The Daily Habit That Leads to Weight-Loss Success

When you're trying to lose weight, it's hard to resist temptation at every turn. Unfortunately, those little tastes can add up in the calorie department. Even if you think you're being vigilant, you may not know that 100 calories of your favorite candy isn't as much as you thought. So one of the best ways to ensure you stay on the right track when you're looking to drop pounds? Keeping a food journal to track your calorie intake — every single thing you eat and drink.

It may seem tedious, but if you're serious about your goals, making sure you're jotting everything you eat down (or adding to a smartphone app like MyFitnessPal) will hold you accountable and keep right on your calorie goals. This habit has helped many people see results without feeling deprived when they first set out on a weight-loss journey: in fact, one study found that those who logged what they ate six days a week lost twice as much weight as those who only kept track of a day or less. Want your own success story? Remember this mantra: if you bite it, write it. Print out our poster for even more motivation on your bulletin board or fridge!

Need more weight-loss inspiration? Check out our 25 reasons you're not losing weight, here.