For me losing weight is the easy part, when the kgs drop they drop quickly, then it suddenly stops and I lose motivation. Or I start to feel so good about the fact I’m losing weight I lose focus on my diet.
So I’ve come with ways I’m hoping to keep the motivation going.
1. The scale isn’t always right – this is a really problem with dieters, we all tend to jump on that scale and if it’s up we are sad, it is down we are happy. But what we don’t realise is the scale isn’t ALWAYS RIGHT. Our weight fluctuates all the time depending on water retention and hormones.
2. Muscle weighs more than fat – The best measure of weight lose is your body fat percentage and centimetres. If you do a lot of training you will pick up muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat. It really is that simple. If you don’t have a way to measure you body fat percentage then measure yourself every week or 2 weeks with a tape measure and that is where you really see the results.
3. You don’t deserve all that chocolate – The truth of the matter is once in a while sure eat a chocolate, but don’t make it into a habit, and when you do have that chocolate have and really enjoy it. Once that chocolate is done its time to move on with your diet.
4. Learn your triggers – Being on diet means you are depriving yourself of most of your favourite things and unfortunately these things became triggers. They become the binge trigger. It’s a terrible thing, having a binge is terribly depressing and destructive. So learn what your triggers are and stay away from them.
5. Change our environment – for me this is a biggie, I work on weekends as a waitress and they always have the most amazing staff meals where I work, even more amazing when they are served at 11pm and you are starving hungry. So now what I do is I tell them not to make me a staff meal anymore, thus I don’t even have the option to eat it. So the truth of the story is change the way you do things and stay away from those environments that lead to over eating.
6. Preparation is everything – the biggest excuse for breaking of diets is: BUT there wasn’t anything else for me to eat. Such utter crap, there is no excuse for eating badly; the trick is to always be prepared. Last night when I got home I made my dinner and lunch in one go so right now in my bag I have lunch, a snack, and some protein shake. So I don’t have to worry about trying to find something for lunch I already have it.
7. Be prepared for a cheat day – at some point or another you will have to cheat on your diet, it might be your birthday or Christmas. So work hard the week before, but in a few extra gym sessions and then go enjoy these days, eat drink and be merry. But the next day get back on it and don’t feel guilty!!
8. Set goals and rewards - it’s simple if you do well you deserve a treat, NOT FOOD but something else. I must for me it’s always a new dress. There is nothing better than a new dress in my perception. Another good reward is stuff that actually helps you lose weight like an exercise machine or a few sessions with a personal trainer. These things can be pricey so if you are not dedicated it is a waste of money. So rather use it as a reward because then you know you have put the work in to begin with.
9. Keep a food diary or a cheat list – I used to keep a food diary but I found it pretty tedious most of the time, but when I start cheating I start writing. So I keep a food diary to keep me on track when I feel my motivation dipping. I have started a cheat list though, so every time a have a little slip up I write it down. Those I am acknowledging it and I can move forward.
10. See a specialist – this is perhaps the easiest way to stay on diet. I am referring to going to see Dietitian, nutritionist or a personal trainer. I really feel that if you want results quickly and steadily these people can really be of help. They can measure your body fat percentage, give you a diet to suit you and motivate you to carry on going. If money is an issue that find a dieting partner to keep you motivated.
So there are some tips to help you along the way!
