Tips for Motivating Yourself to Lose Weight

How many of you reading this post have a general idea of what to do to achieve a healthy diet, yet still aren't doing it? Ever think about what is holding you back from jumping in and getting going? Maybe, you tend to start eating healthy and by the end of the week or even day you give up? I would say this sums up the majority of my clients. Recently, someone said to me, "I know I should eat more fruits and vegetables, I just don't do it." A lot of people simply lack the motivation to lose weight or improve their diet.

So, how do you get yourself motivated? Start by being honest with yourself. It is easy to convince yourself that you are eating enough vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Want to put this to the test? Keep a food diary for 1-week and see how your perception is measuring up to reality. If you are drinking enough water, eating at least 3 fruits and 4 veggies per day, limiting the refined/sugary carbohydrates and getting in lean proteins, then kudos to you :) If not, start by picking one aspect that you can change to improve your diet.

Going along with that, motivate yourself by really giving healthy eating your all. It is great to do small changes in order to break the bad habits; however, don't make changes that are so small you don't see any results. Minimal changes will only mean minimal results. Do you really think that will keep you motivated on your healthy lifestyle journey? Instead, go in strong and build the momentum that will push you through the rough patches. By really giving your best effort, you are more likely to see improvements and success faster, which will only motivate you to keep going. Also, those first few successes will really prove to yourself that you can do it. One thing to remember here, don't expect to give it your all and see results the next day. I always say to my clients, "You did not get to this point overnight. It is going to take time for you to get where you want to be." That being said, set small goals for yourself (monthly or even weekly) to keep pushing towards something positive.

If you feel discouraged throughout this journey, remind yourself, "Why am I doing this?" Maybe, it is to control your Diabetes, look better for the summer, feel good about yourself, have more energy, reduce knee pain...The list goes on and on. If you are only losing weight or changing your diet because your doctor told you to, stop now and think of one reason why it is important to YOU.

Everyone always says that you should find support when trying to lose weight or eat healthy. Now, this doesn't mean you need to go out and find a support group or pay money online. You can find support and motivation in friends, family, and even social media. Join groups on Facebook, follow healthy bloggers, look for other people in your shoes, create an Instagram dedicated to healthy living, etc. There are so many ways you can find the support you need to motivate you daily!

My last piece of advice for how to motivate yourself is to stop the negativity. Stop that train of thoughts that starts with, "I'm such a failure..." or "I'll never lose weight..." or "I'll never be as thin as I was back..." These statements are not productive and certainly won't motivate you. Change that negativity into something that is productive like, "I did not eat such a healthy lunch, but for my dinner I am going to plan better and have..." or "I did not lose weight this week, but I do have more energy from eating better..." or "I looked great in my 20s and am going to look great in my..." You are your biggest motivator and supporter, so don't let your inner demons sabotage your health.

Give yourself the best chance you can to succeed by really giving it your all. Build your momentum, get excited, and motivate yourself to start (or continue) on that healthy lifestyle journey!