Which is the best way to stay motivated while losing weight?!
Question: 1. Everytime I eat something that's not part of my diet/meal plan, I put $1 in a jar for every bite or swallow. And everytime I miss one workout, I put $5 in the jar.
2. If I follow my meal and exercise plan for 2 weeks (without any mistakes), I buy one pair of pants I REALLY want one size smaller than I am. (so for every 2 weeks that I do well, I get a pair of pants one size smaller than I am, until I get to my size goal/ weight goal.)
Answers: 1. Everytime I eat something that's not part of my diet/meal plan, I put $1 in a jar for every bite or swallow. And everytime I miss one workout, I put $5 in the jar.
2. If I follow my meal and exercise plan for 2 weeks (without any mistakes), I buy one pair of pants I REALLY want one size smaller than I am. (so for every 2 weeks that I do well, I get a pair of pants one size smaller than I am, until I get to my size goal/ weight goal.)
Um...Try a little of both plans.
My best way is thinking about the future
think of all the fat people in hospitals and you may end up like them if you don't do exercise
here are some others :
We all know that exercise can be pure magic for the mind, body and soul. But how do you go from a sporadic, on again, off again exerciser to someone for whom exercise is a lifelong habit, as natural and necessary as going to work and eating regular meals?
Here are 25 tips from someone who has been on both sides.
1. The first thing to do is to ask yourself: Why are you exercising? Are you trying to get in shape for an upcoming event? Do you want to lose weight, sleep better, increase your energy, gain strength, add muscle tone and flexibility, or just feel a heightened sense of well being? If the reason you are exercising has anything to do with someone else (for example, your boyfriend says you need to lose weight or get in shape), you need a new reason (and, quite possibly, a new boyfriend).
2. Set goals. Set both a short term goal, to achieve in three to six weeks, and a long term goal, to achieve over the course of a year. Make sure your goals are achievable enough that they are not discouraging, but high enough that you have an incentive to tie your workout shoes each day. It is also important that your goals are specific and directly related to your specific motivation for exercising. For example, my main motivation for exercising is to consistently maintain my brighter mood and the calm, energized feeling that I get only from exercising, so my goal is to work out at least 5 days per week. My other motivation is to gain strength and cardiovascular endurance, so my other goals have to do with how long and how quickly I run.
3. Keep an exercise journal or log. Write down how your exercise is making you feel each day. How is your exercise benefiting your mood, energy levels, quality of sleep, weight, and so on? Do some exercises have more significant effects than others? Chart your progress in regard to your specific goals.
4. Take photos of yourself each month in your workout gear so you have a visual record of your results.
5. Make sure you are working out hard enough to release endorphins. Of course, you will want to talk to a doctor before starting any workout regimen, and you want to make sure that you are exercising at the optimum level for you, your body type, and your fitness level. I find that I am much more likely to continue with an exercise program if each workout releases those endorphins and immediately improves they way I feel.
6. Advertisements for fitness products (especially athletic shoes) can be tremendously motivating. Purchase a fitness magazine and make an inspirational collage of images, advertisements and slogans that speak to you. Post your collage where you will see it each day.
7. Make sure you are using proper technique. You want to avoid injury, above all, so check with a doctor or trainer if you experience any pain, or if you are not sure whether you are doing a particular exercise correctly.
8. Join an online community, such as WeightWatchers.com or Ediets.com, which encourages you to log and track your exercise each day.
9. If you enjoy working out with someone, call a friend to help hold you accountable for those daily workouts.
10. Join a group that combines fitness goals with charity fundraising. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, for example, provides training to walk or run a whole or half marathon, or to participate in a triathlon or 100 mile bike ride, all while raising money for a good cause.
11. If you prefer to work out alone, give yourself something fun to do while you exercise. Find some good heart pumping music or listen to books on tape. A suspenseful audiobook may be all you need to get on those running shoes each day.
12. Identify the excuses you like to use and have a ready made response. If time is an issue, make sure your workout clothes are ready to go. If you have young children, get a good jogging stroller or set up a babysitting swap with another mom in your neighborhood: you can watch her children while she works out and vice versa.
13. Make sure you have the right gear, which can make all the difference in the comfort level of your workout. A good pair of shoes is essential. And weather resistant clothing or a membership to an indoor gym can help you fight off your own excuses when weather conditions are less than ideal.
14. Once you find an exercise that you particularly enjoy, do a Google search to find out more about any coaches or specialists that may be able to provide inspiration or special training, either through tapes, books, or online resources. If you are a runner, for example, check out JohnBingham.com.
15. Recognize that your will to exercise is going to fluctuate, and exercise anyway. Sometimes it helps if I promise myself that I can stop my workout after 10 minutes if I still want to. At that point, I'm usually feeling so much better that I finish the workout.
