Just some things I have learned

These are things I have learned during my diet and exercise routine and also am still learning today.

• Give Time for Yourself, this was important to learn, since this allowed me time to go to the gym, go outside for a walk, and just to think about certain things. You make changes for yourself and for in the long run be a healthier better person so giving yourself time allows it.
• Watch and Track What You Eat, seeing is believing so writing down (or using a log on a website) allows you to see what you consume on a daily basis. For me it was extra calories, that my body did not need. Even today I still struggle with eating "perfect" to my standards and don't think I ever will. My latest thing has been increasing protein and decreasing carbs, which has been hard since my favorite foods are carb based.
• Find Something You Enjoy, for me it was running. But I'm sure anyone can find a cardio activity (even sport) that they actually enjoy. This way you stick with it and can make/plan goals.
• Find Support, even though I said this is for yourself, extra help does not hurt. I found a buddy from a website to help me through the first couple months.
  
• Read Up, you should take the time to browse health forums or read credible articles (and not just ones in the latest issue of Self magazine) on the latest. This way you can find out yourself what works for others, what are myths, and just to keep you motivated. Which leads me to my last thing...
• Keep Motivated, and by doing this you should keep patient, not overly apply yourself. Anyone can do make changes and achieve their weight goals you just need to keep at it.

I just sort of wrote the list above spontaneously. These are things I followed and hope that someone else can read and find helpful.