Thursday, May 7, 2009

Keeping Your Motivation For Weight Loss

By Adrian Norris

Losing weight has one simple secret: eat better and less, and exercise more. But to say it's simple isn't to say it's easy. Losing serious weight requires hardcore determination and persistence. You have to find the correct plan for you and then stay with it until you see results.

Devolving the habit is hard. It is easy to rationalize not to go to the gym because of a busy day or to have a second desert aJust this oncea. Short term rewards are often more seductive than long term rewards.

Weighing yourself every day is a key part of keeping motivated. The scale gives you constant feedback on how youare doing, and the numbers donat lie. Knowing that youall have to weigh yourself tonight before bed might be the extra motivation you need to say no to that fatty dessert after dinner. When youare tempted to break (or bend) your diet, that can be your resolve to say no.

The second thing you need to do is choose a long-term goal. Your goal could be a certain dress size, an ideal weight, or just being able to run a 6-minute mile. Whatever keeps you on track works just fine. You need to surround yourself with reminders of your goal. Make sure that you think about it at least a few times each day.

Make a picture of that goal and put that goal in a major location where you will see it every day. Put that picture in your wallet or on the fridge. The fridge works well because it has a direct link to what you are eating and what you are trying to achieve. Put a picture in your wallet so every time you open it up you see your goal. Hang up the outfit you want to wear on the bedroom door.

Third, tell a couple of supportive friends about your goal. Agree to update them at specific times on how you are doing. Be specific both on the goal and on the times. Peer pressure can be a positive thing if used correctly.

You don't want to focus on the short term or competitive aspect. First, this can lead to short term weight loss that can be quickly regained. Instead, focus on longer term weight loss. Second, it can lead to competitive. This can be a good thing ia or it can lead to despair and embrace of failure.

So break down your ultimate goal into several smaller ones. Be able to take a quantifiable daily measure of your progress. You need your friends support to reach your goal. Weight loss doesn't happen overnight, so be prepared for it to take a while to see results. This is why you need a clear vision of your goal to see you through. - 14130

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