It might be challenging to begin and maintain a healthy weight loss regimen. Many times, people just lack the inspiration to begin or lose the will to continue. Fortunately, motivation is something you can actively work to improve.
Ten strategies for self-motivation to reduce weight are covered in this article.
DETERMINATION
You should list out all the reasons you wish to reduce weight in detail. This will support your determination and motivation to stick with your weight loss program. When you are tempted to veer from your weight reduction plans, try to read them out to yourself each day and use them as a reminder.
You might do it to avoid diabetes, keep up with your grandchildren, look your best for an occasion, boost your confidence, or fit into a certain pair of trousers. Many people start reducing weight at their doctor’s advice, yet research demonstrates that an internal drive for weight loss is more effective.
REALISTIC GOALS
Numerous diets and diet supplements promise quick and simple weight loss. However, the majority of experts advise dropping just 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) per week.
Setting impossible goals may make you feel frustrated and encourage you to give up. Instead, establishing and achieving realistic goals makes you feel accomplished. Additionally, those who succeed in their self-set weight loss objectives are more likely to keep the weight off in the long run.
Women who planned to lose the greatest weight were found to be the most likely to abandon the program, according to a study that used data from numerous weight reduction facilities.
The good news is that even a small loss of weight—5–10% of your body weight—can significantly improve your health. If you weigh 180 pounds (82 kg), it will only be 9 to 18 pounds (4–8 kg). It is 13 to 25 pounds (6 to 11 kg) if you weigh 250 pounds (113 kg).
For increased feelings of accomplishment and to avoid burnout, set reasonable expectations for weight loss. Your health can be greatly impacted by even a modest weight decrease of 5–10%.
STAY FOCUSED
Many people who are trying to lose weight only set outcome objectives—those they want to achieve in the end—in their goals. A typical result objective is to reach your final target weight.
However, concentrating just on the result objectives may cause you to lose motivation. They can frequently make you feel overwhelmed and too far away. Set process goals instead, which are the steps you’ll take to get your intended result. Exercise four times per week is an illustration of a process goal.
A weight reduction program for 126 overweight women indicated that those who were process-focused were more likely to lose weight and less likely to stray from their diets than those who were solely focused on weight loss results.
PLAN YOUR DIET
Find a weight loss strategy you can follow, and stay away from ones that would be practically hard to do so. Despite the fact that there are hundreds of different diets, the majority focus on reducing calories.
Losing weight will result from cutting calories, but recurrent yo-yo dieting, in particular, has been demonstrated to be a predictor of future weight gain. So stay away from restrictive diets that completely cut out particular items. According to research, people who think “all or nothing” are less likely to lose weight.
You can track your progress, find your triggers, and hold yourself accountable by keeping a meal journal. A website or app can also be used as a tracking tool.
CELEBRATE YOUR VICTORIES
Since losing weight is challenging, acknowledge your accomplishments to keep yourself inspired.
When you succeed in a goal, reward yourself. You can share your accomplishments and find encouragement on social media or weight loss websites with community pages. Your drive will rise when you feel proud of yourself.
Additionally, keep in mind to celebrate behavioral changes rather than just hitting a set weight on the scale. Take a bubble bath or organize a fun night with friends, for instance, if you achieved your aim of working out four days each week.
Additionally, rewarding yourself will help you stay motivated.
POSITIVITY
More weight is lost by those who have optimistic expectations and confidence in their capacity to succeed. Additionally, “change talkers” are more likely to carry out their intentions.
Talking about your commitment to behavioral changes, the reasons behind them, and the actions you’ll take or are taking to achieve your goals is known as “change talk.” So, start promoting your weight loss in a positive way. Additionally, commit your thoughts aloud and discuss the actions you plan to do.
However, studies suggest that people who spend a lot of time daydreaming about getting to their ideal weight are less likely to succeed. This is referred as as indulging mentally.
BE PREPARED FOR SETBACKS
Stressors from day to day will always arise. You can stay motivated no matter what challenges life throws at you by learning how to plan for them and acquiring effective coping mechanisms.
There will always be celebrations like holidays, birthdays, or parties. Additionally, stressors at work or with the family will always exist. It’s crucial to begin problem-solving and thinking about these potential obstacles to weight loss. This will prevent you from losing focus and motivation.
Many people seek solace in eating. This may prompt individuals to rapidly give up on their weight loss objectives. Developing effective coping mechanisms will stop this from happening to you.
In fact, research has shown that those who are more adept at managing stress and coping mechanisms.
FORGIVE YOURSELF
To reduce weight, you don’t need to be perfect. You have a lower chance of success if you take an “all or nothing” attitude.
You can find yourself saying, “I had a hamburger and fries for lunch, so I might as well have pizza for tonight,” when you are being overly rigid. Try to mention, “I should aim for a healthy dinner because I had a substantial lunch.”
Additionally, try not to punish yourself when you make a mistake. Thinking negative thoughts will just make you less motivated. Forgive yourself instead. Keep in mind that one error won’t stop you from progressing.
Pursuing perfection will cause you to rapidly get unmotivated. You may maintain motivation throughout your weight loss journey by giving yourself some leeway and being forgiving of yourself.
APPRECIATE YOURSELF
People who disapprove of their bodies are less inclined to lose weight, according to research. You can lose more weight and keep it off by taking action to enhance your body image.
Additionally, those who have a positive body image are more likely to choose a diet they can stick to and experiment with new activities that will advance their goals. The following activities can improve your perception of your body:
- Exercise
- Appreciate what your body can do
- Do something for yourself, such as getting a massage or manicure
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Stop comparing yourself to others, especially models
- Wear clothes you like and that fit you well
- Look in the mirror and say the things you like about yourself out loud
CONSULT PROFESIONAL FIRST
Don’t be afraid to seek expert assistance to support your weight loss goals when necessary. More weight loss occurs in those who are more assured of their knowledge and skills.
Finding a trained dietician who can educate you about particular foods or an exercise physiologist who can show you how to exercise properly may be necessary to achieve this.
A lot of people also value the accountability that going to a professional offers.
Consider locating a psychologist or dietitian who has received training in motivational interviewing if you are still having trouble being motivated. This technique has been shown to assist people to reach their goals.
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