One area that a lot of people have trouble with, including myself, is staying motivated while we’re losing weight.  It’s easier when we’re first getting started.  It’s actually exciting to start a new program or a new way of life.  But after a couple of weeks, the excitement starts to wan and all of this focus on food and losing weight and exercise gets to be a little….well, old, doesn’t it?

I was speaking to a friend the other day that lost 11 lbs. last month on a program that is manufactured by my company.  She said she loved the fact that she lost weight, but that it was actual work to think about and watch her portion size, exercise every day, and to stay focused on her long-term goal.  How true!  It IS work to a certain extent.

So what keeps you motivated?  I will share my strategies on staying motivated:

1.  Take a day off.  That’s right!  One day a week, just take a day off from the crazy weight loss world.  Do something fun and that you enjoy and forget about portion control and calorie counts and wondering if you’re ever going to lose this weight!

2.  When you hit one of your smaller goals, reward yourself.  Buy your favorite book or magazine and start reading it.  Watch a movie you have been wanting to see.  Do something for you and only you!

3.  Remind yourself that losing weight, maintaining your loss, and living a healthy lifestyle are long-term, a lifestyle change, and that it is NOT going to happen overnight.  You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so once you realize that it’s going to take time, you won’t fret that you’re not losing weight quickly enough.  This will take some of the “pressure” off of you.

Most of all - just relax.  The weight will come off!  There’s no way that it won’t if you’re eating healthy and getting in some exercise (burning more calories than you’re taking in).