Everybody loves a top 10 list, so let's develop our own "Top 10 weight loss tips" list. What are your top favorite methods to lose weight? It could be as simple as eating breakfast - that's one identified by the National Weight Control Registry - or something more complicated such as keeping track of calorie intake. Since there is no one "right" way to lose weight, let's come up with our own Top 10 list!

My favorite way to lose weight is to have a goal weght and a deadline (like a vacation date) to achieve it. I find that I'm a lot better about diet and exercise that way.

I've found that not eating later than 6:00 p.m. on most nights works really well for me. Supposedly, they say that overall caloric intake over the day is what matters most, not what time you eat, but I really notice a difference when I stick to this.

I try to buy an outfit that I really love but in a size or two smaller than my current size. That really works as motivation for me!

That's a great idea! I bet it really boosts your resolve when you fit into it, as well. I have to try that one. What I try to do right now is take the money that I would have normally spent on snacks and unhealthy things and tuck it away. Then, when I drop a size, I use the money to buy something new. Just the thought of being able to go out and look keeps me motivated.

These are great ideas! We've talked about what we can do to stay motivated to lose weight, but what are some of your favorite methods to actually lose some of those pounds? I know that keeping a food journal works for many people, but I find it really tedious. I've been working lately on leaving 2 bites of every food uneaten as a way to teach myself I don't have to automatically clean my plate. It's too early to tell if it's really 'working', but I'm not hungry or feeling deprived so I think it's a step in the right direction.

It seems to me that methods of motivation ARE important methods for weight loss! Great ideas! I've been experimenting some with the "rewards" approach myself lately. I've brought my spouse into the process as well... setting some rewards that we can enjoy together when I meet certain landmark goals... so he will have a vested interest in my success as well. Hoping this will motivate him into being a better encourager.

Bringing your husband into the equation is a great idea! Having him motivated to help you means that he will really be there for you. What kinds of rewards have you found for the two of you to look forward to?

Well... the BIG grand finale reward for when I reach my goal weight is a cruise to Alaska... something we've wanted to do for a long time but you know I just don't think I would enjoy myself much in my current condition. Some of the lesser rewards are smaller trips and involve doing things that we used to enjoy until I gained so much weight and got to where I'm really not physically able to do them any more. I'm looking forward to the day when I am able to be more active once again and it will be way more fun for the hubby too. On a much less grand scale, we have little rewards also for meeting smaller goals, like going to the movies or concerts, etc. The goal is not always necessarily tied to a number either. Like this week my goal was to not only stick to my diet but also to not eat any bread (And yes I know, bread is not inherently evil. But there are other ways to gain the nutritional benefits found in whole grain bread without subjecting myself to one of my greatest weaknesses!) and to walk an hour at least 5 days of the week. I met my goal... regardless of how much weight I did or did not lose. And my hubby kept his end of the agreement in that he was supportive and did not try to sabotage my diet. So the reward is a movie. (He loves going to the movies. Not so much a great reward and motivation for me... but makes a pleasant evening and well worth it to have him on board with the plan!) It just gives him more reasons to want to see me succeed if he has a vested interest in the program as well. I don't know... it's an experiment for me. I'll let you know how it works out. hehehe.

Great ideas for motivators. I'm going to have to try some with my husband (who also needs to lose some weight). I think if we work together, it will be much easier.

The cruise to Alaska sounds wonderful, by the way. I hope you reach your goals soon!

I really like the way you structure your goals and rewards! You have a big, celebratory reward for your ultimate goal, but you also have a bunch of smaller goals and rewards to keep you motivated. I'm especially impressed with rewarding yourself for sticking to your plan and NOT basing rewards only on weight loss. That's wonderful, powerful, and extremely motivating!