Staying motivated wasn't always an easy thing when I was on my weight-loss journey. In my last post, I gave you some tips that I learned along the way. Here are some other discoveries that helped me lose 170 pounds:

I learned to solve problems and fulfill obligations when they arose and in a timely manner. This way they weren't hanging around to block my progress. Oftentimes added stress can lead to overeating. I know this...I've done this! So when I had a disagreement, or an argument, or a problem, I made the effort to resolve it as soon as possible.

I stopped saying "yes" to everyone and everything. I was very active in a number of school and community organizations. I learned I couldn't add anything more to my schedule if I wanted to succeed in reaching my goal. I needed time to exercise and to shop and prepare healthy foods.

I kept my distance from negative people and friends. I had a few friends who always thought the worst of everyone and everything. I stayed away from these individuals as much as possible. I didn't want them to try and bring me down by telling me I couldn't or wouldn't succeed.

I spent time with those friends and family members who believed in me and supported my efforts. I have been blessed with plenty of good friends who knew how important it was to me to lose weight. These friends didn't try to sabotage my efforts by tempting me with those foods not in my plan. Also, they praised me along the way as I lost weight.

I asked my husband and kids for help. I needed their help to make sure that they didn't bring unhealthy foods that I really like into the house. (They agreed that if they wanted these foods, they would eat them when they were away from home so I wouldn't be tempted.)

Although you now have my motivational tips, I have to be honest. As you know, losing weight isn't a walk in the park, and it wasn't for me. But with this advice, these tips and a great deal of determination and consistency, which I learned after years of unsuccessful dieting are the most important ingredients in reaching any goal, maybe, you, too, can join me in the winner's circle. It can be done!