What is the key to successful weight loss? I get asked this question a lot, and I actually do have a simple answer. The key to successful weight loss is having your head in the right place to do it!

So many people come to my office saying they want to lose weight, and they know they have to, and they  really believe that they want to be thinner and healthier. The problem is, they are not willing to put in the work required to lose weight; they still would rather have the instant gratification of eating what they want.

On the flip side, when a client comes in who is motivated, determined and committed, it turns out to be an easy goal to achieve, because through the process, the client does not feel punished or deprived and naturally make the right choices because it is what he or she really wants. If you want to be thinner and healthier, more than you want to eat that tempting food in front of you, you actually no longer want those tempting foods because they would put you further away from your goal.

Sorry to say it, ladies, but men are often very good at putting their mind to this task and to being very motivated. Men also generally have an easier time losing weight for physiologic reasons, and they tend to be less emotional eaters than us.

Your attitude is truly one essential key to successful weight loss and in keeping it off afterward, an equally challenging task. If you are going to start dieting and each day or week make an excuse for why you weren’t successful, then maybe you need to ask yourself if you are really ready.   

 Remember my advice from a previous column, if you find you cannot yet set your mind to successfully losing weight, then at the very least, stop gaining!