4 Rules for Maintaining Your Weight Loss Motivation

by: KurtSchmitt
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Are you ready to make a change in your life but need to find your weight loss motivation? These four simple rules will help you maintain your desire for change. They will provide a framework for success that will carry you throughout your weight loss journey.

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.

It is also important that you know your measurements. Be as precise as possible and record the measurements for your upper arms, hips, chest, waist, and thighs. Repeat this process every 2-4 weeks and compare your results. A loss of even a fraction of an inch is something to celebrate!

Log it -- Keeping a journal is the second rule for weight loss motivation. This is the place where you will keep an accurate record of the numbers we mentioned above. In addition, you will record your daily food intake along with your daily exercise.

Use the journal to record interesting weight loss facts that you come across. Record your emotions during the weight loss process. The journal enables you to discover patterns in your behavior and offers encouragement when your motivation wanes.

Knowledge is power -- The third rule we're going to discuss is to be a good student! What does that mean? Do your research! In order to lose pounds and maintain that weight loss, you must have an understanding of the USDA Food Pyramid Guidelines. You must also be able to judge recommended portion sizes. So, explore the Internet for suitable websites and read diet-related literature.

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.

Envision the future -- The final rule that we're going to share with you now is that you must have a vision. You probably already have a weight loss goal in mind, but your motivation and ultimate success depend on much more than that! You must regularly visualize the process.

Each day, spend time reflecting on exactly what it will take for you to reach your goal. How will you have to behave? What will you have to eat? How will you deal with temptation? It's all in the details.

If you follow these four simple rules your motivation will remain high throughout your journey. You will have a system in place to fall back on when you feel weak. You will notice and celebrate your small successes and understand that they accumulate into a huge payoff!

About the Author

Gail M. Davis writes about your motivation for weight loss and other health topics. Kurt Schmitt has a self help resource on inspiration .  

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