How to Stick to Your Weight Loss Goals

It’s easy to make a goal when you’re motivated but what happens a month or two down the road when the motivation wears off? How do you stick to your weight loss goal long enough to achieve it? Change is difficult and we often want “quick and easy” results that require little effort, and when we don’t see results quickly enough we get discouraged and lose the drive to continue. The problem is, diet plans and weight loss products that claim to deliver immediate results are often the most dangerous to your health, so instead of feeling frustrated if you don’t see instant results, try these tips for keeping yourself patient and motivated to continue.

Steps

1. 1 Write down your goal and make it visible to you every day. When we make a goal in our mind it may seem clear and definite to us in the moment, but our focus tends to fade over time. Writing down your goal and seeing it in front of you each day will help re-motivate you and keep your aim on the target.
2. 2 Be realistic with your goal and the time frame in which you want to achieve it. A weight loss goal of 50 lbs should not be set for 2 months from now. Instead, set a goal to lose 5 lbs in 4 weeks (that’s just over 1 lb. per week), and then when you reach that goal, make another one. Setting a series of small goals and reaching them will keep you motivated for the long haul.
3. 3 Establish a plan containing the steps you will take to achieve your goal. If you are trying to lose weight for the first time, you need a plan that is right for you. Try hiring a personal trainer or nutritionist for a few sessions so he or she can set up a structured program for you to follow. If you can’t afford to hire anyone, read up on the topic ahead of time, jot down your own plan, and show it to someone you know who is knowledgeable on the subject of fitness. It might also be cheaper to hire an online trainer; Becky Conti offers online training and nutrition for a low price. Just make sure you have the correct knowledge and tools you need for success!
4. 4 Prepare yourself mentally. A goal of weight loss and lifestyle change is not easy and takes hard work, preparation, persistence, and determination. Make sure you are mentally prepared for such an undertaking before you start! Prepare yourself for the fact that your journey isn’t going to be perfect, and you will probably have setbacks where you “fall off the wagon” for a day or two. Instead of calling it quits at the first sign of discouragement, be ready for the hard times and keep moving toward your goal.
5. 5 Remember that persistence is key!

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