Thanks to research, we now know what works for people who have lost weight and successfully kept it off. So be inspired! The key elements of success are to:

• Believe that you can control your weight and the changes involved are really worth doing - and keeping up
• Stay realistic about weight goals and value what you have achieved rather than dwell on the weight you ‘dream’ of being
• Make small changes that can be maintained
• Plan ahead for regular meals and any snacks, starting with breakfast
• Watch portion size and limit fast food
• Eat a healthy, low-fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Have flexible approach to food – enjoy some favourite foods without guilt
• Be more active – plan ways to fit it into your daily life
• Keep a record of what you eat and how active you are Regularly check your weight, waist, body fat or how well a skirt or jeans fit
• Realise that healthy changes need to be kept up long-term. 

Now to get down to the planning bit.  Use this guide below to set yourself a clearly structured plan of action.