It's no secret that life gets in the way. Amidst a growing to-do list, a work promotion, and yet another dinner to prep tonight, you've taken the plunge. You've begun a weight loss journey.
Firstly, pat yourself on the back. Deciding to take your health into your hands is a fantastic choice; your body deserves to be healthy and strong, and it takes resilience to recognise that. That said, maintaining motivation can be difficult - especially when you hit weight loss plateaus. Here's how to maintain that momentum.
Set Realistic, Measurable Goals
Not every day is 100%. Set the bar at a realistic height. For instance, everyone is familiar with the concept of doing 10,000 steps a day. But did you know that just 7,000 steps improves general health?
The best goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, you could set a goal to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast every morning or to walk 30 minutes three times a week for the next six weeks. Try not to get fixated on the numbers on the scale too - you may feel the weight loss before seeing it!
Mix Up Your Routine
Monotony is a killer of motivation. Mixing up your routine is the most effective method of maintaining discipline. Try new dishes, buddy up with friends, and plan new forms of cardio - is it swimming or cycling this week?
Similarly, combine strength-training and cardio wherever possible. These two forms of exercise not only complement each other, but also protect you from injury. Besides, as weight lowers, you'll want to have muscle to show underneath, right? Losing mass alone rarely achieves the aesthetics or health benefits that people desire.
Consider Medical Support
Honesty is key, here. Sometimes, stubborn weight retention can signal a cause for concern. Certain medications and conditions can contribute to sudden weight gain, such as hypothyroidism. Could there be a causational factor hidden from plain sight?
Professional guidance and medical support can alleviate these hindering factors and keep you healthier overall. Experts may be able to provide additional advice, too, like nutritious meal plans or even weight loss injections.
Visualise Your Future Self
Ultimately, the purpose of your weight loss journey is to build a better future for yourself. Imagine what that person looks like. How do they feel? What lifestyle do they lead? What doors has fitness opened? Journaling daily and celebrating your wins (no matter how small) can help. Visualisation is a tried and tested strategy for success.
Motivation is a fickle thing. The truth is that the "oomph" will dwindle at times and intensify at others. Try to create a routine that works for you, and make fitness a lifestyle - habit wins over motivation every time.
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