With every goal you need a solid plan. No matter what your goal may be you need a good plan to make sure that your goals are met. When it comes to losing weight it's no different. You basic battle plan should of course include exercise and a healthy diet, but even though we know we need exercise, it doesn't help us exercise, and knowing you need to follow a healthy diet doesn't change much on our plate.

So what's the plan? Do you want to lose weight and/or build muscle? Do you just want to feel and look better? Whatever the plan is, I applaud you for saying enough to a lifestyle without goals. When you've decided what you want to do, and why, than you're ready to begin.

Once your priorities are set you need to establish yourself in your new lifestyle. Let go of your past rituals that you do without realizing what you're doing. If you've always stopped at a fast food restaurant before coming home from work, try something different. At least order less, or something with less calories and fat. Better yet, skip that greasy place and eat something healthier at home, like an apple. Maybe you enjoy some chips with dip while you relax on the couch every night before bed. Try something new. Either eat less, or don't have that dip. The point is these little habits really add up and we end up paying the price for it one way or the other. Keep in mind that you can't hold on to the past habits and these subconscious rituals you have, and lose weight at the same time.

Having a friend or relative is also recommended in your goals. A family member is best for this kind of thing because they are always around the house where you feel the most comfortable and it's usually the place where you've developed most of your habits. Share your goals and plans with your helper or companion and turn the entire experience into fun.

There are a lot of healthy and delicious foods out there and it doesn't take too long to adjust to a new diet (especially if you're not alone). There are plenty of weight loss programs to losing weight out there and it's important that you have a plan, not just a goal. Wishing and dreaming for something to be won't necessarily make it so. You need to make the proper preparations before you embark on the journey to a healthier you.