Author: Veronica Castillo / Source: Lifehack
You made it here- the decision to lose weight! This means that mindfulness is kicking in! This is important for motivation, weight loss, and health. Being healthy and active is necessary!
Our bodies were meant to move, not be sedentary. For weight loss, the success of your journey is based on your ability to stay motivated throughout.
Motivation is easy at first. Holding on to it may breed a little challenge. Please know that this is normal. You will have days where motivation is at its all time high, and other days where motivation is at an all time low.
In this article, we’ll look into some of the best ideas on motivation to lose weight and why we lose motivation easily along the weight loss journey.
Motivation and inspiration for losing weight
There are varied reasons for wanting to lose weight. The one common factor: Everyone needs motivation.
One piece of advice:
Motivation comes a little easier when you determine the reason for wanting to lose weight.
What is/are your motivating factors for losing weight? It is important to understand your “why”, no matter how small.
Losing weight, even just 5% of your weight can help:
- Improve blood sugar
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce joint pain
- Reduce the risk of certain cancers
As someone who has been through this journey, I can tell you that it will require constant recharges of motivation.
I did it the old-fashioned way, diet and exercise. It took me almost 3 years to achieve 85 pounds lost. That may seem like a really long time; however, keep in mind that healthy weight loss averages 1-2 pounds per week.
Motivation is really strong in the beginning, motivation starts to shift when the results aren’t immediate. The results take time, your motivation is key to get you there.
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.
Common weight loss motivation struggles
Lack of motivation is common for many reasons. Motivation can trigger a number of emotions, making it hard to get motivated. Some of the common motivation struggles that people face:
Unsupportive social environment
Your social environment is your physical and social setting (home, family, friends, etc.).
Many don’t realize the importance and the influence of a social environment. If you are trying to get on the right track and hear something like “oh, you don’t need to do that, let’s go out and get ice cream”, your motivation to do the right thing is will likely be impacted.
Lots of hard work for slow results
When you work out 5 times a week and carefully count your calories, naturally you want to see more than 2 pounds gone. Please keep in mind that normal and healthy weight loss averages 2 pounds per week; about 3500 calories burned means one pound lost.
Injuries
Many suffer from injuries that reduce their ability to exercise; however, consideration for low impact exercise and exercise modifications should be given.
Additionally, discussing approved workouts with your doctor is helpful. Exercise can still happen with an injury, don’t lose motivation!
Cravings
You will crave, and it is ok! Even the healthiest people have cravings. When cravings strike, be mindful of the craving and the portion.
Craving cookies? Bake them at home so that you can modify and control the recipe for your goal!
Healthy food is expensive
There is a bit of truth and a bit of a lie here. Healthy food can be a bit expensive; however, if you eat more of a plant-based diet (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.), the costs won’t sky rocket.
Lack of time for working out
If losing weight is really what you are set out to accomplish, then time has to be found. You have to schedule and coordinate your day to day, to include a workout.
For days that you simply can’t, make choices that force a little more movement:
Park at the back of the parking lot and take a longer walk into the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, do squats while cooking, and/or do sit ups during commercial breaks.
The importance of mindfulness for motivation and weight loss
Be honest with yourself, how many times have you eaten something without actually thinking about what you were feeding yourself?
Mindfulness plays an important role in our everyday decisions, especially the decisions regarding our health. Here are mindfulness considerations that will help motivate you to lose weight.
In the past, we were taught what to eat and what not to eat; however, there was no guidance on how to select and consume, which ultimately contributes to weight issues.
In general, people have a strong misconception about food and its purpose in our lives and in our health. This creates unhealthy habits which contribute to weight…
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