It can be difficult to find the motivation to lose weight. Because I have been there, I understand.
There were many negative thoughts I was plagued with that I would think about and ruminate on.
- What happens if I fail to succeed?
- Why couldn’t I succeed last time?
- Is it possible for my body to lose weight?
- Do you think my methods are correct?
1. Follow the Science
Many dieters make the mistake of letting in willpower to drive them and not thinking about the science behind dieting.
They believe that if they just cut back on the amount of food they eat, they will lose weight. This approach can lead to hunger, which leads to binging after starving for several weeks.
Knowing what I had to do was my motivation for dieting. Instead of letting myself eat less or following the latest diet, I trusted the science of dieting.
It meant learning about the best foods, how to plan meals, the best exercises to help me lose weight, the importance of sleep, and what I needed to do about it.
This information was gleaned from reading and thinking deeply about weight loss and how it can be achieved. I was able to create a plan, a routine and set my own weight loss limits.
2. Invite a friend
A friend can be a great way to motivate yourself to do things, not only to lose weight but also to stay motivated.
There are many benefits to teamwork, such as:
- Encourage one another.
- You can discuss weight loss tips and team goals.
- It encourages healthy competition
- Keep an eye on your partner’s progress with their weight loss program.
Our chances of success in a group are higher than ours on our own, and this is supported scientifically by studies and science that has measured it.
3. Create a plan
A plan of action is key to successful weight loss. You won’t be able to achieve your goals and keep track of your progress if you don’t have a plan.
You don’t have to be too ambitious, but it does not mean that you should give up. This can lead to being discouraged when you make mistakes and making too many makes you want to quit.
This simply means that you should have predetermined goals. You shouldn’t go in blindly and move from one exercise program to another.
These might help:
- Stick to a proven diet plan and choose a well-respected one.
- Plan your meals and mealtimes.
- Establish a routine for your sleep.
- Keep to one or two types of exercise
- When you shop for your weekly groceries, be organized
- Use a notebook or a diary to keep track of your thoughts and events
4. Do not compare yourself to others
While there is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from others, it can be counterproductive if you get too obsessed with comparing yourself to others.
Remember that everyone is made up of different genes, which means that each person will have a different weight gain or loss.
This means that every person’s weight loss journey is different. Instead of trying to imitate someone else’s appearance, compare yourself to them.
You might find inspiration in someone who has a healthy diet and has stuck to a workout program.
5. Reward yourself
Everyone deserves a treat every now and again, even when we’re trying to lose weight. When you reach a goal, treat yourself!
You could do this when you have lost your first 5Ibs, or when your exercise or diet regimen has been consistent for at least a week.
This does not mean a treat that involves eating at McDonald’s or other fast food outlets.
You can treat yourself in other ways that will allow you to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
These are some suggestions:
- Spa or massage session
- Hot bubble bath
- Enjoy a healthy meal
- Get new clothes for yourself
You will have something to strive for and it will encourage you!
6. Keep track of your progress
You don’t need to obsess about your accomplishments or failures when keeping track of your progress.
It was helpful to know my progress without becoming too obsessed. It’s easy to doubt whether your approach is effective if you don’t have a clear picture of the results.
Keep track of your progress and get a sense of where you are on your journey.
This can be done by:
- Taking a photo diary
- Writing a weight loss diary
- Noting your top achievements
- Telling others when you reach a milestone
7. Set realistic goals
You are likely to fail if your goal is to lose 100 lbs in just four weeks. It is better to set small goals that are achievable than set high-stakes goals that you never reach.
It was much more motivating to set difficult challenges that I believed I could accomplish. Once I achieved them, I felt a sense of pride that motivated me to reach my next goal.
Research shows that even a 10% loss in body weight can make a significant difference in our health and well-being.
Be realistic and balanced and your motivation will skyrocket.
Conclusion
Motivation is key to any weight loss journey. You’ll need some motivation to make it through the day. This is true for all things in life.
It is about finding your motivations. To keep your motivation high, and to maintain momentum, it’s important to celebrate the little wins along the journey.
You can keep track of your progress, and you should enjoy any successes that occur, regardless of how small.
