Losing weight takes time and effort for most people. Once you've reached your weight-loss goal, you may feel like celebrating. But after weeks or months of watching your diet and exercising, you're faced with the challenge of maintaining your goal. You may not need to lose more weight, but you don't want to regain what you've lost. Those who successfully stay slim find ways to stay motivated after weight loss.
Step 1
Join a support group. People in a support group will cheer you on, offer advice and lend a sympathetic ear when you struggle with the temptation to overeat or to skip an exercise session. Many weight-loss programs offer ongoing support groups, and you can meet in person or join a group online and check in regularly to offer and receive encouragement.
Step 2
Recruit a workout buddy. Ask a spouse, sibling or friend to meet regularly at the gym or to walk the neighborhood or ride bikes.Working out regularly with someone else motivates you to continue your exercise sessions because you know the other person is depending on you. Working out with a buddy also lends a social aspect to exercise; you look forward to visiting with this person during your workouts.
Step 3
Post before and after pictures on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. You can also keep one piece of larger-sized clothing in your closet to remind yourself of all you've done and what you want to avoid returning to. Losing weight is a big accomplishment and many people find it motivating to remember how far they've come.
Step 4
Set new challenges for yourself. Once you've reached your target weight, you may feel let-down with nothing to aim for, so give yourself a new goal. You might decide to train for a triathlon, take belly dancing classes and learn to perform a routine in public or take a hiking vacation in Ireland. Training for these new activities will keep you motivated to remain slim and in shape.
Tips and Warnings
- Your workout buddy doesn't necessarily have to be another person. A dog who enjoys a daily jog around the neighborhood can be a powerful motivator not to skip a day.
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