10 Tips to Get Motivated to Workout and Lose Weight
Motivational tips to lose weight!
Deepa Kartha
Dreaming about losing weight and attaining a svelte body is easy; reaching that goal is not. Most weight loss journeys stop before beginning because one is not motivated enough to get out of the bed to hit the gym or go for a run. Nevertheless, it is possible to motivate ourselves with some simple, but effective methods.
"Losing weight is a mind game. Change your MIND, Change your BODY." Anonymous
Write Down the Reasons to Lose Weight
The reasons for losing weight are as important as your final weight loss goal. It could be to anything, right from fitting into a pair of jeans or preventing lifestyle diseases. Writing them down somewhere you can see it regularly will encourage you to work out regularly.
Weight loss does not happen instantly, and if you are planning to lose 10 kg in 3 months, you are likely to be disappointed. Hence, set shorter goals. A goal of losing one kg per week seems more achievable.
Set Short-Term Plans
Working out to lose weight does not mean you have to hit the gym. You can find an alternative workout routine that works for you. It could be joining a zumba or aerobics class, going for a run or a jog, or maybe working out at home.
Choose a Workout Routine You Like
Have a Weight Loss Journal
A weight loss journal has a significant role in keeping you motivated. It helps in keeping track of the food you ate and the number of hours you exercised each day. You would also be able to write about the emotions and feelings you go through during the day.
Scientific studies have found that people who are consistent in updating their weight loss journal are likely to lose weight than those who don’t.
Tagging along a friend in your weight loss journey would be a good idea. The friend would ensure that you do not deviate from your diet or skip your workout sessions. He or she would hold you accountable, making sure that you stay on track.
Workout with a Friend
Fad diets may promise you instant weight loss. However, while some may not be good for your health, others may leave you with huge cravings, which may lead to unwanted weight gain in the long run. Hence, stick to a healthy and balanced diet with occasional cheat days to keep your cravings at bay.
Avoid Fad Diets
Support is extremely essential when you are on your weight loss journey. It would be great if you get the support of people who are on a similar journey. It is easy to find weight loss support groups online, where members encourage and motivate each other by sharing their stories.
Join a Support Group
The first step towards losing weight is accepting your body. Everyone has a different body type, and it is possible that you will never reach size 0, even after acheving your ideal body weight. Hence, it is important to accept and appreciate your body the way it is.
Accept and Appreciate Your Body
It is important to celebrate your successes, even if it is a small one. Go for rewards that do not involve food. It can be watching a movie at the theater, shopping for a new dress, getting a manicure or indulging in any activity that you enjoy the most.
Reward Yourself
If you are unable to lose any weight even with consistent efforts and motivation, do get professional help. A dietitian and fitness trainer can create a customized weight loss plan that would suit your body the most.
Seek Professional Help
"A huge part of losing weight is believing you can do it and realizing it's not going to happen overnight. " Anonymous