You have made an important decision...you are going to lose weight using two of the most important activities that are a must. As you look in the mirror three things come to mind. First, you are not happy with how you look. Face is too full, waist is nowhere to be found, and your butt is about the size of two big melons. Time to take that booty down! Once making the decision, it is necessary to realize that you are going to have to make a lifestyle change to be successful.

Your diet and exercise are now a conscious change that you are going to have to deal with. More exercise and fewer calories taken in that will add to you slimming goal. Yes, that is another activity you must do, write down how much weight you are going to lose and over what amount of time. Keep it reasonable at first until you get into the "swing" of things. You know what your diet consists of and what exercises you have chosen to do. Keep both goals manageable. After you get past the first grueling weeks, then you begin to see a change in your weight and shape. Now that is motivating!

It is important to track your progress. By tracking you are informed of your progress, and will feel wonderful as you see the inches begin to melt away and your weight drop. It is a fact that something that is measurable is more attainable. Stepping on the scales is an immediate indicator and reward as you see the numbers begin to lower. You are making a lifestyle change on what you eat and how you exercise. It is important that initially you need to let your body adjust to the "new you" and how live.

There are several stats that you will measure besides your weight ( I recommend a digital scales). Other statistics should include percent of body fat, cholesterol and blood pressure. Where you exercise can help you with the measurements at first because most of them can be done at home. What I want to focus on today is taking measurements. One of the most motivational results you can have is to see your body cut in size in 10 primary areas. So you want to go to your sewing kit and get a cloth tape measure.

As you get more fit, your weight might stay the same, but you are building muscle mass. You are not becoming a power weight lifter, but your body is tighter and smaller...even though your weight varies a little at some point.When measuring be sure to keep your muscles relaxed and take these 10 different body measurements. Write them down so you can follow your progress.

1. Bust - Measure all the way around at your nipple line and be sure the tape measure is not lower.

2. Chest - Measure under your breast, but as high as you can go. Go all around your body for this stat.

3. Waist - Measure where you are the smallest. If there is no waist, go around at the navel line.

4. Hips - Measure at the very biggest part, no matter where that might be.

5. Midway - Measure midway between the very biggest part of your hips and your waist.

6. Thighs - Measure wherever they are the biggest. 7. Knees - Measure right above the knee.

8. Calves - Measure wherever they are the biggest.

9. Upper Arm - Measure wherever they are the biggest above the elbows.

10. Forearms - Measure wherever they are the biggest below the elbows.

Measure yourself every couple of weeks. It might be discouraging at first, but hang in there. Your body is going through a major physiological change. In a short period of time, you will begin to see changes in you body and the feeling is wonderful!

Be sure to record the measurements in your exercise journal so you can see your positive results. Losing weight is not complicated. It is composed of two activities. Less caloric intake and exercise. You deserve to be the person you see in your mind. Once you get there, and you have made a change in your lifestyle, you will never go back. Why? Because you love wearing that 6 or 8 dress size and you look soooooo good! Seeing yourself in the store window will take on a whole new meaning.