We all know that sensible weight loss should be a gradual process, but there's nothing wrong with wanting a bit of a boost in the meantime. We've come up with a selection of things you can do right this minute and over the coming week to jump-start those feel-good vibes.

Right now

1. De-junk your wardrobe, chucking out anything shapeless, baggy and dowdy anything that will remind you of the shape you don't want to be. Rifle through your underwear drawer and throw out all that graying, shapeless underwear and bras with the underwire popping out.
   
   
2. Go shopping. You don't have to completely splurge on a new wardrobe choosing one t-shirt with a great cut that will emphasize your slimming figure will make you feel better instantly.
   
   Alternatively, another on the spot pick-me-up tip is to buy some lovely lingerie. Something that makes you feel sexy and special, not necessarily just something you think your man might like, and start feeling good about yourself from the inside out.
   
   
3. Drink a glass of water and resolve that from this point you are going to drink at least 6-8 glasses a day. Think you'll find it hard? Sneak glasses in to the day kick-start your morning with a mug of boiled water and a slice of lemon, keep a bottle next to you while you work and take sips from it throughout the day, have a glass of water before each and every meal (you might even feel less hungry too).
   
   

Tonight

1. Take some time out for yourself. Whether it's insisting you sit down for fifteen minutes to read the latest Harry Potter, meditating, or having a soak in the bath with a good book you need to chill, and others in your life need to start getting used to the idea too.
   
   
2. Do something active ten minutes of sit-ups and push-ups, a trip to the pool at the Y with the kids, or a salsa lesson with friends. Commit to doing something that gets you moving.
   
   

All this week

1. Make sure your plate has more vegetables and salad than anything else it's healthy and fills you up without filling up your POINTS budget.
   
   
2. Commit to eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day if you have a glass of orange juice at breakfast followed by a slice of toast and a kiwi fruit you're more than a third of the way there.
   
   
3. Pack healthy snacks such as raw peeled and washed carrots, grapes, or a banana and avoid the lure of sweets and chips.
   
   
4. Build activity into your day get off the bus or subway early and walk, park the car farther away, use stairs rather than elevator, go out for a walk or a swim on your lunch break.
   
   
5. Find yourself a buddy, whether it's someone on the message boards with whom you can swap tips and moans, or someone to run with. You'll feel less isolated; more motivated and might well make a good friend in the process.
   
   
6. And finally, just feel proud for deciding to lose weight and commit yourself to changing your life. It's a big step and a huge reason why you should be feeling on top of the world!