The mental work that goes in to successful weight loss is often underestimated. Even when we have specific menus and plans to get us to our goals, just a little bit of exhaustion or defeat can tear us down and take us far from our path. Having to keep ourselves motivated and strong while losing weight can be a lot of work. Finding inspiration and positivity to keep ourselves encouraged and committed is essential.
Sometimes all it takes is a little visual reminder of what you are working towards and all the good you are doing. Check our Facebook page for daily motivational posts that can keep you in the right mindset. If you have a specific event you are looking forward to such as a wedding, bar mitzvah or vacation, use a calendar or the clothes you plan to wear to keep you motivated. One of the hardest parts of weight loss is that results take time, so visuals are a helpful way of picturing what you are working towards when you need a reminder.
It’s also important to remember the benefits you are going to experience beyond weight loss. Losing weight can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, and it can also help you lower your blood pressure to help keep you from heart disease. Weight loss is also known to reduce your cholesterol and your risk of Diabetes and other chronic disease. Getting healthy will also benefit your skin: Vitamin C, which is found in oranges, berries, peppers, tomatoes, melons, broccoli and more, is essential to building healthy tissue and skin. Broccoli as well as spinach, carrots and kale are also high in Vitamin A which has huge benefits for your skin. You may also experience benefits in your digestive system. After all, if you put good food in your belly it’s going to feel good! Eating clean can also help you boost your energy levels. Eating heavy meals will make you feel exactly that – heavy. Avoiding foods that make you feel sluggish and give you short term sugar highs will help keep you focused all day. Because of this, weight loss is also known to boost your mood. When you feel better physically, you have a more positive outlook and have the ability to reduce stress and accomplish more during the day. Proper nutrition also gives your body the vitamins and good bacteria that can kill germs, help fight diseases and boost the immune system.
If you find your motivation fading during the day, maybe it’s your environment. If you’re stressed and looking for comfort food or just feeling burnt out, find a way to step away and re-energize yourself. That can be going for a walk or working out if you exercise. It can also be anything that makes you happy that doesn’t have to do with food – listening to upbeat music, chatting with a friend, read a book or work on a hobby. You will feel so much better doing something productive and rewarding yourself with something other than food. You can also do something relaxing such as meditation or listening to soothing music to reduce stress and prevent yourself from emotional eating. We all have times in the day when we get antsy and are vulnerable to weak moments of intense cravings – know when this time is for you and be prepared to redirect your attention and focus on something positive.
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
