Realistic weight loss goals and motivation tips
In this day and age it is difficult for the average dieter to keep goals in perspective. Everywhere you turn there is a new amazing miracle pill, strict food plan, or fitness contraption that takes our minds off the goal and replaces it with false instant gratification desires. Everyone is different and there is not a universal solution to the ever growing waist line of people everywhere.
If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off you need to change your entire mindset on what losing weight means to you. Wipe away all the pictures in your mind of the amazing new weight loss breakthrough that will drop 20 pounds in a month. Forget about any instant gratification option on the market and take control of your own weight loss.
Now that all of the crazy weight loss tips are out of your mind you can think clearly and make the best decision for your lifestyle.
First you need to set realistic goals. Understand the fact that you will not lose 20 pounds over the next month. You did not gain it that fast so you certainly will not lose it that fast. Figure out what your ultimate goal weight is. For example your current weight is 190 pounds and you would eventually like to be 140 pounds. There you have it. Your ultimate goal is to lose 50 pounds. Set the date for 6 months out.
Now that you have your long term goal set, make it fun and break it down in to segments. Keep your goals set a little low so when you beat your short term goal it boosts your motivation. Reward yourself with a manicure or a trip to the day spa. Really, you deserve it. You set a goal and you met the goal head on.
You have your goals set, so let’s get you motivated. Here a couple of my favorite motivation tips that many of my clients follow and have expressed how well they have worked for them.
Motivation Tip 1: In order to keep your focus on your desire to lose weight make a list of all the reasons why you want to lose weight. Keep it is plain sight, tape it to your mirror in your bathroom and read them each morning when you wake up.
Motivation Tip 2: Take a picture of yourself in a swimsuit or something that will show your body better. Each month on the same date take another picture in the same outfit. Doing this will make you feel great seeing how baggy the outfits gets each month, keep the pictures close by so you can look at them. Best place is to post them on your bathroom mirror.
In conclusion, to be successful in your weight loss journey, you need to have realistic goals and useful motivational tools to get you started. Use this as a guideline to planning your own personal success.