1. Take the Long-Term View

One of the most helpful ways to not get discouraged when dieting is to remind yourself that weight loss is a long-term project. It's never a good idea to try or expect to lose weight quickly. Remember that as it takes time to gain weight, so it will take time to lose it.

2. Get a Diet Buddy

Joining up with a friend who also needs to lose weight can help motivate you. You can encourage and support each other. Don't feel that you have failed if your friend loses more; it's not a competition. Instead, exercise together, swap healthy recipes, and share your journey to a healthy weight.

3. Allow Yourself Treats

Many a diet fails because the dieter can't resist a treat, and then think they might as well abandon the attempt because they lack willpower. So it's a good idea to allow yourself some treats. This will help avoid boredom and makes the diet easier to follow. We all love treats, and a moderate amount won't hurt.

4. Be Realistic

As I've already mentioned, you should be realistic about your weight-loss goals. Don't try to drop the pounds too quickly, as this is not a healthy approach. Aim for a couple of pounds a week, and be aware that there will be weeks when you don't achieve this. It's not a precise science.

5. Small Steps

When you've got quite a few pounds to lose, it's a daunting task. So break it down into small, easily achievable steps. If your aim is to lose 30 pounds, focus on the first 5. When you've reached that target, focus on the next 5. By doing this you will be pleased with yourself, rather than discouraged when your goal seems a long way off.

6. Avoid Comparisons

Don't compare yourself negatively with other women, or criticise yourself if you don't lose weight as fast as you would like. You're not in a race. Lose weight for the sake of your health, not to be like celebrities. Nor should you aim to weigh, say, 110lb because someone else does - that may be their ideal weight but too slim for your body.

7. No Weigh!

Obviously you'll want to keep an eye on your progress. Don't weigh yourself daily though; once a week is better. And don't get discouraged because you lost more last week. You're not having a contest with yourself. Although it's good to have a weekly aim of, say, 2lb, the ultimate goal is an overall weight loss. So don't worry about not reaching your goal one week.

8. Variety

Dieting doesn't have to be dull and leave you with a limited range of food . There are plenty of delicious foods that you can eat while on a diet. Think of the variety of fabulous fruits and vegetables for a start. It's the perfect time to try out new ingredients; you'll find plenty of healthy, interesting foods in wholefood stores.

There are a number of reasons why diets fail - and many of them do. Some women spend most of their lives trying diet after diet. This isn't good either physically or psychologically. Make sure that you really need to lose weight, and never take it too far. Don't be discouraged when the pounds don't fall off; it will and should take time. The key is to follow a healthy eating plan. Are you a serial dieter and what helped you maintain your weight loss regime?