If you have been working hard to make changes to your diet and lifestyle it is important to stay motivated and continue to be a healthier and happier person. Starting a new diet or regime can be the easy part – sticking with it long term can be where it starts to get hard. So, how can you stay on track with your healthier habits?
Reassess Your Goals
Take a moment to think about your initial motivation to change. Did you get test results back from your doctor? Did you see a picture of yourself and not like what you saw? Did you get sick of being breathless and tired all of the time? What motivated you then may not be what motivates you now, but making sure you have a reason to change will help you stay on track.
You should also reassess your goals – what have you achieved? And what do you want to continue to achieve? It might be that you want to lose another 2 kilograms or it might be that you want to finish a 5km fun run. If you do not keep assessing your goals you will find it much harder to stay motivated.
Once you have set your goals make sure you continue to reward yourself, although avoid using food as a treat! You might like to buy yourself a new item of clothing, go to the movies, have a long bath, or buy a new book.
Make It Easy
In order to stay on track you also need to make your new healthier habits as easy as possible to stick with. Planning ahead is a good way to do this. If you plan your meals, snacks and exercise you will find it much easier to continue to eat well and exercise. If you ensure that you shop by a list and have all of the foods that you need with you, you will be less likely to revert to your old ways.
It is also important to add variety to your diet and exercise plan. It is hard for anyone to stick with a plan if it is exactly the same every day of the week. Try new recipes and new foods to add variety to your meals. You might also like to try different exercises or activities so that you don’t get bored with your workout. If you keep your food and exercise varied you are less likely to get bored and give up – make it fun!
Get A Friend Or Family Member On Board
Another great way to stay on track is to get a friend or family member to make changes long term with you. If you know that some else is relying on you, you are more accountable. You can also share your success with someone and motivate each other.
If you need help staying motivated you may like to contact a dietitian, nutritionist or personal trainer.
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