How can I keep myself motivated?

Question

Im trying hard to stay on my diet as I need to lose weight. However, I really find it hard to stay motivated. Sometimes I just want to eat all the foods I am craving and forget about the diet. But that is something I just cant do, I need to stay on this diet.

Any suggestions?

Thanks very much.

Answer 1

I know exactly what you are talking about here. You go out to eat and instead of getting your favorite high-calorie meal, you go with a salad and skip your favorite dessert. However, all you can think about is the cake you refuse to eat.

I can't give advice based on experience, but I can give advice based on theory and my hopes.

Some ideas to help motivate yourself to eat healthy are:

1. Look at nutritional information of some of the foods you eat. Some things will shock you, like how many of the dishes at Macaroni Grill are in excess of 34 points. It will make you think twice about eating them.

2. Modify your favorite recipes. Weight Watchers has a recipe that uses cake mix and diet soda instead of the eggs, oil, and water. A serving is only one point, and it supposedly doesn't taste any different. Instead of buying fries at a fast food place, find recipes to make your own fries and use non-fat cooking spray to bake the fries. Use whole wheat pasta and rice instead of white. You will get some of the foods you like, but you will cut down on calories and/or improve nutrition.

3. Don't just say "no"-Substitute. Instead of getting the cake you want from the restaurant, find another healthier sweet treat somewhere (either at that restaurant or somewhere else.) That way you end up with something instead of nothing.

4. Eat your favorite foods as treats. When you really have a craving for your favorite foods, go ahead and eat them, but only as treats, and try to reduce your portion sizes. Share with a friend when eating out. If you are craving fast food fries, get the small size and not large. It's alright to eat treats in moderation. A small serving of fries from Burger King won't hurt, but the King Sized will.

As far as exercise goes, have fun with it. Start off by taking the long way to the store in the mall, or by parking in a spot far from the entrance. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Go to the playground and swing on the swings, or climb on the jungle gym. You will burn more calories, and start getting into shape while having fun. If you start off by doing boring exercise like just running or walking, you will get tired and give up quickly. However, if you sneak in exercise and do activities that are more fun, you will start getting into shape. Then, you can start doing those "boring" exercises without getting so frustrated.

Also, don't forget to drink at least 64 oz. of water each day (a little less than 4 bottles of water).

Good luck with this.

Answer 2

well keep reminding yourself what got you on your diet in the first place. I dont know you so i cant be real helpful. By the way working out will get you in better shape than just dieting, i eat c**p im alright, just some heads up.