Staying positive when you’re trying to lose weight is easy when you’re seeing results. When you hit a plateau or start to fall off track it’s a totally different ball game. How do you stay positive even when you’re not losing as much weight as you were hoping you would?
- Remember that you’re much more than how much you weigh.
Your weight is only a small part of who you are and you’re great no matter how much or how little you weigh. Your body is just the package, everything that matters is on the inside. If you’re feeling down, reach out to the people who love and care about you for a reminder
- Focus on how far you’ve come.
Think about when you first started trying to lose weight. What have you accomplished since then? Focus on those good choices you made and any progress you’ve had thus far. Can you walk a little further without getting tired? Have you made the conscious effort to take the stairs instead of the elevator even though it’s more difficult? Those things matter and you should be proud of them.
- Don’t forget – everyone who tries to lose weight struggles.
Some people like to give the impression that losing weight was easy for them. It wasn’t. Losing weight is hard. You’re retraining your body and mind. You’re switching unhealthy habits for healthy ones. It’s not easy. It takes hard work and focus. Everyone struggles, you’re not alone and you can do this!
- Even if you slip up, don’t beat yourself up over it.
There is a phrase in the nutritionist community… “Feeling bad will never make you feel good.” Feeling guilty about your decisions and letting yourself dwell on mistakes is never going to get you where you want to be. You can’t feel better and get healthier if you’re making yourself feel bad. Nobody is perfect.
- Remember why you want it.
When you’re feeling demotivated is the perfect time to revisit why you want to lose weight. Think about making a dream board and filling it with inspirational quotes and pictures of things you want to do. Do you want to be able to run marathons or go kayaking? Maybe you just want the energy to run around in the yard with the kids. Get pictures that represent your goals and dreams. Maybe even plan a big reward for when you finally reach your big goal such as a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to go and include pictures so you can look at it any time you feel demotivated.
Staying positive is an ongoing battle but one you can win by taking an active role in your attitude. You control your attitude, not the other way around!
