Knowing the basics of a weight loss program and all the tips and tricks works when the program is followed. However, when one needs to lose many pounds and faces 6 months to a year to reach that elusive goal weight, after a while it begins to feel more like a prison sentence than a diet. The initial feeling of motivation begins to wilt, much like a plant that has not been watered for two or three weeks.
Every dieter has heard or read every tip, trick, must-do and never-do that is available at least one hundred times. This is not a bad thing as we tend to forget over time, and any 'refresher course' is worth our time and attention. (We also have a built-in mechanism that rejects advice that we don't like!)
The biggest 'diet killer' is boredom. There is not much variety in our meals, and the exercise routine that we chose is now a chore, not something to enjoy. And, we are tired of saying 'I can't have that on my diet'.
How can this be turned around? Many dieters choose to 'turn it around' by abandoning the diet. Which in turn brings back the feelings of failure, guilt and depression.
Is there a way to positively turn this around and maintain or regain the enthusiasm and motivation that was with us at the beginning of our weight loss program? The following tips may help you to once again be motivated and enthusiastic.
Set aside one or two hours for 'research'
Spend the research time looking for new and exciting recipes. Much of our boredom comes from no variation in meal planning. If you eat a bowl of cereal every morning, you are going to get tired of it.
Look for alternatives; smoothies can be very diet friendly and they are delightful. They can be used for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up or for dessert. Sick and tired of baked or broiled chicken breast? Try stir-fry chicken recipes or soups.
Need different snacks? There are recipes available for baked zucchini chips, cauliflower popcorn and oven fried okra. I can vouch for all of these; they are delicious, and they satisfy the urge to down a bag of chips!
Excitement of new foods will up the enthusiasm level. Your imagination is your only barrier.
Take two minutes to look at yourself
Whether you have lost 20 pounds or 5 pounds there is a difference in your looks. Be proud of that, you worked incredibly hard to shed those pounds.
Show it off! Buy a new blouse, a new pair of pants or both. New clothes, especially if they are a size smaller, are a wonderful way to boost moral.
Get your hair done. Try a different style, or even a different color. Begin wearing make-up on a daily basis. Sprucing yourself up will start the compliments rolling in. Compliments have the effect of making you strive harder to reach that goal weight.
Change your exercise routine (or restart it)
Exercise is like anything else; when the pattern is repetitious it becomes boring. Take a walk one day, dance to your favorite music another day, use an exercise video, find something you like to do outside like gardening or playing ball. All of this is exercise, and it will keep you from becoming bored with the same routine.
Hopefully these three tips will help you to once again be motivated with the weight loss plan you chose. One item to keep in the forefront of your mind is pride. Never minimize that pride by saying 'I only lost one pound this week'. Instead say 'I am one step closer to my goal weight', and be very proud of that.
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