Find the Motivation to Lose Weight

Recent studies have shown that 2/3 of the American population is overweight.  Those are somewhat staggering numbers.  We also know that the weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar industry.  There is an avaricious appetite for everything from weight loss supplements to diets to weight loss books, fitness centers, gastric bypass surgery, liposuction, etc.  The list could go on and on, yet, despite the large amount of money being spent the majority are still overweight.  This tells me that there is a disconnect between wanting to lose weight and the ability to do it  So where do we find the motivation to lose weight? 

Is Weight Loss Easy?

The interesting thing is that there are searches placed on the internet everyday that go something like the list below:

Lose Weight Fast

Lose Weight Fast and Easy

Quickly Lose Weight

Rapid Weight Loss

Everyone is searching for the easiest and fastest way to lose weight. Everyone wants some weight loss tips.  I understand the mindset but there is an inherent problem with the mindset. Losing weight is neither fast or easy. If you think about it, it shouldn't be. In many cases it took you years to pack on the pounds so it would be wrong to think that you can get rid of belly fat or any other type of fat in a few short days. It is because losing weight is so difficult that we need to find ways to motivate ourselves to do it. Let's take a look at some way to find the motivation ot lose weight.

Recognize the Consequences of Obesity

Being overweight can have dramatic negative consequences for your health.  If you are concerned about your health and your ability to lead a quality life in the future you need ot be concerned with losing weight.  A few years ago I ended up giong to the doctor's office at the request of my wife to get a series of blood tests run.  I was about 20 25 pounds heavier than I should have been at the time.  When the results came back I was shocked.  My triglyceride count was off the charts and in the danger zone.  That was a wake up cll for me an provided the motivation for me to drop those 20 pounds in a matter of three or four months.  As I did the triglyceride counts came back to normal. 

If you are looking for motivation to lose weight remind yourself of the consequences to your health if you do not. 

Find an Accoutability Partner

All of us struggle to accomplish things when we feel like the lone wolf.  Our motivation wanes and sooner or later we cave in to the temptation to give up on our attempt to lose weight.  Having an accountability partner can help with that.  Find someone else who is in the same boat as you and can help make sure that you do your exercise and that you stick to your diet.  If you know that someone is going to ask what you ate and be at your house to pick you up and take you to the gym then your motivation level will increase.

Reward Yourself for Hitting Milestones

I don't know about you but I need a carrot at the end of the stick every so often.  Reward yourself for doing well and hitting certain milestones.  If your goal is to lose 20 pounds treat yourself to a new piece of clothing or a weekend trip when you hit the 10 pound mark.  Give yourself cheat days for your diet every week or so.  You need to have something to look forward to in order to keep you going and to keep the motivation to lose weight.  If every Saturday you allow a big meal then it makes it easier to endure during the week.

Recognize the Benefits of Weight Loss

If you sit down to weigh the benefits vs. the cost you will see that the benefits of weight loss win by quite a bit.  There are improved health benefits.  There is less risk of heart disease and diabetes.  There is increased self esteem.  You feel good about yourself because of what you accomplished.  You not afraid to put on that bathing suit any longer.  You have an improved sex life.  You get a sense of accomplishment and can take pride in what you have done. 

You will have more energy throughout the day.  You will sleep better.  I could continue with the list but I think you get the picture.  There are many benefits to losing weight; you just need to remind yourself of them from time to time.