Q: Try not to crowd too close to others when you are in public spaces like a city street, a subway platform, or a restaurant. Maintain your distance, giving others 1 to 3 feet (0.30 to 0.91m) of space, so you do not appear too aggressive or overbearing. If you're riding public transportation, avoid talking loudly on the phone to be respectful of others. It is part of tradition, and good hygiene, to take off your shoes before you step into someone's home or office. You may get in the habit of wearing socks with your shoes or bringing socks with you so you can keep your feet covered. If you forget to remove your shoes, do not fret. Simply apologize and return to the door to remove them. Some Japanese homes even have washable slippers by the door for guests. Keep your voice low and avoid shouting or yelling when you are at a shrine or holy site. Keep photography to a minimum, especially if there are holy processions going on. Try to maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor, even if you are not religious. It may be worthwhile to hire a guide when you visit a holy shrine or site so you can better understand the holy traditions and practices. Look for guides offering tours in the front of the shrine or site. Check to make sure that photography is allowed before taking pictures, especially if you're using flash. It is traditional and respectful in Japan to bow when you say hello or goodbye to someone, when you thank them, and when you congratulate them. Bow from the waist at a 45 degree angle, keeping your back straight and your legs together. Look down when you bow and avoid exaggerating the movement. If you are interacting with individuals you know well, such as family or friends, you can nod your head and bow slightly forward with a straight back rather than do a full bow. Putting your chopsticks upright in rice is common practice during funeral rites in Japan, so do not do this when you are eating in public or around Japanese people. Keep your chopsticks flat on the bowl or resting against your plate. You should also not pass food to others with your chopsticks, as this is considered rude and is done at funerals. If you are not comfortable using chopsticks, you can always request a fork or spoon instead. Many public bathing houses and hot springs do not allow people with tattoos to enter. You may need to cover up your tattoos with bandages out of respect for the rules. You can also book a private room at a public bath or spa so you do not have to worry about covering up your tattoos, if necessary.
A: Be courteous in public spaces. Remove your shoes before you step inside someone's home. Treat holy shrines and areas with respect. Bow when you greet others. Avoid sticking your chopsticks in a bowl of rice when you eat. Check the posted rules about tattoos at public baths before you get in.

Q: Tracking all your foods and meals will not only help you stay on track, but can be motivating to you as well. Seeing how well you've done and well you've stuck to your diet plan is exciting. Many of us believe we are eating less than we really are. Food journaling is a fool-proof way to ensure that you are holding yourself accountable. Grab a notebook or download a diary app to your smart phone. Jot down notes about your meals (including calorie intake), exercise, and other measures you're keeping track of. You can also use your journal as a diary. Taking note of how your diet is making you feel, writing about difficult days, etc. Write down your goal and leave it somewhere you can easily check it again. Underneath your goal, keep a weekly log of how many pounds you've lost or how many inches you've lost. When you feel like giving up, read over your goal and the progress you've already made. This may be the motivation you need to keep yourself going. Keeping track of your weight can also provide you with some insight into how well your diet is working or if it's not working. You'll be able to discern when it's time to make a change. Post sticky notes or taped scraps of paper wherever you will see them often: the bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, even the steering wheel of your car. Write short motivational phrases and reminders on them. They'll give you a bit of a boost throughout the day. Little positive sayings can help you remember your goal, keep you focused, and help you stay on track. This is especially useful in helping to maintain your exercise schedule. If you have an exercise partner, you have a reason beyond yourself to show up to every session on time. He or she can give you a boost of enthusiasm when you're not feeling up to your workout. Your partner can also lend a good ear when you're feeling down or unmotivated with your diet or progress. . Stress can make it hard to stay on a diet or exercise plan. Managing stress can help you stay motivated and feel energized throughout your diet program. Extra stress can slow weight loss and even promote weight gain. Getting it under control can help support quicker weight loss. It's important to find activities to help calm and relax you. Try chatting with friends, going for a walk, listening to music or reading a good book.
A:
Start a food journal. Track your progress. Leave notes for yourself. Get a partner. Manage stress