Eat More Balanced I am generally a healthy eater, but I love my share of carbs and sweets. In an effort to eat more fruits and veggies, as well as lose weight and just feel better overall, I joined Weight Watchers this past weekend. I'm not a week in yet, so I can't say if it's working, but it does take some getting used to. I haven't been eating many more fruits and veggies than usual, which I thought I would since most of them are 0 points. I am trying to incorporate more of them, but if I'm not hungry, I am not going to eat them for the sake of eating them and because they have no points. I have included them in every meal, which is a good change, but I don't think I'm necessarily eating much more than previously. Does that make sense or is my logic all off? Ha!
How to stay motivated definitely varies from person to person. For me, it's making decent progress. Back in 2008, what motivated me to keep eating well and exercising was losing weight every week. I lost nearly 75 pounds by counting calories and exercising about nine hours a week. I have slowly gained back the weight and have tried multiple times to lose it without success. I would lose maybe a few pounds a month, which wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. So, I would quit. I know I need to stick with something for a while to see results, but results is what generally keeps me motivated. Can you say catch 22? I'm hoping by joining Weight Watchers, I will start, and continue to lose weight so I will stick with it.
Some Ideas for Staying Motivated
If you're looking to lose weight, put $1 (a quarter, a penny) per pound in a jar to see your weight loss add up; remove $1 per pound gained. Use this money toward a new wardrobe, a vacation, anything!
Set achievable milestones and reward yourself for each one reached. For example, buy yourself new workout gear or book a massage for meeting your workout goals each month.
Don't be down on yourself - If you're not meeting your goals, reevaluate them to make sure you haven't made your goals too big at this point in your life. I prefer smaller goals, which will hopefully be easier to meet and help you stay motivated to complete even more, bigger goals!
What about you? What motivates you? Any tips?