You look in the mirror and see no change in your body from last week. The scale hasn’t budged, the same numbers staring out at you as the last time you weighed yourself. You feel defeated and hopeless. What’s the point in trying if you’re not getting the results you hoped for? You might as well be scarfing down cartons of Chunky Monkey. In fact, ice cream sounds like a very delicious idea right now, much more satisfying than sweating it out at the smelly gym. But wait. What about the body you’ve always dreamed of? Don’t you still want it? All is not lost. It’s not hopeless. You can have that and so much more. Check out these five ways to keep your motivation up when you aren’t seeing the results you want.
1. Write down how you feel. Write down how you feel now after you’ve begun to eat better and exercise. Now write down how you felt before that, when you consumed junk and didn’t exercise. Keep a journal of it. Whenever you miss a day of working out or cheat on your diet, make an entry of how you feel, both physically and mentally. Do the same when you’re completely on track.
2. Exercise for five minutes. Whether that means going to the gym or taking a jog down the street. Chances are, once you begin to exercise your mood will be instantly boosted and you’ll likely find yourself working out for longer than the five minutes you planned.
3. Switch it up. Often our bodies get used to the same workouts we do every day and that may stunt our weight loss, not to mention bore us to death! Do something different. Increase the intensity of your workout. If you usually do cardio, maybe lift some weights today or vise versa. Try a new class offered at your gym. Whatever you do, make it fun!
4. Make a list of why you started your fitness journey in the first place. Was it to be able to do more with your kids? To fit into those jeans you haven’t been able to wear since high school? To not get so winded after a long flight of stairs? Any and all reasons are valid! Make a list and keep it by your bedside table or on your mirror or refrigerator. Read it every day. Read it twice a day. Read it every time you feel like giving up.
5. Make one of your favorite (healthy!) meals. Go all out. Serve it on your best china and invite a friend or family member to share it with you. Healthy food is delicious too, especially with company. Savor the taste and feelings of satisfaction and pride you get from sticking to your diet. Much different, I assure you, to what you would feel after consuming a carton of ice cream laden with sugar and calories.
Sometimes, despite how hard you try, the scale and/or mirror just don’t reflect your work. This doesn’t mean you aren’t losing weight. Often times it takes longer, even up to a month, for us to see results. Don’t give up. It’s only a matter of time. Try one or more of these tips to keep your motivation levels sky-high and the results you desire will come eventually.
Teri
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