For some of us, myself included, the weight loss journey is a bit longer than it is for those who need to lose a few extra pounds. We’re looking at a journey that can last at least six months or longer (and it’s definitely longer in my case). Along with the longer journey can come boredom, frustration, and discouragement. I don’t know about any of you, but there are times when I definitely have my “Are we there yet?” moments!
So, how do we keep on keeping on? How do we stay motivated for the long haul? How do we keep boredom at bay, and avoid backsliding into old habits? Below are a few things that have worked for me so far:
- Focus on how far you’ve come - not how far you have to go. Think about where you were at this time last year, last month, or six months ago. Think about what you’re able to do now that you weren’t able to do back then. I can bend over and tie my shoes without getting out of breath. I can walk a mile in under twenty minutes. I’ve lost my extra chins, and a few X’s along the way.
- Take pictures!!! Keep a photographic record of your progress. I didn’t realize just how much weight I’d lost until I was goofing around with my camera and realized that I only had one chin! Pictures will show you that you’re making progress, even when you don’t think you are.
- Take your measurements. Taking your measurements is another way to document your progress. Along with the standard waist, hips, upper arm, thigh, and chest measurements, make note of your shoe size, your ring size, the number of holes on your watch band and your neck measurement. Losing an inch on your neck is a big deal, believe it or not!
- Keep a journal. Write about your non-scale victories as they happen. Don’t just write what they are, though. Make sure you capture the joy and excitement you feel, too!
- Keep trying new things. It doesn’t matter if they’re new recipes (tonight I’m making Weight Watchers Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese for the first time), new workout DVDs, new playlists on your iPod or my personal favorite, new gadgets like pedometers. Try a new activity, like inline skating or riding a bike. If you don’t like it, all you’ve lost is a few hours. You don’t have to do it ever again if you don’t want to. Mix things up a little to keep them fresh and exciting!
- Get and share support with others who are on similar journeys. For me, this is a combination of my weekly Weight Watchers meeting with my fellow “Wednesday Night Irregulars”, daily message board discussions on the Weight Watchers message boards, this blog, and checking in with friends via phone and e-mail.
I’ve been doing this so far for almost nine months, and I’m just over halfway to my goal of losing a hundred pounds. I’ve come too far to stop now, so I have to keep things interesting!
I’m really interested in hearing your ideas, too! If you have motivational long-term weight loss tips that you’d like to share, by all means, feel free to post a comment and share them!
For some of us, myself included, the weight loss journey is a bit longer than it is for those who need to lose a few extra pounds. We’re looking at a journey that can last at least six months or longer (and it’s definitely longer in my case). Along with the longer journey can come boredom, frustration, and discouragement. I don’t know about any of you, but there are times when I definitely have my “Are we there yet?” moments!
So, how do we keep on keeping on? How do we stay motivated for the long haul? How do we keep boredom at bay, and avoid backsliding into old habits? Below are a few things that have worked for me so far:
I’ve been doing this so far for almost nine months, and I’m just over halfway to my goal of losing a hundred pounds. I’ve come too far to stop now, so I have to keep things interesting!
I’m really interested in hearing your ideas, too! If you have motivational long-term weight loss tips that you’d like to share, by all means, feel free to post a comment and share them!