How to Motivate Yourself to Lose Weight

A weight-loss plan won't be successful without motivation.

Whether you want to lose five pounds or 100, weight loss can be a challenging task. Losing weight takes time, commitment and discipline. While it's clear that losing weight takes a change of diet and exercise, you still can't motivate yourself to stop eating junk food. According to the Mayo Clinic, you will have more success meeting your weight-loss goals if you are truly committed to losing weight, and don't have distractions such as job stress, relationship problems or medical worries.

Things You'll Need

• A clear and open mind,some determination,and a touch of commitment

Instructions

1. Think about the benefits of losing weight. If you are overweight, you can reduce your risk of developing life-threatening illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancers. If you only want to lose a few pounds for a special occasion, imagine how you will feel with a more fit and toned body.

2. Hang up pictures on your refrigerator of people who have bodies you admire. A picture of someone with a desirable body, whether it's a celebrity or friend, can be enough motivation not to reach in the refrigerator for a piece of cake.

3. Give yourself a reward when you meet a weight-loss goal. A reward gives you something to look forward to as you try to lose weight. For example, if you lose two pounds at the end of the week, reward yourself with a pedicure or a trip to the mall.

4. Buy an outfit you have been eying at the store that is one to two sizes smaller than you wear now. The lure of fitting into a stylish outfit can motivate you to run an extra mile on the treadmill or eat a smaller dinner portion.

5. Change your workout routine. If you only do one type of exercise, you may become bored. When you get tired of using the treadmill, go for a bike ride outside or swim in a pool. Use music and television to liven up your workout when you're exercising indoors.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult a medical practioner before embarking on a diet or exercise program.This allows you to asess your current condition and where to go from there.

References

• Office of the Surgeon General: Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences
• Mayo Clinic: Weight loss
• Weight Watchers; 17 Ways to Reward Yourself; Stephanie Osfield
• Body Building.com: Stop Overtraining Now