16. Place a giant star on your calendar each day to indicate that you completed your workout. These visual rewards can be so motivating.
17. Change your routine as you reach new goals. Add zest to your workout and avoid the exercise plateau by increasing the intensity or the duration of your workout, or by trying a new workout or sport.
18. Hire a trainer. If you are in an exercise rut, consider consulting with a personal trainer for a session or two. You will learn new techniques and find fresh motivation, as well.
19. Try not to take more than one day off at a time. I have found this really important to avoid losing valuable momentum. If I take two days off, it becomes very easy to take another day, and then another day. That means that if your workout is only part of your weekday routine, weave it into your weekend routine, too.
20. Be gentle with yourself. If you miss a workout or two or three, get right back to your regular schedule. You will feel better instantly.
21. Choose an exercise that you are likely to do each day. Some experts say that walking is the best exercise simply because it is something that is easy to do on a continual basis. There is no need for special equipment, and you can do it absolutely anywhere.
22. If you are walking or running, get a good pedometer to help you track your progress.
23. Schedule your daily exercise on your to do list and in your planner. Think of it as simply something you need to do before your head hits the pillow.
24. Give yourself simple rewards. It is generally best if these rewards are not edible, since a food reward can be a tad demoralizing after you have just worked to burn so many calories in a workout. For long term goals, treat yourself to a new pair of athletic shoes or other fitness equipment. For short term goals, consider a new fitness magazine, workout video, or simply fresh flowers for the dining room table.
25. Try to think of exercise as something you do for yourself: a gift you give yourself, a way to stay balanced and focused, and time when you can be alone with your thoughts.
Change is never easy, yet, if you stay with a routine long enough, you'll enjoy the positive results and benefits and will be more likely to continue. So how can you find the motivation within you to accomplish this? While true motivation must come from within, these tips will help you keep motivated:
1. Find something you enjoy and that will be easy for you to do.
If you hate running, than don't start a running program. Try brisk walking instead. Also, consider what is nearby. Maybe you enjoy swimming, but if you don't have access to a pool, that's not a good choice either. Your best choice is something that you are able to do.
2. Exercise at the the right time.
If you're not a morning person, first thing in the morning might not work for you. But don't use that as an excuse for not exercising, and be aware that the longer you put off exercising, the harder it is to get motivated to exercise. See When's The Best Time to Exercise? for more ideas.
3. Set specific, realistic, and attainable goals--both short-term and long-term.
Your weekly goal might be to work out four times, while your long-term goal might be to finish a 5K race. Keep your goals attainable. If you've never run before, don't attempt a marathon in your first couple months. A 5K would be a much better choice.
4. Monitor your progress.
Keep a journal to see your improvement. Note your feelings about your exercise program, as well as your accomplishments. Progress takes time, but is a great encouragement to keep on.
5. Don't push yourself too hard or you'll want to quit.
While progress takes work, allow yourself adequate time to each new level.
6. Reward yourself for each new goal reached.
Buy yourself a new book, article of clothing, or something else that you enjoy. (Don't buy a box of candy, if you're trying to lose weight!)
7. Read about exercise and fitness.
The more you read, the more you will learn about exercise and avoid potential pitfalls or common misconceptions about exercise.
8. Vary or change your routine.
When your workout routine starts to get stale, add variety. Whether you walk, run, or cycle, you can try new and different routes. If nothing else, do your regular route backwards. Also, try adding another activity for change. Not only is that great cross-training, but variety helps prevent boredom.
9. Get the support of others.
Exercise with your family, spouse, friend or neighbor. Consider joining a group (running, cycling, or aerobic class). You'll be more likely to continue with a routine, if you have a support group or someone to hold you accountable. It is so much easier to run at 6 AM when you know a friend or neighbor is waiting for you.
10. Do not worry if you miss a session or two, but keep going.
Okay, so you missed a morning or two of exercise, or maybe you blew your diet. Don't use that as an excuse to quit, and don't wait for another new year to start. Each day is another chance to start anew.
for me, two b/c i would be broke on the first one.
I like your ideas. I'd have to know more about the first one, but it seems a little better than the other. The second one doesn't seem like much of a reward; you followed it for two weeks and your prize is a pair of pants that don't fit? Are you using the money from number one to fund number two?
Here's what I'm doing:
1. I bought a children's belt (that goes around their hips) that's exactly the size I want my waist to be and hung it up where I can see it. The day I can buckle it, I think I'll run around screaming.
2. I keep photos of my beginning weight so I can compare my current self to my old self.
3. I keep a written record of how many calories I'm taking in, and set a goal weight every week. Every time I meet a goal, I'm reminded of how I'll look and feel on the vacation that's coming up.
The second one, it really keeps you motivated while number one any one can just take the cash. Or you may forget.
I think u are doing fine!
Keep doing what u'r doing and use u'r common sense and not eat fattening foods!