Motivation to Lose Weight
It’s interesting to note that weight loss is desired by about 80% of people. So what’s stopping them?
The sad truth is many are unable to find the motivation to lose weight the healthy way. They are looking for a quick fix – a fad diet that simply will not work.
Obesity has become a major problem in today’s modern times. Our lifestyle is all about convenience and speed. We want everything now.
This is why fad diets, diet pills and other gimmicks create multi-million dollar companies. These companies know that people lack motivation to lose weight so they offer a false promise of losing 20 pounds in a month.
Fifty years ago people walked places. Children were outside playing tag or baseball on the streets. People enjoyed walking and jogging in the park. People found physical activity entertaining and fun without all of today’s electronic technology.
Today we are overworked, and are constantly juggling work, school and family responsibilities. This has led to a lack of time to prepare healthy meals and exercise – so people think …
Could it just be a lack of motivation to lose weight?
We always find time to do what we want to do. How important is weight loss to you?
Weight loss is a process. It demands time, determination and planning. The most IMPORTANT factor is changing your habits.
To lose weight, one has to THINK differently. The right way of thinking will provide you with the necessary motivation to lose weight.
- Pay attention to what you’re eating. Plan your meals and choose healthy nutritious foods.
- Eat five or six small meals a day.
- Learn proper portions (Did you know some all you can eat buffets actually have dishes the size of a tray!)
- Learn to read labels – KNOW what you are feeding your body.
- BELIEVE in yourself! Start picturing yourself at your ideal weight.
You’re probably saying it’s easier said than done. You know what to do, but continue to procrastinate because you lack the motivation to lose weight.
It’s important to first find the MOTIVATION and then the RIGHT weight loss program.
Motivation comes first because it gives you the strength to say NO to some pernicious habits that hinders your diet program.
The right weight loss program will be the difference between another failed diet and a permanent weight loss.
How do you find the Motivation to Lose Weight?
Know that there are two kinds of motivation – Internal and External.
Internal motivation is your perception of yourself. This is why you need to start seeing yourself at your ideal weight. It is the desire to wear a bikini or that little black dress – or for men to have that lean muscular physique you’ve been dreaming of.
When your motivation to lose weight is internal it is POWERFUL. Just about everyone that has lost weight and kept it off found their internal motivation. This is the strength deep inside your core that you are determined to succeed which helps you overcome those voices telling you that you can always start your weight loss program next Monday.
External motivation to lose weight comes from the outside world – their perception of you. Maybe you’ve experienced humiliation and prejudice that was the last straw. Maybe you were passed over for a job promotion due to your weight. You want your significant other to find you sexy again.
It’s interesting to note that society seems to think that heavy and obese people are lazy and indulgent and judge you on your weight.
Unfortunately, the same society that produces obesity, demands you to be HEALTHY AND THIN.
It’s up to you, to start a healthy diet program or keep “trying” all the fad diets on the Internet.
Our #1 Rated program eDiets offers you Motivation to Lose Weight and all the tools to succeed! You’ll be able to talk directly to a nutritionist on the phone as often as you need and have access to support from trained staff and your peers on the forums – 24 hours a day!
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3 Motivational Tips
Motivating Yourself While Dieting
It’s important to support yourself on your weight loss journey. The more motivated you are the faster and easier you’ll be pushed forward towards your health and weight loss goals.
3 Weight Loss Motivational Tips
Motivational Tip #1 Keep a Journal
Write down your successes as well as your failures. When you’re feeling down, READ IT. Your previous successes will assure you that you can succeed. Your failures can teach you about overcoming obstacles.
Write down what you eat. (If you choose you can even write down the times and how you feel while you’re eating – this helps to overcome emotional eating.) By writing down what you eat, you’ll notice patterns, and know what foods help you to lose weight.
Motivational Tip #2 Closed Door Reminder
Hang up the bathing suit you want to wear this summer; Or that slinky black dress that you want to wear for that special occasion; Or buy an outfit one or two sizes smaller then you currently wear …
Hang your motivation where you will see it each and every time that you open your closed. When you see the item of clothing – visualize yourself wearing it in the near future as you tell yourself “I look great in this outfit.”
Motivational Tip #3 Read Success Stories
There are a ton of success stories out there! Get busy finding them and reading them – especially when you’re feeling down. Know that other people have been where you are now and they have succeeded. If they can do it – so can you!!!
You may want to join an online forum. Here you can read about other people’s successes and struggles as you make new friends that are on their own weight loss journey.
Most of all DON’T GIVE UP!!! Remember persistence is the key to reaching any goal that you set for yourself.
