If you’re like a lot of people, you started off the year with the best of intentions. You set a New Year’s resolution to eat better, exercise more often, and maybe follow a specific medical weight loss plan. Bot now that spring has arrived, perhaps your motivation is flagging a bit. Doing the same old thing week in, week out can get a little boring. And now you need motivation to get going again.
Get started right now. It can be tempting to say, “I’ll do better tomorrow.” But really, there is no reason to wait. If you know you’ve been slacking, do something right now to get back on track. Even a short walk can reinvigorate you.
Plan ahead, and commit. When you get busy, it can be easy to procrastinate with regard to your eating plan. You grab a snack here, a to-go meal there, and then you fib to yourself about how many calories each meal contains. Start planning for your meals ahead of time, write down your plans, and pack lunches and snacks for several days in a row. It’s much harder to break your eating plan when everything is prepared and ready to go.
Focus on the cans, not the cannots. Thinking about things you “can’t” eat is a surefire way to drive yourself crazy. Instead, focus on the things you’re prescribed to eat in order to reach your goals. Work on meeting your protein and fiber quotas for the day, or on eating more fresh produce.
Use a food journal. Keeping a record of everything you eat can keep you accountable, because it’s impossible to lie to yourself. You can also keep track of your progress this way, and progress is motivating.
Ask a friend for help. Feeling like you’re the only one pursuing a healthier lifestyle can feel lonely. Recruit a friend to join you in eating healthy meals or exercising daily, and you can support and encourage one another.
And of course, remember that we’re here to help with all aspects of your medical weight loss plan. If you’ve lost motivation or otherwise need help with your strategy, call us to schedule a check-up.
