Every single day, men and women of all ages, all over the world are trying various diets and weight loss regimes designed to help them lose body fat. As a race we’re getting fatter, and that isn’t a generalisation either, there are hard scientific facts to back up this statement. The number of obese individuals living on this planet is currently the highest it’s ever been, and as a result, experts have been forced to make the disturbing prediction that if things continue on this current trend, life expectancies of children born in this generation will actually be shorter than that of their own parents. Obesity is almost like a worldwide pandemic and it is affecting more and more people and is costing governments billions upon billions in health care each year. being overweight is not only extremely damaging for a person’s self esteem and self confidence, but it also puts them at a greater risk of contracting type 2 diabetes, various forms of cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure) renal failure, liver failure, strokes, heart disease, and heart attacks. We know that losing weight isn’t easy, and it is certainly far more difficult than gaining it, but it can be done, and if you do things the right way, you will begin seeing results sooner than you may have thought. In order to lose weight we need to eat healthy foods, cut out unhealthy foods, and engage in physical activity and exercise on a regular basis. To help keep you motivated and on track, here are a few effective tips to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Visualisation
Visualisation is a great motivational tool as it helps you to imagine where you want to be and what you want to achieve. Before embarking on any weight loss journey, you will probably have a target in mind. This could simply be reaching a certain weight on the scales by dropping a set amount of weight, or it could be something like fitting into your old jeans or getting in shape for a wedding or a beach vacation perhaps. Whatever your goals and targets are, spend time each day to visualise yourself looking the way you want to look. If you’re on the treadmill at the gym, try to visualise the fat melting from your body and picture yourself once you’ve lost all of the body fat you wish to lose. Imagine how great you’ll look, how many compliments people will pay you, and how much better you’ll feel about yourself.
Take regular measurements
Another great method of staying motivated to lose weight is to take regular measurements during your weight loss regime. Before you begin, weigh yourself, get your body fat percentages tested if possible, and measure your waist, hips, thighs, etc. Every week or so, take these exact same measurements and providing you’re doing things right, the numbers will all be down. This serves as a great motivational tool as you can see the proof with your own two eyes that all of your hard work is paying off.
Listen to your favourite music whilst exercising
Music is a great motivator which is why gyms all over the world have it blaring out of their speakers at high volume whilst members work out. The problem is that as each of us are different and unique, we all have unique tastes and preferences. Some people may like rock music, whilst others may hate it. If you have to listen to music you do not like, or worse still, no music at all, your workouts may lack a certain intensity. A great way around this is to listen to your favourite music whilst you work out. You can pick up MP3 and MP4 players, or even use your phones to listen to music. Simply add your favourite tracks, crank up the volume, and get down to business.
Resist the urge to buy bigger sized clothing
If you do have a favourite pair of jeans that you once needed a belt to hold up, but now feel as if they’re slicing you in two, use this to help spur you on. Don’t simply throw them out and replace them with cheaper, bigger jeans, instead, work your butt off in the gym, stick to your diet religiously, and try them on every couple of weeks. Every two weeks you try them they will be looser and more comfortable. The same goes with other items of clothing. It’s easy to simply buy bigger sizes, but not doing so and forcing yourself to slim down until they fit will serve as a great motivator, especially when the clothes begin fitting better and better.