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5 Steps to Achieve Your New Years Resolutions
Do you subscribe to the philosophy that resolutions are made to be broken?
Or
Do you believe the New Year’s holiday is an opportunity for change?
Resolution makers generally fall into one of three categories:
1. Serious Resolution Makers
These individuals dedicate themselves to reach their goal – usually in self-improvement. They set their goals and plan the steps to achieve them. They take ACTION.
2. Good Intentions
These people really want to change. They say “This year will be different”. They probably manage the first week or two of following through then they abandon them. These people usually have a plan to begin with.
3. On the Spot Resolutions
These poople make up a New Yeaar’s Resoultion on the spot when they are asked what their resoultuion is. They rarely have any intentions on following through.
What group do you fall into?
Often times people don’t take New Years Resoulutions seriously. They believe it’s all a big joke ….
New Years is actually the perfect time to dedicate yourself to a goal. Here’s why:
- You can reflect on your successes and failures of the previous year
- You have the right frame of mind to plan for the future
- It’s easier to gain the support of family and friends that have thesame or similar goals
- It’s easy to measure your goals. The timeframe of a year is an excellent yardstick
- You have 12 months which is enought time to plan, execute and achieve your goals – even if you hit some roadblocks along the way.
Why do we make resolutions?
Think about your past resolutions …
- Why did you make them?
- What did you hope to accomplish?
- Were you just going along with the crowd?
- Did you really want to change your life?
- Did you take the opportunity to change your lfie seriously?
- Do you subcribe to the theory “Resolutions are made to be broken”?
Do you really want to change your life?
YOU CAN!!!
Want to give it a try?
Here’s how:
- Choose a resolution that you believe you can attain. If you choose a goal to lose 30 pounds in January or to exercise an hour every day you’ll brobably give up because within a week or so you’ll feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Choosing small goals you can attain helps you to create a pattern of success.
- Break it up into small steps. Any large goal can be broken into a series of smaller goals. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, begin by setting a smaller goal. Maybe losing five pounds is a good start.
- Set a Deadline. Having a deadline helps you to stay on track and to track your progress. For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, and your smaller goal is 5 pounds a month, you should achieve your big goal in 10 months. (Sound like a long time? How fast did 2008 pass?)
- Reward yourself – For each small success you need to reward yourself. If your goal is to lose weight, then you don’t want to reward yourself with food. You may want a new outfit, a night out, a massage – get creative.
- Be Prepared – Regardless of your resoulution you will have obstacles to face. Plan for these obstacles and be prepared to face them head-on. For example, if your goal is to stop smoking, be prepared for cravings and have something ready to distract you for 5 to 10 minutes. (Any type of cravings rarely last longer than 10 minutes)
New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to be broken!
Establish a Winning Attitude, Set Proper Goals, and your New Year’s Resolutions will be life changing and rewarding experiences.
WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2009!!!
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You Can Lose Weight This Fall
Turn over a new leaf …
Lose weight this fall …
Are you waiting till New Years to begin your weight loss program?
My question to you is WHY?
You can begin losing weight this fall!
Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today.
So many times we put off our weight loss efforts till after the New Year, thinking there’s no way we can lose weight or get through the Holidays while watching our weight.
The truth is if you begin your exercise and weight loss program now, you’ll be less stressed during the Holidays.
So many people seem to associate the word “diet” with deprivation. Don’t deprive yourself. Deprivation has never been an effective way to lose weight.
Remember, dieting is not about depriving your self. It is ALL about eating great healthy tasting meals and snacks at regular intervals. Learn to eat to Live Your Life To The Fullest!!
Try not to fall into that old saying “I live to eat”. You can truly enjoy life and even lose weight when you learn to “Eat to Live.”
Start losing weight now, and then during the weeks that the Holidays are in, set a goal to not gain weight. This is just important as losing weight. If you can maintain your weight during the holidays, you’re one step ahead of the game. If you wait till the New Years, you just might find yourself up to ten pounds heavier.
Fall is a beautiful time of the year. Enjoy nature. Take a walk and breathe in the fresh crisp air. The weathers cooled down, so now is the perfect time for you to begin an exercise program out doors. Rake the leaves yourself and burn some calories instead of paying someone else to do it for you.
Fall is also the season for some delicious tasting produce. Find some new recipes and try them out. You might just be surprised to find out that you like them.
What’s in season you ask?
There’s golden butternut squash, delicious red and green apples, juicy grapes, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, mushrooms. cauliflower, pears and of course pumpkins. Tantalize your taste buds.
Tantalize your taste buds while getting vitamin enriched foods that are high in fiber. An additional bonus is that they are all low in calories. You can eat your fill and still shed pounds. Of course you’ll need to add grains, lean protein, healthy fats and dairy to your daily food intake.
