Weight Loss Motivation
by Hayley Reynolds, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 02 June 2012
How many of you really want to lose weight, but don’t seem to have the motivation to do something about it?
Below I have put together some tips on motivation, how to get it, and how to keep it going.
1. Find a motive.
Give yourself a reason to change, whether it’s from going on holiday to increasing your self esteem.
2. Pick yourself right back up when you fall.
After all, we’re only human, sometimes we make mistakes, and sometimes we can’t control everything. It’s okay if you accidentally miss a workout or have that ice cream, don’t see it as you need to start again, just pick yourself up from where you left off, as long as it’s not always happening, your hard work won’t be affected.
3. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Don’t give yourself unrealistic goals that you won’t be able to achieve. Aim to lose 1 to 1.5lbs a week, this is a healthy weight to be losing without having the risk of losing muscle, plus, it’s realistic and achievable, and if you don’t lose anything one week, don’t worry, at least you’re not gaining.
4. Only weigh yourself once a week.
Make sure this is the same day, roughly same time each week, without your clothes on, or wearing the same clothes. Weighing yourself more than once a week could actually sabotage your motivation, weight fluctuates so much on a day to day basis, dependant on what we’ve done, what we’ve eaten, and our hormones, so one day you could have lost a pound, yet the next day you’ve gained two pounds.
5. Change things over time.
Don’t try changing everything at once, by changing one thing each week, will keep you motivated, and it won’t end up taking over your life. It’s better to do it slowly than to rush it, and for it to go wrong.
6. Don’t eliminate everything.
By eliminating your favourite foods all together will just make you want/crave them more. There’s no harm in treating yourself every now and then, just limit to how much you have, or if you can, choose the low fat option.
7. Find a workout partner.
By having someone to workout with, means there will be less chance of you skipping a workout if you don’t feel like doing it.
8. Reward yourself.
When you achieve a goal, reward yourself with something you’ve been waiting for, it could be a new outfit, or even just that new book you’ve had your eyes on. This will keep you going to reach your goal and the reward that goes with it.
9. Have support.
By having the support of those around you, such as family and friends, will help you keep going when times are tough.
10. Keep a photo diary.
Take a photo of yourself regularly, say once a week, or every two weeks, this will give you something to look back at when you need reminding how far you have come.
11. Think positive.
Drown out those negative thoughts; they’re no good to us anyway. Instead think positive, and believe you can do anything you want. Which we can if we put our minds to it.
