Weight loss is not only a journey, it is a challenge. With the right mentality and support, your goals to live a healthier happier lifestyle are within reach. There will be many factors that can potentially discourage you from weight loss success. In times where your dedication and discipline are tested, give yourself encouragement with the following tools:
In many lifestyles, stress can lead just about anyone to the point overeating, breaking routine or even ignoring weight loss goals. Meditation is a very helpful tool when it comes to managing stress. By setting 15-30 minutes aside in the mornings, afternoons or evenings, you can reduce the urge to binge eat and have a more positive outlook of a stress free day. After all, meditation equals weight loss motivation!
Meditation helps create awareness of your surroundings. Ask yourself, what is stressing me out? Why am I allowing my vices to take over? Allow yourself a brief moment of the day to reflect on what keeps you down. Once you have identified the cause of your dismay, write down solutions or remedies other than eating, such as walking a friends dog, enjoying the relaxing scent of candles or essential oils, or even focusing on a puzzle or game. Overeating is often a result of stress, and meditation is a great way to omit that from the brain.
When it comes to issues that arise with weight loss motivation, remember you are not alone. People all over the world suffer from obesity, and there is power in numbers! Always be aware that there are people just like you also looking for support. Sometimes, one might have doubts about their progress in weight loss. Other times, it could be something deeper. For those who seek comradery in weight loss, there are plenty of support groups and online forums out there. Many forums are free and group members are always there to relate to the trials of your weight loss journey. Additionally, several of these groups have systems in place in which one can find a companion to provide support in times of duress.
It’s hard to make major lifestyle changes when going at it alone. Finding other people with similar goals can greatly improve the outcome of weight loss. When willpower is running on empty, having people that have either been there or are having doubts will provide the support you need to keep up your weight loss motivation.
Surrounding yourself with people who have a positive and healthy outlook on life can completely change the way you see things. Stay positive, and keep yourself in the company of people that share similar goals. Ask that they keep you accountable and share your wins with them. Take 30 minutes out of your week to meet with your buddy to share each others challenges and successes and what you’ve each learned from them.
The first step to maintaining weight loss motivation is by setting goals. Make them realistic, but somewhat challenging. The world wasn’t created in a day, and weight loss won’t happen overnight. By making small steps and setting practical goals, you are building confidence in your ability to achieve what you set out for! Don’t fly too close to the sun by setting unattainable goals, such as losing 30 pounds in just a few months. Rather, find a way to fit into a dress or a pair of pants that you’ve purchased two sizes too small. Strive for that early morning rise or that extra block on your daily walk. After all, it’s the little successes in life that make us feel better than we give ourselves credit for!
Don’t put too much on your plate. In other words, don’t rush the progress. As long as you are meeting modest goals, it’s still a change for the better. Make real changes in your diet, and take those changes seriously by taking one step at a time. You have a better chance at keeping the weight off if you lose it slowly. Those that starve themselves, and then break down by binging are doing themselves no good. Slowly shave 100 calories at a time from your diet, and then notice the change!
There will be times of frustration that will make you want to give up on your goals. Stay the course, and know that this means that you’ve reached the most difficult step. Congratulate yourself for making this far. Take that step and your goals for weight loss become more familiar, easier to commit to, and eventually occur naturally to you. Remember, achieve your aspirations by taking one step at a time. If there is ever any doubt in progress, just be patient. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. As long as you are making the attempt, the rewards will follow.
For more recommendations about weight loss, weight loss motivation or information on bariatric surgery, contact the professionals at The Bariatric Experts today!
