With so much information widely available, most people know that they need to eat healthy and exercise regularly. However, losing weight can be a difficult and daunting task if motivation is lacking. While many people approach weight loss as a short-term solution, people who are successful at losing weight also implement solutions that keep the weight off for the long-term. By committing to a long-term lifestyle change, you will be able to keep the weight off, and implement healthy eating and exercise habits throughout your lifetime. These are some tips to discover and strengthen your weight loss motivation.
1. Write It Down
Start by discovering your reasons for wanting to lose weight. Those reasons are the engine that drives your motivation. If your reasons are clear and strong, you will have a much better chance of keeping the weight off. Put in writing and review regularly, and they'll provide inspiration when your will power starts to falter. Maybe you can attach this list to the fridge J That way, you will see it every single day.
Also, it's a good idea to break down your weight loss goals into smaller increments. Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you have to turn your whole life upside down.
For instance, you might want to lose 20 to 30 pounds. This should break down to about 8 to 12 pounds a month over a 3 to 4 month period. By setting weekly, Bi-Weekly, or even Monthly goals, you give yourself something to reach for within a comfortable (and realistic) time frame. You can write down your target each month and when you meet success, it will increase your desire to continue. It’s motivating!
2. Routine Changes
Next, implement weekly changes to your diet. A good place to begin is by substituting processed foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates with healthier alternatives. The following week, you can keep this change in place, and also decide to eat five servings each of fruit and vegetables daily. Over time, changes to your routines while add up to healthy eating when applied consistently.
3. Exercise
You may have signed up for Black Phoenix Bootcamp … but you have to show up! And once you shoe up … you have to get your game face on and work! I’m saying you have to kill yourself, but you certainly have to work “right outside of your comfort zone”. Make yourself a little uncomfortable. Remember, you have to break the plateau that you’re in … yes, being a couch potato is a certain plateau.
Coming to class and getting to know others with similar goals is what's great about Bootcamp. It motivates you to stay focused on your weight loss goals.
4. Rewards
One of the most important ways to stay motivated is by rewarding yourself. Treat yourself to small rewards when you meet your weight loss goals each month. Consider providing yourself with a large reward when you accomplish your weight loss goals. If you're not sure what type of reward you would like, take a look at what motivates you. For example, if one of your desires is to have more energy, a powerful reward might be an outdoor weekend getaway that requires exercise energy and stamina.
If you're on a budget, there are many rewards you can enjoy without spending a lot of money. One is the gift of time. Giving yourself the time to do things you love is a great way to pamper yourself. Many people have success by rewarding themselves daily with something small. Sometimes soaking in a hot bath at the end of the day is reward enough. But by rewarding yourself often, you will keep your motivation strong.
Once you find a way to stay consistently motivated, you will start to see results. Losing weight will help reinforce the positive choices you're making, and it will be even easier to stay motivated. Motivation is one of the best weight loss tools that you can have.
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