A large percentage of the population in the developed world struggle with weight loss. When planning to lose weight, you can easily find weight loss resources on the internet, gym tailored routines, and fitness programs tailored to fit various lifestyles, but still, you find yourself demotivated to succeed on your weight loss journey.
The main reason why people feel demotivated is that there is a current working against them. This includes the presence of triggers around your environment that makes it difficult for you to do what is necessary to lose weight. This requires more effort to figure out how you can overcome the situation that you are in. What makes matters worse, is taking certain approaches, such as setting unrealistic goals, which can drain all your motivation.
Even though starting and sticking to a weight loss program can seem impossible, it can still be done with the right mindset. Here are a few tips on how you can motivate yourself to lose weight:
1. Accept You Are Not Motivated Enough
Most people are in denial. The first step that you can take to be motivated is accepting that you are not motivated. After coming in terms with this, it will become much easier to take the required steps to move forward.
Find out the cause of your demotivation if you are enrolled in a fitness program and why you are not excited about your weight loss journey. Some of the most common causes of demotivation include lack of enough sleep and an energy crash after eating too much carbohydrates.
2. Hold On To The Reason Why You Want To Lose Weight
It is essential to determine why you want to lose weight. Maybe you want to feel more comfortable in your clothes, reverse a prediabetes diagnosis, or attract more girls/men. Whatever the goal is, hold on to it. Comments from your friend on why you should lose weight may not work because people don’t like to be told what to do. However, when the weight loss goal comes from within, you are more likely to be committed to and, in the end, get some positive results.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Weight loss is a marathon, and overnight weight loss programs are not recommended. Therefore, you should plan to lose the extra pounds slowly. This method is not only healthier than rapid weight loss procedures, but you are likely to maintain your ideal weight rather than quickly adding it after a sudden drop in weight.
You can start by setting a goal to lose 1 or 2 pounds in a week or getting a certain body fat percentage at a certain date. Setting unattainable goals will drain your motivation. On the other hand, realistic and manageable goals will give you a boost that will help you achieve your goals.
4. Keep A Weight Loss Journal
Self-monitoring is essential to weight loss motivation. Researchers have found out that those who track what they eat are more likely to lose weight or maintain their weight loss. You should write down everything, including your snacks, candy, and all the meals that you consume. You can either use an offline journal such as a diary or use online methods such as journaling apps or websites. Both methods are effective in boosting your motivation.
5. Reward Yourself
You should not beat yourself up during this journey. Of course, you will have to be disciplined, but you can reward yourself from time to time. For instance, when you reach a certain goal, you can treat yourself by going to the movies or buying a pair of sneakers. By rewarding yourself, you will be interested in the weight loss journey by realizing your efforts will be rewarded.