Eat Soup Make some homemade vegetable soup using fresh vegetables like butternut squash, mushroom barley, etc. Be creative. A good cup or bowl of piping hot soup helps to fill you up and will decrease the calories you consume.
Think of autumn as an opportunity to establish good eating habits. You can lose weight this time of the year!
Increase your physical activity. Begin now to reduce the stresses of the holidays and any depression that might set in during the cold of winter.
Set your goals. Now is a great time to start your program. Find your perfect diet at eDiets.com
Wishing you success as you lose weight this fall.
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Stalled Weight Loss-DON’T GIVE UP!
Has your weigh loss stalled? Wondering what to do?
Every New Year you hear almost everyone say that “losing weight” is (one of) their New Year’s Resolution. Was this your resolution? How have you done?
It is important to stay motivated whether you have a lot of weight to lose or just a few pounds. Some people give up after a few months, and then there are others who persevere day after day waiting for the first glimpse of change.
When it happens, not only does the scale reflect that, but you notice the difference and so do your family, friends, and co-workers. These things help you stay motivated to keep on going until you reach your goal. But, one day, the scale stops reflecting a weight loss and the numbers stay the same.
You are still thirty (insert your number here) pounds away from your goal…and the scale won’t budge. What to do?
The first thing you must NOT do is give up. Look at this way-you may not be losing weight, but you aren’t gaining any either. Plateaus are experienced several times over the course of a healthy weight loss program. In the beginning, it comes off fast and steady because the changes are new to your body. You are increasing your metabolism and decreasing caloric intake which melts those pounds away.
Water loss accounts for about the first ten pounds of weight loss. As your body adjusts to your new physical activity, more calories are burned which results in even more weight loss. Plateaus come when your body gets used to the routine. Don’t stress…giving up will only put you back at square one.
The first thing you should do is stop weighing yourself. Throw the scale away or pack it away-out of sight for a bit. Even though you may not believe it, I’m sure you’ve heard it before (and it IS true): muscle weighs MORE than fat!
If weight training has been an instrument of your weight loss program you should keep in mind that as your muscle mass increases so will your weight. You may still be losing fat, but the weight of the increased muscle will balance everything out.
To get off of your current plateau, take a look at your diet and exercise program. If you haven’t changed your fitness routine in awhile, consider making some changes. Try something new.
If you have been doing aerobics five times a week, try switching to the treadmill, or an elliptical trainer. Muscles need to continually be challenged in order to grow.
If exercise is still a challenge, take your diet into consideration. For example, if you have been having a “free” day more than once a week you may be taking in too many calories. Go back to what you were doing when you started your weight loss program. Keep a food journal for a couple of weeks to track what works for you and what gets the scale moving again.
Remember to take it slow and change one thing at a time. When you do make a change, give it a full month, and then check the results. Weight loss isn’t easy, but it’s worth it and it is rewarding when you do reach your goal! Don’t Give Up!!!
If you haven’t already joined an online program Give eDiets a try – You won’t be disappointed. They offer forums for support, phone consultations with a REAL LIVE nutritionist, and ALL the tracking tools you need – for less than a cup of your favorite mocha a week.
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Must Know Weight Loss Facts
Being overweight can result in serious health problems.
The following weight loss facts are meant to be informative and to encourage you to begin your weight loss program today.
General Weight Loss Facts
- Causes of obesity are heredity, environment, metabolism and level of physical activity
- Nearly two out of three Americans are overweight
- Each year 50 million people go on a diet to lose weight
- Any weight loss program will help you to lose weight
- You won’t stick to a diet that is comprised of foods you do not like
- Strictly limiting calories or food groups often lead to uncontrollable binges
- Extremely restrictive diets are less effective for permanent weight loss
- Fad diets rarely result in permanent weight loss
- To lose weight you must consume fewer calories than you burn off
- Low calorie diets of fewer than 1200 calories per day can be dangerous
- Liquid calories count
- To sustain your weight loss you must change your eating and exercise habits
- Permanent lifestyle changes are needed for permanent weight control
- 5% of people keep weight off long term
- Our weight fluctuates daily
- 3500 calories equals one pound of fat
- Experts recommend losing weight slowly, no more than two pounds per week
- Weight lost quickly is usually regained, making it more difficult to lose weight
- Muscle burns more calories than body fat burns
Facts About Our Diet:
- What time of the day you eat does not result weight gain or loss
- The more muscle you have, the more calories you can eat
- Eating to few calories sends our bodies into a “starvation mode” slowing down metabolism
- Eating healthy snacks between meals keeps your metabolism running strong
- Skipping meals results in a sluggish metabolism
- One gram of fat has 9 calories
- One gram of carbohydrates or protein has 4 calories
- Different types of fat have different roles in health maintenance and disease risk
- No more than 10% of our daily fat intake should come from saturated fats
- Fat is a necessity in our diets
The Weight Loss Facts listed above should get you to seriously reconsider your weight and how you want to live your life.
