Figuring out how to get motivated to lose weight can be exceptionally challenging for several reasons.
Not only does it require major lifestyle changes, but many also suffer from obesity due to health conditions and prescribed medications.
That said, learning how to get motivated can help you find the right mindset to decide whether now is the right time to achieve your goal weight, which will, in addition, improve your life!
Before You Get Started
Before we dive straight into the list of ways to boost your weight loss motivation, let’s go over a few general tips first.
Laying the groundwork for your weight loss goals can help you stay on track and avoid bad habits while improving your body image.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Why am I looking to lose weight?
Everyone has their reasons for embarking on their weight loss journeys, whether they want to feel better about themselves, manage a health condition, and overcome challenges they have.
It’s crucial to first look at why you want to improve your body image, whether for internal or external factors.
You will want to choose the motivating factor that works best for you, as this will help keep you determined to work toward your end goal.
Is there a cause I feel strongly about?
A massive source of weight loss motivation for many fitness enthusiasts is a specific cause, especially when increasing your training.
Whether it be suicide prevention, Alzheimer’s research, or cancer research, find a cause you’d love to support.
You can see if there are any athletic events you’d like to sign up for that support these causes, such as marathons, weightlifting competitions, or even long-distance walks.
Not only will you be able to use a cause to stick to your weight loss plan, but you’ll also benefit millions of lives.
As you work out, you can raise funds towards a specific cause, assisting with funding research or families affected by the issue.
Do I have a backup plan?
The people who succeed the most at achieving their goals don’t give up, whatever the circumstances.
That said, having a backup plan can always be helpful once you have decided it is time to start a weight loss program.
For example, if you want to start by working out, plan a healthy meal with food prep as a backup plan.
If you can’t exercise, you can always fall back to your diet plan as plan B. This step helps guarantee you won’t have any excuses for not reaching your health goals.
How can I hold myself accountable?
Another considerable tip when preparing your weight loss efforts is to think about how you will hold yourself accountable.
Whether you’re eating healthy or doing more physical activity, you must ensure you stick to your plan.
There are numerous ways you can hold yourself accountable when losing weight, but our two favorites are social media and a workout buddy.
You can create an account for close friends and family on social media that chronicles your weight loss journey.
This is a fantastic way to involve your loved ones in your healthier habits for long-term success and support.
Alternatively, if you are not much for sharing, a workout buddy can hold you to your exercise plan and healthy eating.
How To Get Motivated To Lose Weight: 6 Top Tips
Now that you’ve answered the fundamental questions, let’s get into the tips you can use to help boost your motivation and achieve self-improvement to reduce your unhealthy habits.
1. Sleep in Your Workout Clothes
Okay, we know that sleeping in your workout clothes might seem silly initially, but it is a fantastic way to boost your activity level.
When you wake up in your workout gear, you will have no excuse for not hitting the gym first thing in the morning.
You won’t have to worry about taking extra steps to get out the door, have breakfast, drink your pre-workout shake, and go to the gym.
The easier you make your exercise routine, the more likely you will go through with it. By the time you’re done, you will be thankful you slept in your workout gear.
2. It’s Not Only About Losing Weight
If you ask any serious gym enthusiast why they work out, their answer will most likely be about health.
Most people that stick to their gym goals understand that exercise is more than losing weight; it’s about living a healthier lifestyle overall.
You will choose healthy food, master the art of portion control, reduce binge eating, and push your body to its limits.
That said, looking at your exercise as a lifestyle change towards health rather than weight loss can be helpful.
It makes your exercise feel more long-term rather than a short-term solution to a long-term issue.
3. Planning Is Key
It doesn’t matter whether you are starting a new fitness routine or meal plan; planning is the number one thing you have to do.
When you have everything scheduled and planned, you will start running out of excuses as to why you are not accomplishing your achievable goals.
This is particularly important to note if you lack motivation regarding healthy eating.
When you take the time to plan your menu for the week and meal prep, all you will have available to you is delicious, healthy food.
You won’t need to stop at a fast-food joint when you already have a container of protein-rich goods ready for you.
This also applies to exercise, as scheduling your workouts ensures exercise fits your daily activities.
4. Take Advantage of Fitness Apps
Some old-fashioned people believe adding tech to health is disadvantageous.
However, fitness apps are a phenomenal way to master the art of dealing with exercise and healthy eating.
Not only do these apps deal with a lack of motivation, but they also help keep track of your daily routine, body mass, current weight, and your current diet.
Some apps allow you to sync your account with your friends to keep each other accountable for achieving your goals.
It also gives you an easily accessible place to review all aspects of your weight loss rather than using an old-fashioned pen and paper.
5. Master the Art of Positive Self Talk
Positive self-care is a massive aspect of weight loss that many people struggle with.
It is far too easy for some to talk down to themselves when they need to make a lifestyle change, as they think this can be motivating.
Sure, it can help you to get into the gym the first time, but negative self-talk can be incredibly demoralizing after short periods.
Always talk to yourself in a positive way and focus on the accomplishments you have made with your awesome diet and bouts of exercise.
The happier you are with yourself internally, the more pounds you will shed per week.
6. Find Food Options You Enjoy
As we all know, a massive part of weight gain and loss is food.
Your food intake determines how many calories you burn and store throughout the day, leading to weight fluctuations.
That said, you will find healthier food choices much easier to live with if you find things you like. This is where a food journal can become your best friend.
With food journaling, you can keep track of your favorite healthy meals throughout the week, creating a personal cookbook to rely on.
The more healthy ingredients you know you love, the less unhealthy food you will binge on throughout the week.
How Can I Get Motivated To Lose Weight Today?
When learning how to get motivated to lose weight, you will need to take a multi-sided approach that focuses on an exercise goal and healthy eating.
With positive reinforcement and positive thinking, you’ll be well on your way to healthier cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
If you want to start today, set a realistic goal, find inspirational quotes, and get started!