How to Stay Motivated on the Weight Loss Journey

So, you've decided to lose some weight. Good for you! The effort you're putting into your health is something to celebrate and be proud of.

However, everyone knows that getting fit isn't easy, and it's hard to keep going when things get tough. Here are a few tips to staying on track, breaking through discouragement and keeping your motivation in motion.

1.       Whenever you start working out and eating right, generally you will notice results early. It's very encouraging to see the number on the scale dropping and feeling your way into those jeans that didn't fit before. However, eventually, you'll hit a plateau. The old workout isn't working and the scale won't budge.

It's totally normal. It's part of the process. Don't be discouraged.

2.       Instead, know the plateau and build a game plan for it. Change up your diet for a few weeks and see what happens. Add new elements to your workout routine. You can push through that plateau without breaking your stride.

3.       It's one thing to keep a journal of your weight loss journey, but you can take it to the next level by making it an online blog. Think of it like an accountability system. When you have other people checking in on your progress, you'll be motivated to stay on track and update your readers about your struggles and your triumphs. Plus, you can link up with others on similar journeys and get encouragement. So, don't go it alone. Be part of an online community.

4.       When I'm training for a race, I love to watch movies and read books about other people attempting great things. I watch Rocky or read up on triathletes doing the Ironman competition. You can stay motivated if you surround yourself with entertainment that inspires you to keep working hard.

5.       Every workout and nutrition regimen needs some slack. If you chain yourself to nothing but salads and treadmills, you will burn out fast. Leave some wiggle room in your weight loss plan. Have a cheat day. Eat a cookie. Take Sundays off from the gym. In other words, give yourself a break. If you want to make weight management a lifestyle, it needs to be something that you can realistically do every day.

6.       If I had a dime for every time I've heard a woman criticize herself, I'd solve the national debt crisis. We can be so cruel towards ourselves, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Negative talk will sink your ship and undermine your progress. Stay positive by speaking positive. Every day, find time to look at yourself in the mirror and say out loud how beautiful you are. When you have self-love, it builds you up and gives you the courage and the fortitude for the journey ahead.

Source: www.beliefnet.com

Author: Jennifer E. Jones is the Inspiration Editor, a marathon runner and firm believer that whole, healthy living includes the occasional cookie.