Why Motivation is Key To Losing Weight

 

Why Motivation is Key To Losing Weight

Losing weight is no easy feat. In today’s hectic, fast-paced world, it can be even harder to stay on track. Finding the motivation to exercise, eat healthily and get enough rest can seem like an uphill battle. But if you’re anything like most people, you’ve tried a few different diets and fitness programs — and you keep failing.

Gaining weight again is just as demoralizing as losing weight. Instead of letting that stop you, take a look at the bigger picture and ask yourself why you’re even trying. The answer may surprise you.

The thing is, no matter how hard you try, you can’t force yourself to lose weight. That’s because your body stores calories as fat no matter how much you eat. What you can do, however, is change the way you think about food and change your habits.

If you’ve ever struggled to lose weight, you know how important it is to have the right motivation. Here’s why motivation is key to losing weight.

You need a why

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of exactly how to get motivated to lose weight, let’s first take a step back and understand why you’re even trying.

The why behind your efforts can determine whether you succeed or fail when you set out to lose weight. If you don’t have a reason for depriving yourself or hate your body the way it is, you’re probably not going to succeed.

There are many different reasons why people want to lose weight. Some people want to be healthier, look better, or have more energy. Some people want to feel better about themselves or fit into their favorite clothes again. Whatever your reason may be, it’s important to have a way that’s big enough to push you through the hard times.

Clear, achievable goals

Before you start a diet or start working out, decide what you want to gain from it. Are you trying to lose a specific number of pounds? Do you want to improve your overall health or boost your self-esteem?

If you don’t clearly define your goals, it’s likely you’ll end up with a vague, overall goal to “lose weight.” But losing 5 pounds is very different than losing 5 percent of your body weight.

With your goals clearly defined, it’s time to set a plan of action. What steps are you going to take to achieve your goal?

Consistent plan

A plan is great, but is there a plan B in case your first plan doesn’t work? Sometimes goals are just goals and you realize you’re not ready for them.

If that happens, take a step back and decide whether you really want to achieve your original goal. If the answer is yes, go for it — but don’t be afraid to change your plan of attack.

Don’t skip meals

If you’re trying to lose weight and you skip meals, you’re likely to gain it all back plus more. Skipping meals will only make you hungry and probably lead to binge eating later on.

Log everything you eat

If you’ve been dieting for a while and want to finally see some results, you should officially record everything you eat. That way, you’ll have proof if someone accuses you of taking a “bogus” diet.

Keep enjoying the foods you love

You’re probably going to lose your mind if someone suggests you give up coffee, cheese, and chocolate. But when you’re at a loss for ideas because you’re supposed to give up foods you love, this tip will come in handy.

Conclusion

Losing weight is hard, but it's not impossible — especially if you have the right motivation behind you. So if you're struggling to lose weight, make sure to check out these thoughts on why you should lose weight.