Q. I’m self conscious about my weight and need to lose 30 pounds. Maybe because there are so many diets and slimming products on the market, I’m using it as an excuse to do nothing about it. What can I do to take that first step forward? It’s the motivation I lack.

A.When it comes to weight loss, I believe that in the long term the most effective regime involves establishing new eating and exercise habits. The problem is not in losing weight, it’s in keeping that weight off once you’ve lost it. You shouldn’t be looking for motivation to lose 30 pounds. As they say the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first few steps.

Take small steps. One of the first and most effective steps would be outline a plan, let’s say for losing the first 10 pounds, and put it in writing (for yourself). By writing it down you’ll be demonstrating a commitment to yourself. You might find this free journal helpful. Take small steps, complement yourself upon each achievement and you’ll get there.