How to stay motivated

It happens to the best of us... we fall off the bandwagon and just can't seem to get a foot back on! I've experienced this myself, as a lot of people involved in the weightloss/fitness industry have. All you want to consume is empty calories and sit on your bottom watching sad movies all day. I promise you, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I have been stuck in a rut, and I want to share my tips on how to get out of one!

How to find motivation - and keep it!

1. Sit down, with a piece of paper and a pen in front of you. Think about your life - why do you want to be healthy? Do you want to lose weight? Why? Write down the benefits you will reap from your new healthy lifestyle. While acknowledging the positives, you also need to write down the negatives, and know it is not a straight forward path. Yes, you will have to stop drinking alcohol every weekend, and yes, your clothes will not fit you anymore and you'll have to go shopping (though I don't count this as a bad thing!

2. Review your list and ask yourself - is it all worth it? Do you want it badly enough? If the answer is no, then you may need to rewrite your list, though if you want it badly enough you will make it work!

3. Clean out your pantry and fridge. I know what you're thinking, especially if you're in a shared house - "Oh I can just resist that food, I have willpower etc.". NO, I'm sorry but this is something that needs to be done. It's simple... don't even leave foods around that can tempt you! If you do live in a shared house with your family or roommates, and they won't let you throw out their food (how rude.. haha!), determine that a party of the pantry/fridge is yours. I loved moving all the unhealthy food away and having a small patch in both the fridge and pantry that were mine, filled with nourishing and healthy food.

4. Plan your meals for the week ahead. When we are rushed for time, we often turn to unhealthy fast food, or the quick option at home (think two minute noodles). By only buying the ingredients for your planned healthy meals, you are much more likely to stick to healthy eating.

5. Make your meals for the week! Especially if you work full time, it can be easy to stray from healthy eating and just buy a burger on your lunch break. I love setting aside a Sunday afternoon, and making my lunch/dinner for the upcoming week. I buy re-usable plastic containers, and will often cook up a big batch of brown rice, veggies, chicken etc. and pack my meals for the week. This way, you do not even have to think about what you're going to eat - just grab your containers out of the fridge and you're ready to go!

6. Talk to you partner, friends, family, dog - anyone that can help hold you accountable for your actions. By having extra support like this you are much more likely not to fail. Ask your friends to respect your wishes about eating healthy.. indulge them into WHY you are eating healthy and exercising... they might even join you! I told my family about it, and they were fantastic about it! In fact, my dad has joined me on this entire fitness journey himself, and made astounding progress! My brother now goes regularly to the gym and my mum has personal training!

7. Write a schedule! I'd be lost without my diary, it has my entire life in it! I've written an article previously on time management, which you can see HERE.

8. Buy new gym clothes. This may not work for everyone, but it definitely worked for me! I am a self-confessed shopaholic, and nothing makes me want to workout more than wearing a brand new set of kicks or a gorgeous gym top! I love buying cheap, yet effective workout clothes, and have also written a few articles on this - check them out here.

9.  SLEEP! This is something that I feel most people don't regard as important, and I am still learning to myself! Did you know that weightloss can be hindered by lack of sleep? Sleep is so vital to putting you in a positive mood in the morning, ensuring you have energy and that you do not overeat throughout the day. Try setting a goal of having AT LEAST 8-9 hours of sleep a night.

10. Have your motivation everywhere around you. I often write up small quotes on post it notes that are stuck all over my bathroom mirror, wardrobe and walls. I also have an inspiration board, that I stick photos of my dream body and quotes that inspire me. By surrounding yourself with your goals, it becomes harder to sit down and eat a chocolate brownie while staring at your goals!

I hope these tips help someone out there, because I know they help me to stay motivated!

Miss E.
xox.