Staying motivated to lose weight could be a bit challenging. On the journey of weight loss, you might lose motivation because it is a process and the motivation can often wane during this long journey. In this article, we will discover how to stay motivated to lose weight without failing at the attempt.
With dedication, perseverance, and a positive mindset you can lose weight and turn your weight loss journey into a successful one.
Here are some ways you can stay motivated to lose weight:
Set clear and realistic goals:
People tend to set goals that are unrealistic and unattainable at the same time. Thinking that you can lose 1 kg in 1 day is unrealistic and unhealthy. Aiming for such a goal would definitely lead to the failure of your weight loss journey even before starting.
Set realistic goals that are achievable in the long run. Be specific about your goals and the reason why you need to lose weight.
The process of weight loss is long and you need to define your goals, track your process, and set challenging yet achievable goals. To achieve your goals setting a deadline would help to keep yourself accountable.
Setting an achievable and clear goal is not saying “I will lose weight” instead, it is saying “I will lose 3-4 kg in a month by regularly exercising and eating a balanced diet.
Track your progress:
Tracking your progress will help to know what you are consuming, how much you are exercising, and how these lifestyle changes are bringing change to your body as well.
You can use a notebook, journal, or a mobile app to record your weight loss journey. Tracking helps to stay accountable to your health goals. It is also a way to keep you motivated throughout your weight loss journey because this way you will have a record of your progress as well.
Find a support system:
A support system can help you stay motivated. You can share weight loss goals with your friends and family. A great way to stay motivated is to try weight loss challenges with your friends.
A support system can help you to celebrate your wins even if they are the small ones. You can be a part of online communities and social media groups that can be a source of support for your weight loss journey.
Celebrate small wins:
Small steps will take you further, and small achievements will help you to achieve your long-term goals. You need to recognize and celebrate these small achievements and reward yourself (not with junk food). Appreciate what you are doing to achieve your goals and ensure to celebrate whenever you get a chance because small wins keep you motivated and reinforce positive behavior.
Stay positive:
Yes, it is a cliche, but true. You need to stay positive to carry on with the journey of weight loss. As discussed, weight loss is a long process that takes dedication and patience. In the journey, your motivation may wane and you might think to give up because there are no results, but you have to stay positive.
See the positivity of the process. You would be eating healthy, and exercising which will result in an increase in energy. Remind yourself the benefits of going through all of this. A positive attitude towards your journey can significantly impact your motivation and overall success.
Create a routine:
You can achieve your long-term health goals by being consistent. Consistency is the key to weight loss and to ensure you are consistent in your journey, you need to create a routine that includes regular exercise and healthy eating habits.
A set schedule can help you make it easier for you to stick to a plan and reduce the probability of you making unhealthy choices.
Visualize success:
How can one visualize success? Put your trust in the power of visualization and you will find out it is one of the major contributors to your weight loss journey.
By visualizing your success, we mean that you have to take out at least 10 minutes in the whole day to imagine how you would look and feel once you achieve weight loss goals. It can boost your confidence in the process and in yourself and can motivate you to stay consistent.
Educate yourself:
Educating yourself regarding your weight loss journey and the importance of good food and exercise will help you stick to your goal. Knowledge about nutrition, fitness, and healthy habits would ultimately lead you to live a lifestyle that includes all of these.
Understanding the science behind weight loss and how you can achieve your goals will help you stay on the right track. You can even discuss and get education from a nutritionist and an exercise trainer to get a better understanding of what you are doing for weight loss and the reasons behind your particular weight loss regime.
Avoid comparisons:
Your body is different from the person exercising right beside you. Do not get demotivated by seeing his/her results. You do not have to compare your results with anyone else’s because your journey is totally different from the other person and so is your body. ‘
The reasons for weight loss could vary from person to person and so does the routine people follow to achieve goals. Your results will also vary depending on your diet, exercise, lifestyle, and medical condition(s), if any.
Focus on your own progress and routine. Be consistent with your routine and you will see positive results within the week. Make sure you are eating healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping properly, staying hydrated, and managing stress effectively.
Stay flexible:
Don’t be hard on yourself while following a weight loss routine. You may experience setbacks because they are a part of the process. It is okay if you skip a thing or two in the beginning. Creating a weight loss routine takes time and you have to give it to yourself. Your body needs time to adjust and if it is taking its time, let it be.
Flexibility is the way around your weight loss process. Stay flexible and understand that occasional slip-ups are okay. You should also consider adjusting your plan if necessary.
Make it enjoyable:
Weight loss is a long and sometimes tiring process, especially if you are not motivated for it. To stay consistent don’t be monotonous in your routine. Ensure to make it enjoyable by including activities that you like doing.
You can include dancing, swimming, cycling, hiking, or playing a sport that can help you burn calories effectively. Make your weight loss journey memorable and fun so you do not feel restricted or like you have been coerced into it. Enjoy your journey of weight loss by finding fun activities to do.
Practice mindful eating:
Being mindful in your weight loss journey is another way to stay focused while following your routine, especially while eating.
We have developed a habit of not paying attention while consuming food which leads to overeating contributing to more calorie content. The ultimate goal of weight loss is achievable only when we keep a check on our calorie intake.
One of the simplest ways to ensure a lower calorie intake is to practice mindful eating. Practicing mindful eating includes no directions while eating. Pay attention to what you are eating and how much you are consuming in one meal. That will help you to identify cues to your body. Listen to your body when it is hungry and say no to food when your body does not want to consume a particular food.
Make mindful choices while picking your ingredients and ensure to read the labels of the ingredients before buying them to identify any hidden calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I stay positive to lose weight?
Ans. Staying motivated to lose weight requires you to set clear objectives. The idea of weight loss should stem from a positive reason and clearly set goals that are achievable.
The reason you find yourself losing motivation is because of your undefined or unrealistic goals. You need to start the journey with a positive note. You should be willing to enjoy the journey rather than forcefully losing weight.
How can a lazy and unmotivated person lose weight?
Ans. A lazy and unmotivated person may find it difficult to lose weight because they think they will have to put effort into the process. But instead of thinking about the efforts you have to put, think about how you will feel once you achieve your target of a healthy and fit body.
If a lazy and unmotivated person wants to lose weight, they should first start from their dietary approach. Do not start by following a planned diet because you might end up giving up on it. Instead of a rigid diet, start to make small changes in your eating habits.
Start to cut your portion sizes.
Instead of sugary drinks, focus on drinking more water and herbal teas that can aid weight loss.
Start to include more fruits and vegetables, protein and fiber sources of food into your diet.
Keep healthy snacks handy. Have nuts, seeds, raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery etc, and fruits as snacks.
How do I become committed to weight loss?
Ans. You can commit to weight loss by setting clear goals and tracking your progress which will help you to hold yourself accountable for your progress.
Also, you can make a list of all the reasons why weight loss is important to you so you can stay motivated throughout the process of losing weight.
