Do you often say you “want” to lose weight, or are “trying” to lose weight, yet never really seem to get results? Maybe it is because you’re not being completely honest with yourself.

As a coach, I make it crystal clear with my clients, they are not accountable to me (or anyone else for that matter) but only accountable to themselves. That’s not to say I don’t guide, motivate and question, but at the end of the day, your results and your life are entirely up to you. When you break the cycle of subtle dishonesty with yourself, the rest is actually quite simple and just takes some time and patience.

If you are someone who feels stuck in their weight-loss or health journey, start with questioning yourself first. Here are my top 5 ways for you to create honesty and accountability with the person who matters most, you.

I realize this might sound silly or downright frightening to some of you but trust me, jeans will keep you honest. I recently sold my brick and mortar coaching facility and launched my new brand from my home office. Working on a book and creating new online platforms has given me flexibility to basically wear whatever I want while working. Not a great idea! Sitting around all day in comfortable clothing only leads to complacency and a disconnection to your body composition. Same goes for those of you who do not stay around the house but use yoga pants as a daily staple in your wardrobe. Get the yoga pants off unless you are hitting the gym! (this is an added fashion tip too…just sayin;) Wear the clothes each day that bring out your best. This will boost your spirits and keep you on track with healthy eating and movement.

While I am not a big fan of tracking your daily food or counting macros for the long-term, there is value in taking a written inventory of how much food you are consuming throughout the day.

Mindless snacking while standing up, eating what’s left on your kids’ plate, or grabbing a handful (or two) of nuts while on the go is a sure way to overindulge in high caloric, low nutrient foods. At the end of the day, you feel hungry and can’t figure out why the weight isn’t coming off because you “aren’t eating that much.”

Weight loss happens with mindfulness. When you write down EVERYTHING you eat, you will get a reality check. You may be over-snacking, missing vegetables or under eating and causing excessive stress and hormone disruption.

A big part of reducing body weight comes from movement but unfortunately, most people don’t move enough. Between riding in the car, sitting at work, sitting while eating (hopefully), and sleeping 6-8 hours per night, we aren’t left with enough movement.

Get out a notebook and write down everything you do in a day with the exact times you do them. Mark an “S” for sitting, or an “A” for active for each time frame and add it up! You’ll be surprised by just how much time you sit in a 24 hour period.

If you find you’re sitting far too often, get up! Movement doesn’t have to be formalized exercise. Add simple things to your day like going for a brisk walk or getting a stand up desk for work.

By far, the number one reason people give for not reaching their goals is a lack of time. I don’t buy it! What you really need to determine is HOW you are spending the 24 hours you get each day. Challenge yourself to set a timer each time you get onto social media. It is alarming! There is no doubt we are living in a world that seems to be spinning at top speed but the fact is, you control how you spend your time. If you claim you don’t have 1-2 hours per week to prepare your meals, shut off your phone or computer and you will instantly have the time!

The truth is, weight loss simply for the sake of a number on a scale or a size label inside of your jeans isn’t enough to keep you motivated. If it was, 2 out of 3 Americans wouldn’t be overweight or obese. You need to take a deeper look inside and find out what is really holding you back. Life takes its’ toll on all of us. Emotional damage, lack of sleep, overloads of stress and unresolved conflicts can keep us from acknowledging why our health really matters. We then connect to superficial reasons to lose weight and struggle to stay consistent. Search your soul for what matters most in your life and be honest when assessing how your current body allows you to live. You matter. You have a purpose for being alive and when you are living in your most confident, healthful self, your true purpose will shine.

The fact is, we all lie in small ways to help suit our lives. But the little lies we tell ourselves everyday become a distorted reality. A reality that inhibits us from living our most fulfilling life.

The less time we spend with the truth, the harder it is to accept. Start being honest with yourself and the weight will come off.

I promise.