Five Ways to Instant Diet Motivation

As any seasoned dieter knows, that initial rush of enthusiasm for a new regime fades pretty quickly. Even if you’re super-disciplined for a couple of weeks, you’ll come to a point where it’s hard to stay motivated. Perhaps the scales haven’t budged for what feels like an eternity, perhaps your favourite pair of jeans still won’t do up, or perhaps you can’t face another salad…

There are lots of ways to stay motivated over the long term, such as taking it slowly, logging your progress, not getting stuck in a rut, and having the support of friends. But sometimes, you need instant motivation – the sort which stops you raiding the cookie jar or breaking out the candy bars.

Here are five different ways to short-term motivation:

1. Go For a Brisk Walk

This really is my number one tip, and it’s incredibly simple. When you’re feeling like the last thing on earth you want to do is to diet, take yourself off for a brisk walk. (If you’re feeling energetic enough and have time, a gym session is even better). Exercise lifts your mood, and it’s a positive action towards your weight-loss goal: feeling proud of yourself is a great motivator.

Walking is also a great chance to listen to some upbeat music, a motivational audio book, or to simply think about your health goals.

2. Visualize Your Goal

I used to think that visualisation was a bit hokey or weird – but it does work surprisingly well. Take some time to sit quietly, close your eyes and imagine how you’ll feel when you reach your goal weight. Will you be confident enough to go swimming? Will you look great in a new outfit? Will you be enjoying yourself on a walking or cycling holiday for the first time? Let yourself daydream!

You might want to turn to an old photograph from when you were slimmer, or use an online tool such as one of the ones listed here to “see” yourself thinner.

3. Eat Something Healthy

Even if you’re tempted to head to the nearest Mexican for dinner, resist! When you’re feeling unmotivated, make an extra effort to eat something healthy. Don’t deprive yourself, of course; healthy doesn’t mean bland.

By eating healthily, you’re telling yourself that even when you don’t feel emotionally very motivated or enthused, you can still tap into a deeper motivation. Think of it as a stubborn determination to see through what you’ve started!

4. Read Dieting Blogs and Success Stories

Reading about dieting – particularly other people’s success stories – can be hugely motivational. Even if you have a long way to go, or particular problems to contend with, you’ll almost certainly find someone who’s been in a similar position … and who’s triumphed. Dieting magazines invariably carry success stories, and there are loads of free blogs devoted to individuals’ dieting journeys.

One of my favourite dieting blogs is The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl, written by the truly amazing Shauna Reid who lost half her body weight between 2001 and 2006. You can find out more on her About page.

5. Write Down Five Things You Love About Your Diet

It’s easy to focus on the negatives about dieting – telling ourselves that we’re “bored” or “deprived”. Instead of thinking about what you don’t like, jot down a list of five things you love (or at least quite like!) about your die and exercise regime. Here are mine:

• I have more energy when I’m eating healthily
• My skin and hair look good – I don’t get spots now
• I get a real buzz out of exercising
• I really enjoy the fresh, bright, delicious foods I eat
• I can wear clothes that I look great in

What are yours?

Written by Ali Hale

Related posts:

1. How to Get Motivated to Diet When You Have Lots of Weight to Lose
2. Five Ways That Carrying a Notebook Can Help You Diet
3. How Other People Affect Your Diet