When it comes to adopting a new weight loss plan, most of us start out enthusiastic. This motivation, however, wears out eventually, making it seem impossible to stick to the plan and hit our weight loss goals.
If this sounds like you, it is good to know that there are a number of ways to increase your motivation and finally lose weight. Even if you have stopped or quit several times before, you can still reach your goals and stay committed to your efforts.
Personal training studios share a few things that can help:
Track your progress
You can keep an eye on your progress by jotting down your stats in a notebook, using an app or any other way you prefer. Keep a record of your weight, body measurements, body mass index, and others. This will allow you to look back on how far you’ve come, as well as help you stay motivated and keep you from going back to your old habits.
Keep a food journal or diary
One important element of long-term weight management is eating the right amount of food. This is why it helps to monitor your food choices and portion sizes. The right way to keep a food journal or diary is to list down everything you eat, including your snacks and desserts. It is also a good idea to record your emotions, so you can identify your triggers and find ways to deal with them.
Reward yourself (but not with food)
If you’ve been consistent with your efforts or met your goals for the week or month, it is a good idea to reward yourself to further improve your motivation. Just be sure to avoid rewarding yourself with food or other things that are extremely expensive. Some examples of good rewards include going to the movies, buying a new book, going to the spa, or taking a class that you want.
Prepare for setbacks and challenges
Some of your friends might encourage you to forget your diet for once, especially when eating or celebrating an occasion. This won’t be a problem if you do it just once, but it can sabotage your efforts when it becomes a habit. It helps to create coping skills to keep you from losing your motivation and getting off track. You can also plan or focus on non-food activities when you’re in a place where food is a major part of the event or celebration.
Think about the long-term benefits
When you’re trying to stay motivated with a new diet or exercise, think about all the health benefits of reaching your goal. By hitting your ideal weight and maintaining it, you are likely to feel stronger or even live a longer life with reduced risk of certain medical conditions. The ultimate reward is a healthier and happier life that each one of us deserves.
Apart from the things mentioned above, you can also benefit from seeking professional help when needed. This may mean finding a dietician or a nutritionist who can educate you about food choices or a personal trainer who empower and motivate you to stay on track. You can also choose to talk to a psychologist to improve your knowledge and motivation.