Have you decided that you finally want to shed the unwanted pounds you have accumulated over the years? If you think it's too hard to do, consider that you can look at this problem in two ways. One one hand, you realize that it's hard to lose the weight. On the other hand, it's hard to feel heavy. You choose which "hard" you want and take it from there. Don't let the Christmas holidays get in the way of your losing weight. If you put off your goal until after the holidays, you'll more than likely face losing even more weight than you want to lose now. Here are some ideas that might help you to reach your goal.

See Your Doctor - Rather than desiring to look like the models in fashion magazines, focus on being healthy. Before you embark on your weight loss goal, it's a really good idea to check with your doctor for an overall check up. It may be that you have a thyroid problem that is adding to your weight gain. Another thing to look at is the medication you take, as some medications make you ravenous. Other medications might actually make it hard for your body to burn calories. If this is true in your case, your doctor may be able to change your medication to one that does not have the side effect of making you constantly hungry. In fact, your doctor might even prescribe a medication that can help you lose weight.

Check Out A Weight Loss Clinic - Even though your your family doctor can help you, joining a weight loss clinic may even be better, as the entire focus there would be on helping you to lose weight and then assisting you to establish a life style that will allow you to maintain a proper weight the rest of your life. If you feel intimidated about going to a weight loss clinic, think about going with a friend or another family member who is also interested in losing weight and becoming healthier. Weight loss clinics are affordable and worth every penny you'll spend there. 

Make A Plan - This is a great time to assess what your eating habits are. Do you eat when you're bored, stressed, depressed, angry or lonely? One great idea is to keep a diary of the foods you eat and see if you can link your eating habits to your emotional state. It might be helpful, and even fun, to form a group of like-minded friends who are also trying to get healthy. You could meet once a week at each other's homes so that you can share nutritious foods and trade healthy recipes. 

Keep a journal and take pictures along the way so that you can see the progress you're making. And, when you have met your goal, give yourself a wonderful reward.