Staying Motivated on a Diet

Probably the hardest part of any weight loss plan is staying motivated on a diet for long enough to actually see any results. We've all been there, pumped up and eager to get started, sure that this time you will stick to it....only to find that days later you have failed miserably, yet again. It is so discouraging, and every time we do this, we add a little more doubt that we'll ever be able to fit back into those jeans that are waiting for us in the closet. Inwardly we sob, thinking that if we were stronger we would be able to do it. And our self-esteem takes yet another battering.

Yes, staying motivated on a diet is the most essential ingredient for success on any diet plan, yet it is also the element of dieting that is most often overlooked. We take time to: plan our meals, count our calories, do our exercises, drink tons of water, and deprive ourselves of goodies that we love, all with the best of intentions. However, we seldom prepare our minds to stay motivated during the tough times. We resolve to make all of these life-changing sacrifices, yet we seldom seek ways in which to keep our resolve firm. We rely on our own sheer willpower to overcome temptations, and stay enthusiastic. We believe we are confident, yet in our hearts, we are not sure we can accomplish this, not sure if we are strong enough. Yet, instead of dealing with our doubt, we push it aside and pretend to ourselves that we know we can do it. For awhile we even believe ourselves. But if we would prepare our minds thoroughly before embarking on any weight loss program, we would increase our chances of success many times over. Let us consider how to stay motivated when dieting.

1. Write down the reasons you want to lose weight. You will probably discover many benefits you never thought of before, and when you are done you will want to lose weight more than you ever have before. Dig deep into your soul and stir up your emotions. Keep this with you and read it often, especially when you are considering cheating. Add to it whenever another good reason for losing weight occurs to you, or anytime you think of another way that you would benefit by losing those extra pounds. The bigger your “WHY”, the stronger your motivation.

2. Think of one or two positive affirmations and say them to yourself repeatedly throughout the day. "Say those things that aren't as though they were" is a principle that is practiced in all self-development and religious faiths throughout the world. If you say it often enough you will begin to believe it, and then you will practice it. You will attract what you speak. So for instance, say "I find it easy to stay motivated on my diet" or "I am very motivated for success on my diet".

3. Food allowances are extremely important. Find a diet that does not require you to stay hungry all the time, deprive yourself of all the foods you like, or abstain from entire food groups. Doing any of these things would be extremely difficult for anyone, and is completely unnecessary. Frequent eating of the proper types of food actually speeds up fat loss. There are diets out there that will teach you how to eat properly without needing to go hungry, and that will allow you to treat yourself to moderate amounts of foods that you love. A good diet should be enjoyable and easy, not dull and extremely difficult to stick to.

4. Make small changes and set realistic goals. If you plan to do a complete overhaul on your eating habits and lifestyle in one day, you may be setting yourself up for failure. Sure, if you are used to eating fried food or take out all the time, you will have to change this for more healthy choices, but don't expect those new choices to be the complete opposite to what you normally have and think you'll never eat at McDonald's again. This will discourage you for sure. Instead, perhaps you can set up your weekly menu to include a trip to your favourite fast food joint at the end of the week as a reward.

5. Brainstorm yourself and think of other ways of helping you in staying motivated on a diet. Do this all BEFORE you begin. Prepare your mind and then your body will follow.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Karri D Hull is a Christian WAHM of 4 children, who has battled with weight her entire life. Karri's website provides information that has changed the way she views dieting, has helped her attain her desired weight and changed her life forever. See her articles: • Fat Burning Foods • Common Myths That Prevent Weight Loss • Weight Loss Scams • Top Weight Loss Products. www.strip-that-fat-diet.info”> www.strip-that-fat-diet.info

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