Lose Weight With Motivation - Mind Over Matter

     Staying motivated can often be the most difficult part of losing weight. Oftentimes, distractions can cause a person to put back all the pounds that they lost, or cause a person to lose no pounds at all. Motivation is the key to losing weight.

Motivation is key to a successful weight loss program. Weight loss requires a proper nutritious diet and regular physical activity. How do we keep motivated to follow this lifestyle change so we can change our lifestyle?

When beginning a weight loss program, it is important to set realistic goals. If you set a large expected weight loss in the beginning, you may give up because of the slow progress. Start by trying to lose a smaller amount of weight. When you achieve this, you can set a new goal. This way by achieving goals you will feel like you are succeeding. This will keep you motivated and keep you setting new targets.

Think of reasons why weight loss will benefit you. There are numerous health reasons you can use, such as, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, think of what weight loss will enable you to do. You will look better, feel better and have more energy. If you have children, think about how much more you will be able to do with them in their daily active lives. If not for yourself, you can do it for your family. A healthier you will allow you to be with them in a more quality life and a longer life.

Enlist the help of friends and family to encourage you on your way to a healthier you. Fill them in when the scale is moving in the right direction. Share your success with them and ask for their support when you need it. When you attain a goal, reward yourself. You can put away a certain sum of money each time you lose a pound and plan to use it on something you like or enjoy. It is important to congratulate yourself on a job well done. You can even make a weight chart and watch your progress. This is a visual motivator.

Make your exercise portion of the plan something you enjoy doing. Try new exercises to avoid boredom. You can even use distractions such as a Walkman, IPOD or television to while away the time you spend on a treadmill or doing crunches. The time will go by faster, and you will not feel like you are doing a chore. Remember how good you feel after a workout and this will motivate you before your next one.

If you need more support, there are support groups, counseling and dieticians available to help you meet your goals.

The first few pounds you lose will come off pretty easy. Then weight loss will most likely slow down. This is when you need the motivation to keep going. It can come from others or from inside yourself. The key is to find it somewhere. If all else fails, put on a pair of your fat jeans. If they are no longer tight fitting, this may be one of the best motivators around.

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