It’s that time of year again. The Christmas reunion is just around the corner and you’re starting to worry about what your family members are going to say about your weight and how you look. They always seem to have something negative to say, don’t they? But this year is going to be different. This month, you’re going to start your diet now and make them shocked and show how your life is better than ever before. With a little bit of diet motivation, you can start your diet now and make them proud.
Here’s how you’re going to do it.
Set Realistic Goals
The first step to staying motivated in your diet is to set realistic goals. Don’t lower your calorie intake so much that you’re Hangry (angry because you’re hungry) all the time. A good starting point is to find out how many calories you need to maintain your current weight and then cut back by 500 calories per day. This may seem like a lot, but it’s doable if you make smart choices.
For example, instead of having a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, have an egg white omelet with vegetables. Trade your French fries in for a salad at lunch. And for dinner, go for grilled chicken or fish instead of a steak or pasta dish. These swaps may seem small, but they’ll add up over time and help you reach your goals.
Get a measuring tape. There’s nothing more motivating than seeing progress being made, even if it’s in small increments. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your waist, hips, arms, and legs periodically throughout your diet journey to see fabulous changes happening!
Eating Healthy
This one should be a no-brainer but I’m going to say it anyway. Eating healthy is crucial if you want to lose weight and keep it off. That means cutting out processed foods, sugary drinks, and fatty snacks. For now, try to avoid ordering milk tea, candy, cookies, cake, etc. When you’re at family gatherings, load up your plate with fruits and vegetables instead of tempting holiday treats. I know it’s hard but just remember, this is only temporary, and it will be so worth it in the end!
Don’t Deprive Yourself
The worst thing you can do when trying to stay motivated is to deny yourself everything you love. If you love cookies, have one or two in moderation instead of depriving yourself and then binge eating later. Depriving yourself will only lead to frustration and ultimately quitting altogether. Everything should be enjoyed in moderation, including your favorite unhealthy foods. Life is too short to not indulge every once in a while. Just remember not to overdo it.
You don’t have to deprive yourself entirely of holiday treats but cutting back on empty calories will help immensely. Balance is key!
Don’t forget your goal!
Remind yourself of your goal. Why did you start this diet in the first place? What are your long-term health and fitness goals? Keeping these things at the forefront of your mind will help you resist temptation when Auntie offers you a third helping of Christmas pudding.
Love yourself!
The most important thing is that you’re taking steps toward improving your health and happiness. Be proud of yourself for making positive changes in your life, no matter how big or small they may seem. And remember, confidence is always sexy!
Losing weight is hard, but don’t give up! these tips will help to keep you motivated so that you can look and feel great just in time for your holiday reunion. remember your goal, make yourself proud, and most importantly, love yourself.
If you have a buddy who is also struggling with their diet, be sure to share this blog post with them–help them out and maybe even motivate each other to stay on track!