Staying Motivated While Losing Weight? It’s Possible.

You know that feeling you get when you first decide to lose weight? You swear that this is the last time you’ll ever need to diet because, this time, you’re going to eat all of the right things and exercise faithfully. You’re on top of the world and nothing is going to stop you… well, for the first week or two (if not day or two) anyway.

Before you know it, your motivation is waning and your once-strong resolve is withering like a blade of grass in the breeze. You suddenly feel as if you don’t have what it takes to get rid of your excess weight once and for all, and you wonder why you put yourself through this again.

Here’s the good news: You can keep motivated while losing weight. And it’s fairly easy to do, in fact, as long as you do some relatively simple, yet effective, things.

Here are four to consider:

Make It a Group Effort

Certainly, no one can lose your weight for you (wouldn’t that be nice?), but you can make the whole process easier by going through it with a trusted friend or family member. It’s a concept that motivational speaker Red Katz calls “The Buddy System” and the reason it works it not only because it gives you a cheerleader and a coach, but it also holds you accountable. Essentially, it makes you stay true to your word when it comes to food and exercise, and that’s when true change begins.

Read (Listen To) Weight Loss Books

Have you ever noticed how reading or hearing about someone else’s weight loss journey inspires you to want to do better and try harder? Or how learning more about nutrition and physical activity makes you want to put that knowledge to use? Use this to your advantage by setting aside time daily, even if it’s just for 30 minutes, to read or listen to some type of weight loss book that motivates you to want to do more. (If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on this, you can always get your books and media at the local library for free.)

Give Yourself a “Treat Day”

College News suggests setting a “Treat Day” as a way for students to avoid the dreaded freshman 15, but the reality is that having something to look forward to can help keep your motivation up to par no matter what your situation in life.

This can make it much easier to stay on track when you know that you can have one of your favorite foods or meals soon enough.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

If you’re the type of person who doesn’t celebrate your accomplishments until the end, then your motivational level will probably show it. Instead, pat yourself on the back along the way, congratulating yourself for all of the positive behaviors you’re putting into place. Just make sure those celebrations don’t revolve around food so you don’t undo all of your hard work.

Some non-food indulgences that work for others include shopping for new clothes, taking a nap, going to a concert, and getting a pedicure. Anything is an option as long as it is motivating to you!

Doing these four things can help you get and stay motivated from the beginning to the end. Now that’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?