Five Motivational Tools to Healthy Eating
Once we’ve got through all the seasonal festivities, it seems to be an equal part of tradition to start thinking about healthy eating and losing weight.
The main problem with this is that we start off eagerly enough, but the enthusiasm wanes in a very short space of time (usually in less than a week).
So here’s a few ideas to help keep you motivated and, hopefully, achieve the goals you set yourself.
1. Statistics
The statistics available regarding the health and fitness of our society are shocking and disturbing.
We all hear almost every day;
- obesity is rising,
- diabetes is becoming far more common,
- childhood obesity is getting worse,
- the government can’t afford the ongoing costs of treatments.
If any of these numbers relate to you, you can use them to motivate yourself to be more than a statistic.
Don’t let any of these numbers scare you into action, let them empower you to change. Empowerment is better than fear every single time.
2. Images and role models for success
For many, it helps to have an image of success.
If you’re trying to lose weight or eat better, you can find someone you know and respect who has achieved the same goal.
If you’re looking to lose weight, why not find an image of a celebrity role model or find a role model you know personally and let them inspire you?
Inspiration comes from visual images and from personal interaction. Conversations, quotes, and pictures from this person and how they achieved their goals could help you attain yours.
3. Get a coach
Sometimes it pays to get expert help – particularly when you’re dealing with a difficult life-changing plan.
For example, starting a new weight loss campaign can feel overwhelming. So, instead of operating in the dark and trying to find the right diet plan for your goals, body type and health, you can hire a nutritionist or dietician to guide you.
Not only will a dietician help you figure out what to do to meet your goals, they can be invaluable when it comes to motivation. That’s their job, to kick your bottom into gear and help you live the way you really want to live – even when it’s difficult to do.
You can find a coach to help you with just about any goal you have, from improving your nutrition to losing weight, exercising and even quitting smoking.
4. Find a support group
Sometimes it’s just helpful to find a peer group that’s going through the same thing you are, so they understand the tough times and can help you get through them.
Many weight loss programs offer support groups in the form of meetings or online chat rooms.
If you aren’t participating in a formal weight loss program like Weight Watchers, you can easily find an online group of people who are going through the same things you are.
Support groups can help you know what to expect as you’re making your way towards your healthy eating goals; they can offer inspiration for you when they succeed and they can help you get through your personal barriers by offering advice and support.
5. Track your progress
Tracking your success is a great way to stay motivated.
You can track your success in a journal, using an online tool, or by creating a spreadsheet to track your goals and results. And, of course, there’s apps galore that you can download to your mobile.
Now, nobody said these tips would suddenly make you lose weight or eat more healthily, but they will help you get there as long as you put in the effort.
Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!