If you are anything like the millions of people in America who are struggling with being overweight, diets may play a significant role in your life. Many people struggle with weight issues through much of their lives, trying different fad diets and eventually giving up, just to try the next one. If you look at your weight loss goal as a potential change in lifestyle rather than a simple change in diet, you can achieve a healthier body and mind.

Learn the Facts
One thing that might give you the motivation you need is to learn the facts about what being overweight can do to your health. According to the American Heart Association, obesity is a factor in nearly 112,000 deaths each year in the United States. Being overweight can increase your chances of developing life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and cancer.

Try New Foods
You can think of your diet as an adventure. Diets shouldn't be about restricting your food choices, but broadening them. Many cookbooks and magazines are dedicated to making healthy food taste good (Find a link to some in the Resources section). Splurge on special items at the grocery store, like exotic fruits and freshly baked whole grain bread. Your taste buds certainly won't know you are on a diet.

Exercise
Working out does not have to be a punishment and something you dread. Try out different types of exercise in order to find something you can be excited about. Many people like the idea of a group class because it gives them more accountability and a group of friends for motivation. Others prefer solitary exercise, like running. Running can be satisfying, especially if you set goals for yourself by signing up for races and trying to beat your own personal records. If you commit yourself to getting fit, you won't have the desire to eat unhealthy foods that will ruin your hard work.

Support
Try joining a support group. Dieting is hard and it is even harder when you have to do it alone. If millions of people are on a diet every year in the United States, why not join some of them? Any kind of group setting can help you better reach your goals. Group interaction can foster a sense of community and will help keep you motivated. You can find weight loss support groups in your community, through hospitals or even as just a casual group of friends. Some diets, like Weight Watchers, integrate community support. Weight Watchers is one of the most successful diets because people actually stick to it. Being accountable for your weight loss at weigh-ins can be a big motivation.