In the past I have always wanted to eat better and lose weight but I have never committed to it completely. I would stick to it for maybe, a week, and then I'd go out for a meal with friends or something and over eat. I would let this one slip up demotivate me from carrying on, I would think 'Oh well...you've ruined it now' and I would let the over/unhealthy eating continue for weeks/months. Or, something upsetting would happen to me and I would let it consume me and the goals I had set for myself. I'd make myself feel better by eating something I knew I shouldn't or by skipping a workout. If I'm completely honest there has also been times where I just couldn't be bothered to do it any more and I would just give up as pathetic as it sounds I'm sure we have all done that!
This time around the origin of my motivation came from the same place it always does, wanting to feel more comfortable in my clothes and wanting to gain my confidence back. You are always really determined and itching to do it at first, I wizzed around the the supermarket only buying foods which would aid in my new diet, I walked everywhere I could and I bought new workout clothes!
But, after that initial burst of enthusiasm wears off, how do you keep motivated? All I can say is that something just clicked for me, others call it a 'breaking point'. All the doubts you've had in the past, you just don't have, you know you can do it and nothing is going to stop you. It is this feeling that stops you from blowing your calorie allowance on a meal with your friends, instead you choose something from the 'light bites' section of the menu. You search for people on social media with similar goals to yours and you realise that you're not the only one trying to do this, in fact there are loads of people who have succeeded in reaching their weight loss goals who started out much heavier than you. If they can do it so can you!
I made being healthy my main focus, but more importantly I put myself first! If you are not doing this completely for yourself and if you don't commit yourself to it entirely, you will always struggle with motivating yourself. Love yourself and do it for you and before you know it you'll be there achieving your goals!
There are a few ways I have been able to continue to feel motivated, if you're interested look for a link on Wednesday on my Facebook for 8 tips to staying motivated for weight loss!