It can be tough to stay motivated while dieting. Most people have had the experience of starting a diet with enthusiasm and excitement, losing some weight, then gradually growing bored with their new eating plan or tired of diet restrictions. Ultimately, this complacency and discouragement often lead to diet failure. If this scenario sounds familiar, don't despair; you don't have to give up on your weight-loss efforts. Instead, try simple strategies for staying motivated, excited, and enthusiastic as you diet. The result will be a slimmer, healthier, happier you.
Step 1
Write down your motivation for weight loss. To stay focused on your dieting goals even as time goes by and complacency threatens to derail your efforts, think hard about all the reasons you want to lose weight. MayoClinic.com recommends making a written list of your motivational factors -- such as improved health or an upcoming special event -- and posting it where you'll see it daily, like on the pantry or refrigerator door. This reminder can boost your motivation when it flags.
Step 2
Plan rewards for achieving each small diet goal. It can be encouraging to keep working on your diet if you know that each pound or two lost means you can treat yourself to something you enjoy. Just make sure your rewards are not food-related so you don't sabotage your diet; instead, pick something non-caloric like a new book or magazine, a movie date with your spouse or a new shade of lipstick.
Step 3
Try new foods to alleviate diet boredom. If you stick to the same old "diet foods" for each meal and snack, you'll quickly lose interest. Luckily, the food groups are full of varied, healthy foods. If you're tired of your usual foods, explore your options at the supermarket and pick a new healthy food to try.
Step 4
Make exercise a social activity. Workout with a friend to help alleviate boredom and make exercise more stimulating. A friend can also help motivate you when you're tempted to skip your workout.
Step 5
Get support from friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are more successful at weight loss are those who share their goals and obstacles with others and seek help from them when their motivation wavers. Spread the word that you're working on achieving a healthier lifestyle, and when you feel complacency setting in, ask for encouragement to keep going.
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