How to Find & Keep Diet Motivation

Diet motivation can be difficult to find. The first few days of trying to lose weight might go smoothly. Soon the hunger and feelings of being deprived set in and weight loss just seems impossible. Losing weight can take months or even years. Keeping the weight off can be a lifetime struggle. It's necessary to change your thinking patterns and see it as a long term goal if you want to be successful.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set reasonable goals. If you expect to go on a fast diet and be back at your high school weight before the big reunion you'll probably end up being disappointed. Health professionals only recommend losing a few pounds a week, about 2.5 lbs. don’t expect to go down entire dress sizes every month. You can set a goal of how much you want to lose but don't restrict yourself to fad eating by trying to do it in a short period of time.

2. Track your progress. Quick weight loss diets might seem like the answer at first but you'll probably put the weight back on just as quickly. Losing weight over time is healthier and easier to maintain. Stay motivated by keeping a journal with your previous weight in it so you can see how far you've come when it feels like the weight isn't coming off fast enough.

3. Keep your eye on your goal. Your goal of going on a nutrition diet might be to fit into a wedding dress, feel confidant enough to start dating again, or to run a marathon. Turn a bulletin board or the front of your fridge into a vision board. Place pictures of your new lifestyle on the board to keep you on track when you are tempted to give up.

4. Eat food you like. The best diet plan is one you can actually stick to. Most diets have a wide range of foods. It's just a matter of trying out the entire range to find foods that are delicious that you'll look forward to eating everyday so your diet becomes a change of life instead of a chore. Take time to really taste your food, you may discover that you prefer real fruit to fruit flavored candy.

5. Join or form a support group. The good thing about an online diet plan is you have a built in support group. You'll be able to learn why you overeat and why others do. You'll also be able to provide diet motivation to others and keep yourself on track at the same time. If it's not too personal start a weight loss blog to track your journey and receive encouragement from all around the world. It also gives you a feeling of accountability because you have others rooting for you.

[mommyhen42]

on 9/13/2009 great information! I need some serious diet motivation other than just looking in the mirror...LOL