Who among us hasn’t tried to lose weight and found it to be a struggle? We’ve all had failed New Year’s resolutions. Why does it have to be so hard?
Unfortunately, half-hearted attempts don’t amount to success. It may take a while until you’re ready to seriously tackle a change in diet. But once you make up your mind to give it your all, and you follow a carefully laid out plan, you’ll be surprised at how the pieces all fall into place. That’s when you start seeing results.
Don’t wait forever for the right moment; it may never come. Instead, make up your mind to get serious about losing weight today. With the tips below, you can flip the switch now and get started on the path to a fitter, healthier you!
“It finally clicked in my head”
Diega Z.’s diet success (she lost an unbelievable 85 lbs. with Vida180) was preceded by what she said was an eye-opening moment.
“It was a Sunday morning. I stood in front of the mirror and thought: ‘What happened to you?!’ I was so disappointed at how I looked. I had always dreamed of wearing dresses and short skirts. I’d secretly envied other women who could wear them. And now, that was such a distant and seemingly unrealistic goal. That’s the moment when it finally clicked for me. I was ready to change my mindset and change my lifestyle. It was time to get serious
about improving my diet.”
Kristina S. (33 lbs. lost with Vida180) says a photo jarred her into action. She describes it this way: “I went on a trip with friends and didn’t get to see the photos until a few months later. I was blown away at how heavy I looked. I had never seen myself like this. I knew it was time for a change.”
While a specific event can trigger your motivation to get started losing weight, you don’t have to wait until it “clicks” for you. Mind over matter can cue the start of your weight loss journey. Try some of the tips below to get you in the right mindset. Get started with your free diet analysis today!
1. Pictures tell the story
If you have a picture of yourself that shows you slim(mer), stick it to your fridge or pantry. If you don’t have one, look for a picture from a magazine, such as a well- proportioned model (no skinny waifs!). The photos will help you keep your goal in mind when you’re reaching for food. Incidentally, aspirational images are generally more motivating than deterrent images (fat pictures).
2. Motivational Notes
Write down why you want to lose weight. Is it for a specific occasion? Perhaps it’s to lower your high blood pressure or control your diabetes?
State the goal you are pursuing. Write down how you expect to feel when you’ve achieved it (note that we don’t say “IF” you achieve it). Stick this motivational note somewhere you’ll see it frequently like on your bathroom mirror. You’ll soon internalize these goals, keeping them at the forefront of your mind.
3. Experience first hand
Do you have an article of clothing you love but no longer fits? Try it on today!
Yes, it can be depressing when there’s too much belly to zip up your favorite pair of skinny jeans. But this experience can turbo-charge your motivation.
The way you feel in those too-tight jeans may give you that click-in-the-head moment that drives you toward weight-loss success.
4. Change your perspective
Don’t concentrate on what you’re no longer allowed to eat on your diet. Instead, imagine what you are allowed and encouraged to eat.
Prepare a basket of seasonal fruit and keep it out on a table where you can see it. Keep carrots and celery sticks in baggies so they’re handy for grab-and-go snacking. Try some new recipes from Vida180 diet.
When you stroll through the grocery store, don’t tell yourself that you’re “on a diet” or that you have to “eat healthy” from now on. Instead, think of fueling your body with foods that are “fresh and tasty.” You’re not a “dieter.” You’re a gourmet who is too smart and refined to eat ready-made meals, fast food, and junk food.
5. Use vacations as motivation
When you have a vacation coming up, hang your bathing suit or a cute sundress on the outside of the closet where you’ll see it frequently and be reminded of your goal. Every week, as your vacation gets closer, try the item on and note your progress to keep you motivated.
6. Get on the dreaded scale
How long has it been since you weighed yourself? Avoiding the scale is a way of avoiding the truth. You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Get on that scale!
Although the number may be upsetting at first, it can move you to action. Write down your current weight with the date. Use that as the trigger to get started on your weight loss journey from the moment you step off that scale.
To document your weight progress, Vida180 offers you a success chart and the option of writing us a weigh-in note after each weight entry. Our nutrition coaches will provide feedback designed to help you stay motivated and achieve your goals!
As part of our free diet analysis, we calculate when you should be able to reach your desired weight. We’ll determine how much weight you can safely and realistically lose each week. Using short-term and long-term goals combined with coaching and encouragement will help keep you on track. Get started with your free diet analysis today!