The Best Weight Loss Motivation Tips

If you're trying to lose weight, whether for health reasons or to better reveal those muscles you've been working so hard for, here's a secret: it's all in your head. Half the battle of any diet or weight loss program isn't the physical, tangible part of the program, but how strong your mental resolve is for sticking to the plan. Thankfully, several general strategies can help keep you motivated so you drop the weight faster than ever.

Watch a Movie

Once or twice a week, rent an athlete-related movie that inspires you to exercise. "Men's Fitness" magazine recommends "Rocky" for people who work out in a gym; "American Flyers" for people who enjoy riding a bicycle; and "Chariots of Fire" for people who love running. There's a movie out there for almost any exercise you might like, including soccer, surfing and golf.

Create a Splurge Day

Sticking to a super-strict diet may help you lose weight, but its rigidity and lack of interest often makes you more prone to failing. To combat this, "Shape" magazine suggests splurging on your diet once a week. It will help motivate you to stick to your diet on the other six days because you know that your "reward day" is coming soon. Pick a day and let yourself go as wild as you want. In fact, it may even help you lose weight. A strict diet can slow your metabolism, but eating anything you want once every seven days can rev your metabolism back up for longer weight loss in the long run.

Put Up a Poster

Find a poster of someone whose body inspires you, such as an athlete or even the cover of your favorite exercise magazine. Post it in your home gym, or next to the mirror in your bathroom. This gives you something to aspire to. You may think to yourself, "I want abs like that guy," or "I want a waist like that girl." Regular visualization can help you stay mentally inspired to lose weight and get the body you deserve.

Hide the Sins

It's hard to stay motivated when that bag of chips is staring you in the face. Destroy temptation by throwing out unhealthy snacks and foods, recommends Dr. Wynnie Chan. If you entertain people or have friends over a lot and want to have those snacks on hand, at least store them someplace that's hard to reach and out of sight, such as in a sealed container at the back of your deepest cupboard. As they say, out of sight equals out of mind.

Read a Health Blog

Reading a blog or magazine about weight loss, healthy living or fitness can help inspire you to be like the writer or the reporter's subjects. The photos, stories and advice can all help keep you on track. You may even find a helpful tip or recipe that gets you that much closer toward your weight loss goals.