Obesity has become a growing problem in recent times. This is partially due to the fact that much of today’s ‘convenience food’ is rich in fat, calories and sugar. Furthermore, people lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles and often choose television and video games to entertain themselves, as opposed to physical activities such as sports. Not to mention that gaining weight is much easier than losing it. Many people start a weight loss program full of energy and motivation but when they do not see instant results they quickly lose heart and motivation goes out of the window. In this article I outline how you can keep your motivation levels high during a weight loss plan.
1) POSITIVE FEEDBACK:- It is difficult to remain motivated if you are not receiving positive feedback and support. Without this you will become increasingly frustrated and deflated. So how do you get this positive feedback? Well often you are a lot more critical of yourself than others. You may hardly notice the difference in weight but friends and family often will. Therefore, when you feel that you have not made any progress during the week go and see your family and friends. You will often be greeted with positive comments that acknowledge your weight loss.
A good personal trainer is another source of positive feedback which will keep you motivated. Since their entire relationship with you is based on your weight loss gaols they will really notice when you have made progress. Plus, they will know the right things to say to keep your motivation levels high.
2) INDIVIDUAL THOUGHT PROCESS:- As I mentioned above you are often a lot more critical of yourself than others. Your mind is a big factor in staying motivated. If you think that you are not making progress you will not be as motivated. However, if you look at the positives and search for every little bit of progress you have made, you will feel a lot better about yourself. If you feel better about yourself and are happy with your weight loss achievements then you will be a lot more motivated to continue. So stop thinking about what you have not achieved and start focussing on the weight you have actually lost.
3) AVOID DIETS:- Dieting deprives your body of essential nutrients, makes you feel hungry all the time and can often only be sustained in the short term. Very few people can stay motivated in the long term when dieting. Instead you need to learn about healthy eating habits and make them a permanent part of your lifestyle. If you are unsure about healthy eating this blog contains plenty of useful information on the topic. There are also countless books and websites out there which will provide you with more than enough information. Alternatively, consult your doctor or a qualified dietician. Eating healthily will lead to greater weight loss in the long term and will keep you motivated for much longer than any diet.
Motivation has a serious impact on how successful your weight loss program will be. I hope these three tips help you stay motivated and stick with your weight loss plan in the long term.