Finding the proper motivation for dieting seems difficult, but it’s not. Reminding yourself of your reasons for wanting to lose weight is the key – for example, keep in mind how great it will be once you’ve dropped the extra pounds you’ve been carrying around, and realize that you will finally be happy with yourself and your life. Doing simple things like these are the way to achieve lasting motivation.
With that said however, staying on your diet isn’t always a walk in the park. Often People tend to lose sight of their goals and give up too easily. The key is not to allow small setbacks to get in your way.
This article contains some simple practices you can put to use to keep your motivation to lose weight, despite setbacks or frustrations along the way.
Be Realistic
This doesn’t mean that you don’t challenge yourself, but you shouldn’t try to overdo it. A Common Error that many people fall into is expecting to lose too much weight too quickly. Losing large amounts of weight can be dangerous, and is rarely maintained. Aim for about 1.5 pounds per week of weight loss and make sure you maintain a steady pace. Avoid the temptation of trying to lose more then that, and your chances of long term success – and sustained motivation – will be far higher.
Give Yourself Occasional Treats
What’s the point in dieting if you never get to eat a hot dog or scoop of chocolate ice cream? Be Sure to give yourself occasional treat meals to look forward to while you diet the rest of the time. So long as you only do this occasionally, you won’t be doing your weight loss any harm and it will make the process a lot more enjoyable.
Have Someone Else To Keep You On Track
This is one to be sure not to miss. A dieting buddy can help to keep you on the right track by encouraging you not to give up. Likewise, you can do the same thing for them so they do not give up. Having someone else to lose weight with helps build momentum and creates a great system of support for you both.
Don’t Set Your Expectations Of Yourself Unreasonably High
Your dieting expectations should not be set so high that you are not allowed to mess up at least once in a while. Many people have day days or even weeks where they make mistakes and go off track. That’s probably going to happen to you too. These things happen to us all, and usually very often. Expect setbacks along the way and be gentle on yourself when they do, and just make sure you keep your main goals in sight and keep going when things get difficult.
Keep Positive Images Fresh In Your Mind
Remain focused on your ultimate goal. Visualize how you will look and feel with your ideal body and keep this in your mind as often as you can. Thinking about how much better things are going to be will serve as the ultimate dieting motivation and keep you going in the most difficult of times.
Let Your Dissatisfaction Drive You
Do you enjoy being overweight? Of course not. When you’re looking for motivation to lose weight, focus on the aspects of your current appearance that you want to be different. Imagine the consequences of not ever changing and always staying how you are now. Don’t allow yourself to become someone who wanted to change, but did nothing and looks back with regret and unhappiness.
The above are just a few great ways to stay motivated while dieting. Finding motivation for dieting is really important if you want to keep going. Everyone knows what will happen if they give up on their diet. A true desire to see positive results will keep you from giving up and ensure that your future is bright and full of satisfaction and happiness.
This article was written by Mike Roberts of Motivation To Lose Weight. For more tips, tools and resources visit motivation to lose weight.