Support Center: Motivation for Weight Loss & Maintenance
For example, treat yourself to:
- A plant or bouquet of flowers
- A fitness magazine
- A manicure, pedicure, massage or facial
- Dumbbells, medicine ball or resistance bands
- A new piece of jewelry or accessory
- A new haircut or hairstyle
- An attractive journal for recording
- Tickets to a play, sporting event or art show
- A unique cookbook that emphasizes low-calorie foods
- A book, CD or DVD
- A "personal" day from work
You should not punish yourself with guilt for sneaking an extra snack. To make up for that extra snack, eat a bit lighter the next day or exercise a little longer. Pick up where you left off and move forward - this will let you achieve long-term success. Keep a daily food record to hold yourself accountable to your goals. Divert yourself to avoid overeating. If food is out of sight, it will be out of mind. Some ideas include:
- Plant a flower
- Play a game of tag with your dog
- Take pictures of your family or friends
- Write in your journal or update your address book
- Start a scrapbook or other craft
- Paint a landscape
- Wash your car or mow your lawn
- Read the local newspaper
- Chew gum
- Write out your personal plan for the next month, including days off, goals, menus, etc.
Always remember the reason you decided to make a lifestyle change. Was it...
- To be healthier or live longer?
- To not get out of breath so easily?
- To look better in your jeans?
- To have more energy?
- To feel more confident?
- To actually look forward to holidays and special occasions?
- To feel the joy that comes with replacing bad habits with good ones?
Keep a positive attitude - your chances of succeeding, sticking to your plan, and losing weight will increase if you have a brighter, more optimistic outlook.
- Commit to regular exercise - do whatever it takes to find the motivation and time. People who are successful at maintaining weight loss engage in regular physical activity.
- Many people fail to remain on their low calorie diets once they've lost weight. Think of strategies to prevent boredom and to change your routine once in a while. Try new recipes, for example: small changes can keep things interesting.
- To maintain weight loss, know exactly what works for you and what doesn't, and continue to do it. Don't go back to high-calorie eating once you've lost weight. The goal was never to go on a short-term diet. The goal was to discover a way of low-calorie eating that is manageable for your lifestyle.