Are you excited to lose weight? Is the weight loss goal you set for yourself realistic? Answer these questions and more to make sure you're ready to start a weight loss program and learn what steps to take if you're not sure.
Weight loss success depends to a large extent on your willingness to take on the challenge. If you get caught up in the weight loss process before you're ready, your weight loss plan may stall at your first challenge.
How to motivate yourself to lose weight
Use these questions to help you prepare for weight loss.Are you excited about making long-term lifestyle changes?
Be honest. Knowing what you need to make changes in your life and putting it into practice are two different things. You may need to adjust your diet to eat more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, for example. Also, you'll need to find time for physical activity, generally at least 30 to 45 minutes — or more — about every day of the week.Whether your drive to make these changes is to be healthier, look better, or feel better, find what motivates you and focus on it.
Did you get rid of the biggest sources of distraction in your life?
If you are dealing with important life events, such as marriage problems, work stress, illness or financial concerns, you may not want to add the challenge of modifying your eating and exercise habits. Instead, consider giving your life a chance to calm down before starting a weight loss program.Do you have a realistic picture of how much weight you will lose and how quickly you will lose it?
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process. Start by making sure that your goal for weight loss is safe and realistic, such as losing 10 percent of your current weight. Then aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) per week until you reach your goal. This means burning 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day — through diet, exercise, or both.You may lose weight faster if you change your habits drastically. However, be careful. It is unlikely that drastic changes that are not sustained will be effective in the long term.
Have you resolved any psychological issues related to your weight?
Often, feelings and eating overlap. Anger, stress, sadness, and boredom can stimulate the appetite associated with a psychological state. If you have a history of eating disorders, losing weight can be difficult.To prepare for these challenges, identify any psychological issues related to food. Talk to your doctor or mental health provider, if necessary.
Do you have support and a sense of responsibility?
Any weight loss program can be difficult. You may experience moments of food temptation or feel discouraged and discouraged. It helps to have someone next to you to encourage. If you don't have friends or close people you can count on for positive help, consider joining a weight-loss support group.If you want to keep your weight-loss efforts discreet, be prepared to hold yourself accountable by regularly measuring your weight and recording your diet and exercise regimen in a diary. You may also want to consider enrolling in an online program or hiring a certified health coach.
Do you accept the challenge of losing weight?
If you don't have a positive attitude about losing weight, you may not be ready, and if you dread what happens next, you will likely find excuses to veer off course.Instead, try to accept the vision of your new lifestyle and maintain your positive spirit. Focus on how good you feel when you are more active or when you are underweight. Picture yourself celebrating every success on your way to losing weight, whether it's enjoying new food, finishing another session of exercise or losing your first few pounds.
How to stay motivated to lose weight when depressed
Think about your answers to the questions above:Did you agree to all or most of the questions? You will likely be ready to make lifestyle changes that will support permanent weight loss. Go ahead with a healthy diet and regular physical activity — and start today! If you think you need help, see a dietitian or enrol in a trusted weight loss program. Suppose you need to lose a significant amount of weight. In that case, you may benefit from medically supervised weight loss programs with a team of health professionals — such as a dietitian, therapist or obesity specialist.
Was your answer in the negative to more than one of these questions? You may not be ready to join a weight loss program right now - and that's okay. Find out what's holding you back and face those barriers. Consider seeking help from a doctor or other specialist, such as a certified fitness trainer, to help you with these problems. Then, reassess your willingness to lose weight so that you can begin on the path to a more healthy weight.
If you can't just agree or disagree with all the questions but feel generally positive about most of your answers and optimistic about your weight loss program, consider starting now. You may be one of those who don't have definitive answers in life, so don't let that stop you from achieving your weight loss goals.
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