Weight Loss Motivation Tips
Thanks to the modern day lifestyle and our unhealthy food habits, weight loss is a big concern for many of us today. However, losing weight need not be such a daunting task, if we follow these 11 simple steps.
1. Define your Intent for Weight Loss
Why do you want to lose weight? The answer is what will motivate you and keep you motivated day after day. The intention could be for a short term goal like looking good for a party or an event, or to fit into a particular outfit or it could be long term, like staying fit and healthy. If your intention is strong, your chances at weight loss are better.
2. Choose What Works Best for You
There are many diets, plans and workout programs out there. It is better to stick to a plan and workout regime that is suitable for you. Look at meal plans and workout programs that you can continue long term. Don’t go for quick-fix solutions.
3. Choose What you Like
Choose diets and exercises that you like, because then you are most likely to stick to them. If you like swimming, make that a part of your workout schedule. Combine what you like with what you have to do or eat. This will help you enjoy the whole weight-loss process.
4. Have Realistic Expectations and Goals
You are your best judge. Set goals and targets that are doable for you. Have daily, weekly and monthly targets, in terms of diet and exercise schedule. Weight loss is a work in progress not an overnight accomplishment.
5. Maintain a Journal or Download an App
Making a note of the food intake and workout schedule will help you keep track of your progress. It will also help you to stay on course.
6. Have a Routine
Mark out a particular time of the day for your workout program. There is no point in scheduling your gym in the early mornings if you are not a morning person. Also, try to have your meals at the same time every day. You are not likely to reach out for a cookie if you know that you are going to have a scheduled snack in half an hour.
7. Positive Reinforcement
Is the key to staying motivated. Pat your back, if you have achieved your set goals and targets and managed to stay on your diet and exercise schedule. Treat yourself to something you were looking forward to, like a pampering session at the salon, or a movie or an outfit.
8. Have a Support System
Share your goals for weight loss with family and friends. They can help you stay on track and motivate you when you are not up to it.
9. To Err is Human
Don’t be harsh on yourself, if you have veered off your exercise plan or diet chart. It’s okay to falter a bit now and then. Accept these setbacks as a part of the process and move on. The important thing is to get back on track.
10. Love Yourself as you are
You are not the number on your weighing scale. You want to lose weight because you love yourself. See weight loss as a reward that you deserve rather than a punishment that you have to endure.
11. Visualize a Slimmer You
Visualization is a powerful tool and can keep you motivated to lose weight. Visualize yourself doing all the things that you set out to do. It could be fitting into your favorite outfit, or completing the marathon or just about anything that you dreamt of doing.
Approaching weight loss methodically, will help you lose those extra pounds in no time. By having a plan of action, you can stay focussed and align yourself to your goal in a better way. By following the above steps you can remain positive and motivated through your weight loss program. As the famous title of a book goes, don’t lose your mind, lose your weight!