Research studies have shown that …
- Slender people get 29% of calories from fat and 53% from carbohydrates
- Overweight people get 35% of calories from fat and 46% from carbohydrates
- Limiting fat intake to 20% of total calories has enabled chronically obese people to lose weight.
- Our bodies use calories from carbohydrates, fat and protein differently
- Fat calories are immediately stored in fat cells
- Carbohydrates and protein are used for fuel – calories in excess of our body’s energy needs are stores in fat cells
- Most of us will eat what is put in front of us regardless if we are hungry or not. This has been proven in studies both in the Unites States and abroad.
- There is no “One Cure” for Weight Loss
Even with all the weight loss facts people are still looking for that “magic pill” to reduce their weight. If there was such a pill we would all be at our desired weight.
There is only one way to effectively lose weight and keep it off. That’s to consume fewer calories than we burn off. We need to eat healthy and increase our activity levels.
Before you buy the latest “diet pill” or patch, keep the following weight loss facts in mind:
- The food and Drug Administration has banned 111 ingredients from over-the-counter diet products.
- Diet patches, alcohol, caffeine and dextrose have been proved ineffective for weight loss or appetite suppression
- Some over the counter diet products can be extremely dangerous to your health
- REMEMBER what Mom used to always tell us “If it sounds too good to be true .. It probably isn’t true.”
Permanent Weight Loss is Possible …
After reading the weight loss facts above, it might seem next to impossible to lose weight permanently.
Cheer up, it does take some effort, but it’s not really as hard as it sounds. By being realistic, setting smart goals, being persistent and finding a plan that fits into your lifestyle and offers motivation it is possible.
You can do it! Make up your mind right now to do whatever it takes to lose weight once and for all.
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5 Motivational Tips to Eating Healthy
Need some motivation for Eating Healthy?
You know that healthy eating is vital to your weight and overall health – yet you just can’t seem to get started. Some people try to scare you into action – but fear rarely works for the long term.
The following tips are meant to EMPOWER you.
Allow them to help make the lifestyle changes you desire.
5 Motivational Tips for Eating Healthy:
1. Statistics
The statistics available regarding the health and fitness of our society are shocking and disturbing. I won’t go into them; you know that obesity is rising, diabetes is rising and worse, childhood obesity is getting worse each and every day.
If any of these numbers relate to you, you can use them to motivate yourself to be more than a statistic.
2. Role Models
It helps to have an image of success. Find someone you know and respect who has achieved the same goal you are aiming for. If you’re looking to lose weight, why not find an image of a celebrity role model or find a role model you know personally and let them inspire you.
Inspiration comes from visual images and from personal interaction. Conversations, quotes, and pictures from this person and how they achieved their goals could help you attain yours.
3. Get a Coach
Starting a new weight loss campaign can feel overwhelming. Hire a nutritionist or dietician for assistance on finding the right diet plan for your goals, body type and health.
Not only will a dietician help you figure out what to do to meet your goals, he or she can be invaluable when it comes to motivation. That’s their job, to kick your bottom into gear and help you live the way you really want to live even when it’s difficult to do.
4. Find a Support Group
Support groups offer inspiration. Sometimes it is just helpful to find a group of peers who are going through the same thing you are. Its a good feeling knowing someone understands the tough times you’re going through. They are able to offer you valuable advice.
Many weight loss programs offer support groups in the form of meetings or online chat rooms. Support groups can help you know what to expect as you’re making your way towards your healthy eating goals.
5. Track Your Progress
Tracking your success is a great way to stay motivated. You can track your success in a journal, using an online tool, or by creating a spreadsheet to track your goals and results.
Now that you have 5 Motivational Tips to Eating Healthy – TAKE ACTION and begin eating healthy today!
By Guest Writer, Amy Cravin
Editors Note: Find the right program for you by reading our Honest Diet Reviews.
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Are Your Loved Ones Hindering Your Weight Loss Efforts?
Sometimes our loved ones can hinder our weight loss goals. Often times their intention is not to hinder us.
For example: I love donuts. There was a time in my life when I simply could not say “no” to them. I would wind up binging on them – I could eat 4 to 6 donuts with no problem at all.
