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Sometimes the most challenging part of weight loss is finding that extra “umph!” to get you started and keep you on track long enough to see results. Here are some suggestions for finding out what works for you!

“I just can’t get started. It’s going to take so long.”
Starting a weight loss journey can be very intimidating, especially for a beginner. There is so much information to take in, and people trying to tell you the tips and tricks of slimming down. BREATHE EASY - there are no tips and tricks. All you need is exercise and a healthy, balanced diet to reach your goals. If the amount of weight you have to lose is discouraging to you, break your pounds down into smaller goals. It is much easier to face 5 or 10 pound weight loss goals than taking on a 50 lb journey from the start. Every little pound adds up, and will distract from how far you actually have to go. Make your goals realistic, and give yourself enough time to meet them. If you take on too much at once it could be discouraging if you don’t meet your goals right away and you might want to call it quits. 

“I can’t join a gym so there’s no way I can do this.”
You don’t need a gym to lose weight and get fit. Don’t let your lack of a gym crush your motivation and slow you down. Take a walk or run outdoors. Look for work out videos online. Dance, do jumping jacks, get moving! Bench press your bed! Not having a gym is no excuse for feeling defeated and accepting that you have to wait for a gym membership. Make your own, fun, exercise routines and take them seriously like you would a workout at the gym.

“I always start but I give up because I don’t see results.”
Weight loss takes time. You will not drop a jean size overnight. It’s a process, and you have to keep going. If you’re like me, you need a reward for your hard work, and sometimes body progress doesn’t show up in time for that. Set up incentives for when you meet certain goals. For every month you stick with weight loss, buy yourself a new workout shirt, or get a manicure. Give yourself an extra push to keep going. If that isn’t enough and you don’t have one already, MAKE A FITBLR. If you update it often and hold yourself accountable by posting your journey publicly, it’s easier to stick with it. Other people are doing the same thing as you and it’s nice to have the support. Take progress pictures along the way. Sometimes changes happen that the eyes and mirror just can’t show you. Compare the two every couple of weeks to keep yourself going.

“I’ve already lost some weight but I’m just getting unmotivated.”
Take a break, and maintain the weight you’ve reached. If you keep going and you’re just not into it, you risk just giving up and falling back into old habits. Up your calories, keep eating healthy, and exercise for fun when you want to. Weight loss can end up feeling like a time-sensitive issue or an obligation. IT’S NOT. You have your ENTIRE life to get healthy and fit. If you’re not having fun and it upsets you more than it makes you happy, give yourself a rest. You won’t gain it back, and you can take the time you need. Once you’re ready, set new goals and start fresh! Make yourself a list and remember why you started in the first place.

“I’m not in the mood for the gym. Maybe tomorrow.”
Put on your work out clothes, and promise that you’ll give your best for just 15 short minutes. If after the 15 minutes you want to stop, go ahead and call it quits. Most of the time, you’ll want to continue what you already started and keep going longer. Worst case scenario, you put in 15 minutes of work, and that’s 15 minutes toward your goal and 15 minutes is better than none. You’ll be glad you did.

Takeaways:

• Weight loss is not a race. You have plenty of time, so take it slow.
• If you’re not enjoying it at all, take a break until you’re ready to start
• Reward yourself for being persistent and doing your best
• Find support where you can
  
• Remind your self often why you want this for yourself, and why it’s worth it!

- 30down30more