Better Health for a Better You

So you’ve started your weight loss program, been eating right; however as the days go by, and the excitement has gone out of starting a new plan has faded, you notice that it has become more and more difficult to stay on track. This is a very common situation for both beginners and professionals alike, and staying motivated can be tough. However, there are several ways in which you can keep motivated and save yourself from falling into an exercise slump.

Set Achievable goals

Remember that permanent weight loss doesn’t come quickly. When first starting out it’s very easy to get carried away when setting weight loss goals, often making goals that aren’t realistic. While a positive attitude is important, being over idealistic can really set you up for disappointment and can be a huge demotivator. So take the time to plan realistic goals, and if you feel is too large, try breaking it up into smaller, more achievable goals.

Visualize success

Breaking habits can be tough, and bad exercise and eating habits are no exception. People can easily lose sight of the benefits of losing weight. Instead choosing to obsess over calories or scales, which can be discouraging when they hit weight loss plateaus or back step a little( both which are common in a permanent weight loss program). Take some extra time to remember why it was important for you to lose the weight. Then visualize what it would be like if you lost the weight. How would you look? How would you feel?

Find a Support Network

If your finding it difficult to keep yourself in the gym on your own. Get extra help. Surround yourself with like-minded people, or people who will support your weight loss goals. If you can, try to find a partner to join in with you on your diet, or accompany you to the gym. Not only does having a gym partner provide plenty of support during workouts, but they will be able to make sure you make it to the gym, and pull you off the couch if you start backsliding. If for whatever reason you cannot find a training partner or prefer working out alone, at least make those around you aware of your fitness goals, so that they can give a kick in the butt, if you lose your way.

You will find that over time, as bad habits fade and new healthy ones are created, it becomes increasingly easier to motivate yourself, and with continuance of a healthy program, you will achieve your weight loss goals.