I began a weight loss program. I was following my plan to the tee. Then on Saturday morning, my husband brought home some donuts:
“Here honey, I thought you’d enjoy these.” I continued to devour every last crumb. My husbands intention was not to make me go off plan. He wasn’t even thinking that I was trying to lose weight. He simply wanted to do something nice for me. Your loved ones could be hindering you by tempting you with seconds, cooking your favorite foods, or buying your favorite ice-cream.
- Identify your loved ones behavior that is sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
- Identify your loved ones reasons for that behavior.
- Are they trying to do something nice for you?
- Do they feel appreciated when you eat their cooking?
- Are they bringing in the ice cream for themselves, not realizing that is making you lose track of your goals?
- Tell your loved one what you need from him/her.
You need to be assertive. Tell them exactly what you need from him/her and why. I told my husband … “I really appreciate the fact that you love me so much, that you brought donuts home. However as I can’t seem to say “no” to them, I would appreciate it even more if you could restrain from bringing them home. A hug from you lets me know how much you care and appreciate me.” I told him in exactly what I needed and why. I showed him I appreciated his gesture, and gave him an alternative action so that his needs would be met as well. If you are a little apprehensive about approaching your loved one, ask yourself why. It’s probably one of two reasons:
- You like having someone to blame for your failures. It’s easy to say “I keep blowing it because my wife is such a good cook and demands I eat seconds.” Or “My husband is so nice to me he keeps buying me doughnuts, if I tell him to stop, he may never buy me anything again.” If this is you, you need to decide how important reaching your goal really is. Take responsibility for your own actions and stop blaming others.
- You don’t know how to approach them or you don’t want to hurt their feelings. If this is the case then you need to practice … in front of the mirror, to a friend, or even to the dog. Picture yourself telling your loved one exactly what you need from him/her to help you achieve your goals.
Remember, more than anything else, your loved ones want YOU to be HAPPY and HEALTHY, and will do anything in their power to help you achieve your goals.
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Weight Loss Garden
Plant Your Weight loss Garden Today
First …
Plant 3 rows of peas:
Patience
Promptness
Politeness (to yourself)
Next …
Plant 3 rows of squash:
Squash self-doubt
Squash indifference
Squash criticizing yourself
(for making human mistakes)
Then …
Plant 3 rows of lettuce:
Let Us be caring to ourselves
Let Us start making little steps towards our goals
Let Us be a person who tries
Finish …
With 4 rows of turnip:
Turn up with Positive Thoughts
Turn up with s Smile
Turn up with a Vission
Turn up with Determination
Author Unknown
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Recognizing Obstacles to Weight Loss
Plan to Lose Weight by Setting Goals.
Goals are rarely without obstacles. If they were easy to attain and without obstacles, you would likely already be doing them, right?
Here are three tips to help recognize and overcome obstacles so you can attain the goals you set for yourself.
Tip #1: Acknowledge that there are obstacles – it won’t be easy. Any goal you have set for yourself will likely have obstacles.
The first step to overcoming them is simply acknowledging that fact. Know that you will have tough times. Know that it won’t be easy. Know also that despite the obstacles, you will reach your goals.
You will get through, around, or over the obstacles. They are there for a reason. Whether it is to teach you a bit about yourself, to make you appreciate your success when you attain it, or to make you stronger – each and every obstacle you encounter has a positive side to it.
Tip #2: Educate yourself on what obstacles you’re likely to have. When you create a goal, you have a few things you can do to help plan how you’re going to attain it. Educating yourself on potential obstacles is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for success.
Research your goal; if you want to lose weight, what are common obstacles you might encounter?
For example, cutting back on sugar may cause some cravings to surface. Cutting back on caffeine may cause temporary irritability, and taking on a detox diet may cause temporary digestion issues.
Find out what obstacles you’re likely to encounter so you can be prepared for them. When you’re prepared for them you can overcome them more easily.
Tip #3: Plan how you’re going to overcome the obstacles. Once you understand what potential obstacles you might face, you can plan how you’re going to tackle them.
For example, if you know that you’re going to be dealing with sugar cravings, you can have a protein bar solution in your purse, desk drawer and glove box of your car.
If you’re dealing with giving up caffeine and you know you’re going to have headaches, you can plan a few days off of work, grab a bottle of pain relievers, or brace yourself to power through the headaches knowing the reward is on the other end.<
When you recognize potential obstacles, it gives you the power to anticipate them and plan how you’re going to handle them so you aren’t tempted to give up on your goal.
Recognizing and planning for obstacles empowers you to succeed.
By staff writer Amy Cravin
Technorati Tags: obstacles, , goals, lose weight
Popularity: 4% [?]
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