How to GET and STAY motivated to lose weight.
Weight loss motivation is a major reason people fail to lose weight. Knowing in advance how to get and stay motivated is the key to reaching your goal weight and keeping it off for good. Here we explore some weight loss motivation ideas to prepare you for the journey ahead.
How to GET motivated to lose weight
Starting out on a new program can seem like an enormous challenge, especially if you have failed in the past. Here are some weight loss motivation tips to kick-start your road to success:
Know your why. Write down all the reasons you want (or need) to lose weight. Do you want to slim down for a big event? Is your weight loss motivation for health reasons? Or do you want more energy so you’ve got more patience for your kids or work colleagues.
Visualise. Find realistic pictures of how you want to look and feel once you reach your goal. Take before photos of yourself and then take photos at various stages of your weight loss journey so you can see how far you’ve come.
Mindset check. Be honest with yourself about why you failed to lose weight in the past. Were you disorganised? Did you surround yourself with unsupportive people? Did you plan for the ups and downs? What will you do differently this time?
Set SMART goals. Remember to write down your goals and make sure they are SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-focused. Start your weight loss program when you can be consistent and routine (so avoid holidays and party-season).
Choose the right program. Go for a safe weight loss program offering simple foods and support when you need it. Find a program that addresses stubborn fat and resets the hypothalamus (the gland that controls weight). You can kick-start your metabolism, keep hunger at bay and support the fat-burning process with a program like hCG Diet Australia.
Plan ahead. Establish a routine around shopping, cooking and freezing meals so you are not tempted to stray from your program. Also create a plan around socialising. What meals are you going to eat at your favourite restaurants or cafes? Make a ‘going-out’ plan for weight loss success.
How to STAY motivated to lose weight
Many of us start out with loads of enthusiasm but what are you going to do if your motivation starts to wane. Here are some tips on how to STAY motivated to lose weight:
Tell your support team. If you can, enlist a family member or friend to join you on your weight loss journey. If you are going it alone, ask a supportive friend or family member to prop you up when you are struggling. And find a weight loss program that provides support when you need it.
Reset. This is where all that preparation at the beginning of your journey will kick in. If you are losing motivation, it’s time to go back to your why, mindset and goals. Flesh out the reasons why you wanted to lose weight in the first place and add more visuals to your weight loss motivation notebook.
Go to bed earlier. Not getting enough sleep can result in a huge dip in your motivation levels. Sleep also helps your body manufacture restorative hormones, metabolise fat and promote detoxification. To improve restorative sleep, use products that support the hormones linked to sleep like hCG drops.
Reward yourself (without food). It’s important to reward your efforts along the way but you’ll need to find special treats that aren’t food. Once you have started maintenance, why not try a facial or massage or something inexpensive like a new body lotion. You can also treat yourself with experiences like a trip to the local café, beach or movies.
Expect to plateau. There will be ups and downs on your weight loss journey so try to stay realistic about your day-to-day results. Be ready for your weight loss to slow or even stall. Fluid retention is often the culprit. Keep monitoring your measurements as weight loss is not the only way to judge your success. There are ways to push through this phase and reach your goal.
Getting and staying motivated is more about planning and mindset than willpower. By preparing yourself for the bumps in the road, you will be better equipped to push on and reach your weight loss goals.
For more weight loss motivation tips, follow The HCG Diet Australia Facebook page.
