Everyone knows that exercising and eating well will benefit your body and your mind – you’ll be healthier, you’ll look better, and you’ll feel better. But despite that, it’s not always easy to get motivated.
Losing weight takes you out of your comfort zone, and many people struggle with this. Also, it can be even more difficult to stay motivated after that initial rush has passed.
However, the long-term success of weight loss depends on maintaining your motivation. In other words, you need to form good habits before you can shed some pounds. Once these habits become a part of your routine, it’ll be much easier to reach your goals.
Of course, this is often easier said than done. But let’s look at some ways to find and sustain that motivation.
Best Tips to Stay Motivated
When you want to lose weight, you can expect many challenges. The following tips can help you stay on course.
1. Have Clear Reasons
You may be trying to lose weight because your doctor advised it, or perhaps you want to keep up with your physically active family members. Maybe you just want to look good for an event or fit into a pair of old jeans. Whatever your reasons, make sure you define them very clearly. In fact, it’s best to write them down.
Then, read through that list whenever you feel your resolve weakening. This will help you push on.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Everyone wants to lose weight fast, but that won’t always be possible. If it becomes clear that you won’t be able to meet your initial expectations, frustration is sure to set in. Once that happens, you’ll be tempted to give up entirely.
Research has shown that setting goals aids weight loss. But scientists have also found that unrealistic goals can be very detrimental to your weight loss plan. Therefore, you need to find a balance – don’t limit yourself but make sure to stay realistic.
It’s also important not to focus exclusively on the end goals. Instead, think about the process and have realistic goals along the way. This can mean exercising four times next week or staying clear of snacks for a period of time.
3. Find a Plan You Enjoy
There are many diet plans that can help you lose weight. They focus on different approaches to food, and you should find one that works for you.
The same goes for exercising. You can work out on your own or in a group. You can go to the gym or exercise at home. Find whatever suits you and do that – the more you enjoy it, the less likely you are to quit.
4. Keep a Food Journal
Research tells us that self-monitoring can aid weight loss. So, try keeping a journal. But always be honest and include everything you eat.
Also, try writing down your emotions. This can help you find any triggers that cause overeating.
5. Get Support
With support, motivation will be easier to come by. So tell your friends and family that you want to lose weight – their encouragement will help. Plus, making a public commitment can bolster your discipline.
You can also try and find a weight loss buddy. They will support and hold you accountable, which is a powerful mix.
6. Treat Yourself
It isn’t easy to lose weight, meaning you deserve a treat for meeting your goals. So make sure reward yourself.
If you followed your plan for a week without fail, go to a movie or buy yourself a trinket. You should avoid using food as a reward, but you should find a way to celebrate your success – it will give you the motivation to go on.
Staying Motivated
For many people, weight loss is very difficult. Still, motivation is what will pave the way to success. By following these tips, you can find the drive to overcome the challenges you’ll face. If you ever stumble, make sure to forgive yourself – this is a long-term process, and you should always focus on the big picture.
