7 Weight Loss Motivation Tips
1. Be Realistic
Rather than trying to lose five to 10 pounds in a week by drastically restricting the diet and exercising religiously, it is important to realize diet success comes by making real lifestyle changes. Consuming a well-balanced diet, exercising on a regular basis, managing stress, and sleeping seven to nine hours each night not only leads to success, but long-term results.
2. Stay Prepared
Make it your best effort to stay prepared as much as possible, as doing so increases the odds of sticking to your diet and seeing success on your program. For instance, practice meal preparation and utilize a meal delivery service, such as bistroMD to lower the risk of frequent drive thru runs and calls to the delivery guy. Also keep convenient and nutritious snacks on hand to lessen impulse buys from the vending machine.
3. Make Gradual Changes
Abrupt changes can be detrimental to your success, as completely overhauling your diet can be highly discouraging. Make simple and gradual changes to your diet, including drinking water over soda, trying a new vegetable each make, and replacing sugar desserts with naturally-sweetened fruits, ultimately, small and gradual process makes it much easier to stick with a healthy diet.
4. Adapt as Needed
Make goals into actions by preparing a game plan and developing a strategy. And equally as important, expect and overcome barriers and obstacles and be prepared to modify your plan as needed. Also strategize ways to deal with them and implementing positive coping skills will help you stay motivated no matter what life throws your way.
5. Create A Healthy Eating Environment
With chips in the pantry at home and the candy jar overflowing at work, following your diet may seem out of the question. But by creating a healthy environment, you can build lasting healthy habits and increase weight loss success. So whether at home, in the office, or while traveling, make it your best effort to cultivate a healthy environment by filling the kitchen with nutritious options, sitting down to meals, replacing the candy dish with a fruit basket, packing nutritious snacks on vacation, and these additional tips.
6. Allow Indulgences
Eating a whole tub of ice cream? Not recommended. Depriving yourself of life's special delicacies? Not recommended, either. Especially if cutting out all favorite foods and treats, sticking to your diet may be difficult. And while it is important to not sit down to heaping scoops of ice cream on a regular basis, you can indulge in small amounts and still satisfy your craving.
7. Use the Buddy System
The buddy system is invaluable for sticking to your diet and health goals, as the supportive backing of friends, family members, coworkers, and other supporters can be extremely motivating. An encouraging environment can also increase compliance to behavior changes, ultimately ensuring diet success. But sharing your journey with others not only boasts personal advantages, but can inspire the recipient to embark on a journey of their own. Build a loyal buddy system by inviting family over for a nutritious dinner, participating in group exercise classes, and bringing a friend to the gym.
