
When starting a weight-loss journey, you may have the best intentions to stay committed to your health. But sometimes, everyday life gets in the way leaving you feeling tired and unmotivated. While these feelings are natural, they can post a detriment to your weight loss if you let them win.
But have no fear! Your Diet Center Counselors have compiled some of our favorite tips and tricks to keep you moving, motivated and on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Chart Your Progress
Take a picture and measure your waist, hips, bust, etc. before beginning your regimen. Hop on the scale weekly to see how much you’ve lost and record your new weight. By keeping tabs on your progress, you are more likely to have the motivation to stick with it when you see how far you’ve come. Be sure to take another picture at the end of your journey and set the photos side by side.
Reward Yourself (Without Food)
While it may be customary for you reward milestones at work and your personal life with a dinner out or a large slice of celebratory cake, these things can get in the way of your weight loss. Rewarding yourself with food can stall your results. Instead, find other ways to pat yourself on the back. Try a new body scrub in a warm bubble bath, get a deep-tissue massage or treat yourself to a pedicure!
Start a “Why” Jar
If you’re ever feeling especially discouraged with your weight-loss results, it can be tempting to just give up and return to old habits. But don’t let one day get you down. Instead, prepare for these moments of weakness with affirmations of your own self worth and reasons for beginning your weight-loss journey. Write down things you want to change, things you love about yourself and your motivations, then fold them and place in a jar. On tough days, pick one out and read it to yourself for an extra boost of confidence and motivation!
Exercise
While it may seem daunting to start an exercise routine, being active goes hand in hand with a healthy diet. Take small steps to move around more during your day, whether it’s taking the stairs at work or taking 20-minute breaks to walk around the neighborhood before or after meals.
Get Connected
Studies show that having a weight-loss pal or a group of friends to keep you accountable may increase your results. The competition factor involved in group weight-loss endeavors may help you put some fun into the journey and boost the effort you put into achieving your goals. Have a text buddy or Diet Buddy at Diet Center to help rock your results.
Plan a Post Weight-Loss Outfit
Maybe you have a favorite pair of “skinny jeans” you’ve kept for years or have been eyeing a cocktail dress on a mannequin in a boutique window. Planning an outfit to debut once you’ve hit your healthy goal weight will give you just one extra thing to look forward to!
Enlist Your Canine Friend
To kick start your exercise routine, try enlisting the help of your dog. Dogs make great walking and running partners and, in the process, you will also be giving your pet some much-needed exercise and attention!
Make a Monetary Commitment
Studies show that investing your hard-earned dollars in weight loss can actually help you stay motivated. If you enroll in an exercise package or a weight-loss program that may have an expiration date, chances are you will be more committed to utilizing the healthy investment you’ve already made.
Be Your Own Model
While it may be tempting to cut out magazine images very thin models, fight the urge to pin up any unrealistic body images. Instead, find a photo of yourself at your healthiest weight and use that as your inspiration for something to work toward.
Surround Yourself with Good Temptations
Instead of a candy jar, put out a fruit bowl. Stock your refrigerator with colorful, healthy food options and store them in clear containers within reach for everyone in the family. Learn to appreciate and crave the color and delicious flavor of healthier options.
By practicing self-control, positive affirmation and keeping yourself accountable, you will find you have more motivation to continue on your weight-loss journey.