It doesn’t matter if it’s five pounds or fifty pounds, losing weight is challenging. Whether you are doing it on your own or following a medical weight loss plan, staying motivated while dieting can be tough. Because there are so many positives that can come from healthy weight loss, it is important to find ways to encourage and motivate yourself. This will help you to stick to the plan and achieve your goal.
Be Kind
It is true, we are often our own worst critics. Many people are too hard on themselves when trying to lose weight. Remember, weight loss takes time, patience and a little bit of forgiveness.
Achieving a healthy weight doesn’t happen overnight, it happens slowly. Having unrealistic expectations can quickly derail any diet. If you only have a small amount of weight to lose, you may be able to meet those expectations on your own. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, it can help to consult with your physician. They can help you create a weight loss plan with realistic expectations as to how long it will take to achieve your ultimate goal.
On any weight loss journey, there is bound to be obstacles and temptations. It happens – you slip up and cheat. Forgive yourself, don’t get discouraged and keep moving forward. Focusing on the dieting detour can be demotivating, in some cases to the point of giving up. Don’t do it. Forgive yourself and get back on track. There are so many benefits of healthy weight loss to look forward to!
Stay Motivated
Reaching your ideal weight is the ultimate goal. It can help keep you motivated to set short term goals along the way. You might want to make every five or ten pounds an interim goal. With each of these short term goals you achieve, celebrate. Buy a new outfit in your new, smaller size or treat yourself to a spa day. It’s up to you how you celebrate, just be sure the celebration isn’t food related.
It is important to have a support system in place when trying to lose weight. It could be a family member, a workout buddy or you may choose to join a weight loss support group. If you are following a medical weight loss plan, you will have regular visits with your physician or medical professional. These visits can be an integral part of your support system.
Once you reach your goal, keeping the weight off may also be a challenge. For some people, keeping the weight off can be even more difficult than losing it initially. It is important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process. Rather than wait until you need it, create a maintenance plan at the beginning of your weight loss journey. Your physician or medical professional can assist in creating a plan that works for you.
Reap the Rewards
Achieving a healthy weight offers benefits that go beyond getting a new wardrobe in a smaller size. Not only will you look better, you will feel better. Losing weight can reduce the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and many other health related issues. It will also reduce pressure on joints, resulting in less pain and increased mobility.
Weight loss can also affect how you feel about yourself and be a big boost to your self-esteem. You may feel more comfortable and outgoing in social situations or more assertive and proactive at work. This new found self-confidence can have a positive impact on many aspects of everyday life.
Healthy Weight Loss
The key to successful, long term weight loss requires permanent changes in your day to day life. The hardest part, however, is the first step. Getting started on your weight loss journey must begin somewhere.
At Vive Medical Weight Loss, that first step starts at your consultation. Dr. Pinto’s philosophy is to give you the jumpstart you need to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight. During your initial consultation, Dr. Pinto will review your medical and weight history, discuss your short and long term goals, and present to you what your expected weight loss will be.
Vive is proud partners with THE CENTER FOR MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS, the largest network of physicians specializing in weight loss in the country. Using evidence-based weight loss programs, your success is inevitable. Schedule your consultation today and begin the journey to a healthier, happier you!
