Beck says that appreciation and gratitude increases your motivation to lose weight and stay slim. Why? Because when you’re happy, you don’t do as much “comfort eating.” You don’t feel anxious or depressed – which both often trigger overeating. Plus, the stress hormone (cortisol) that accompanies anxiety encourages your body to hang on to fat.

That’s why many women lose weight when they fall in love!

To learn more about Martha Beck’s theories and research, click on The Four Day Win: End Your Diet and Achieve Thinner Peace. And, read on for her ways to increase your weight loss motivation…

6 Ways to Increase Your Weight Loss Motivation - Martha Beck

Remember: you need to find what works with your personality. Exercising in a group Pilates class may work for your sister – but walking on your own may be better for you. You need to tune in to your own likes and dislikes.

1. Use exercise as your “me” time. Combining solitude and sweat is what works best for me! I run and do Pilates at home alone – rarely do I work out with others – to let my mind wander, my creativity flourish, and my energy increase. If I had to go to the gym or yoga class, I…just wouldn’t! If you’re struggling with an illness, read Coping With Chronic Illness – Natalie Goldberg.

2. Get the right equipment. Maybe the best way for you to increase your weight loss motivation is to stock up on the exercise balls, spinning outfits, Pilates mats, and Yoga gear. Or, maybe you need to join a running group – and all you need is a good pair of running shoes. To figure out your exercise personality, look in your closet or basement: how many old pieces of exercise equipment or fitness clothes do you see? If it didn’t work before, it may not work now. Try something new!

3. Join an outdoor club. I was single when I lived in Calgary, Alberta – and I joined the Calgary Outdoor Club and was thrilled at what they offered! Hiking, ethnic dinners, movie nights, white water rafting, trips to Mexico – all for singles who wanted to do exciting things but didn’t want to do it alone. This was perfect motivation for me. I chose physical activities that challenged me, and I lost weight because my body was being stretched in new ways (sometimes literally!).

4. Try new physical activities. If you’ve always been intrigued at the thought of belly dancing or rock climbing, then grab a buddy and try it out. The more new workouts you try – even if you’re not spectactularly successful – the higher your self-confidence will climb, the better you’ll feel about your body….and the more you’ll be motivated to lose weight.

5. Join a team. This way to increase your weight loss motivation works if you love the comaraderie that accompanies soccer teams, softball teams, or walking groups. Knowing that your teammates or fellow exercisers are waiting for you could be all you need to get and stay fit.

6. Work with a personal trainer. Some people need the discipline and structure of a personal fitness trainer. If you can’t afford it, talk to a trainer about bartering. Can you offer a service that she needs, such as doing her accounting, babysitting her kids, or cleaning her house? A personal trainer may motivate you to stick to your weight loss goals – and not cost an arm and a leg!

For more weight loss tips, read 10 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds – Julia Cameron.

Friends, what works for you to increase your weight loss motivation? I welcome your comments and questions below…

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Related posts:

1. 6 Ways to Create a Vision Board That Works – Martha Beck
2. 6 Steps to Healthy Weight Loss – Rita Rudner
3. Weight Loss Advice for Women Over 40 – Valerie Bertinelli