used to eating a sandwich laden with fries and tomato sauce, this is not healthy by any stretch of the imagination. Once you start eating healthier foods, you will be amazed at the great buzz you get. Focus on what you can eat, and not on what you cannot.

Monitor Your Sleep Patterns

Are you going to bed late, or is stress keeping you awake at night? Stress can increase the levels of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone.

It interferes with your weight loss success, increases appetite, often making you crave the wrong foods, and can make your body hold onto its fat stores. Try and keep to a routine, and get in bed before 11pm. Also, it would be helpful if you can find ways to decrease the stress in your life.

Focus on the Journey

This might sound strange, but there was a lot going on in your life when you were gaining weight. There will also be a lot going on now that you are starting your weight loss journey. You will feel more alive, have more energy in your day and you will sleep better.

Enjoy the journey of discovering what you are able to do each day that you could not do when you were overweight. For me, the biggest achievement was being able to go for a walk without having to collapse on the couch and rest for an hour afterward.

Is Your Thyroid Sluggish?

I have had a few clients who were not able to find success in their weight loss journey until they addressed an underlying low functioning thyroid. If your thyroid is sluggish, then following certain weight loss programs can do the opposite.

You may find yourself gaining weight as opposed to losing weight. This is why I have created a quick 5-minute quiz to help my clients. If you would like to see if your thyroid is sluggish click here to access the quiz.

Do you think your thyroid is sluggish? Do you have any tips that helped you in your weight loss journey that you would like to share with others? I would love to know what experience you have had. Let me know in the comments below.