4 Rules for Maintaining Your Weight Loss Motivation

Even if you're ready for a dramatic life change, maintaining your weight loss motivation can be a challenge. If you follow a number of rules, however, you'll find renewed motivation as you move toward your goals. We'll discuss four of them below.

Know the numbers -- The first rule for weight loss is to know your numbers. Step on the scale, but not constantly, and not even daily; once a week is sufficient.

Take your measurements. Measure your chest, waist, hips, thighs, and upper arms and be precise when reading the tape measure. Do this every two weeks and compare your results. A decrease of even a quarter of an inch can make a huge difference in your ability to gauge your success.

Keep a journal -- The next rule for weight loss motivation, and perhaps the most important one, is to keep a journal. Record your weight, your measurements, when and what you eat, and your daily activity.

Your journal serves another very important purpose. It is the perfect spot for you to record your thoughts and feelings throughout your weight loss journey. It will also help keep you on track by helping you see patterns in your behavior and in your choices.

Researching -- The third most important rule for losing weight involves research. You must educate yourself so that you have the tools you need to maintain your results. Learn what foods the USDA Food Pyramid recommends. Train yourself to recognize proper portion sizes. Read articles on weight-related topics.

Start recording interesting weight loss, exercise, and dieting facts in your journal to keep them accessible. Reading a new twist on something you already know can be very motivating.

Know your outcome -- Finally, weight loss motivation requires you to have a vision. You must be able to "see" yourself the way you'd like to be. Spend a little time each day meditating or reflecting on how you would like to reinvent yourself.

Visualize the smallest details. This is not about saying, "I want to lose 20 pounds." This is about visualizing the journey to that goal. What will it take to get there?

So there you have it... four of the rules for sustaining your motivation. By following these simple guidelines, you'll dramatically increase your chances of experiencing a successful weight loss journey!

About The Author:

Gail M. Davis has a website of weight loss tips and other health subjects. Kurt Schmitt has created a motivational and inspirational website for self help. You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.

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