Diet & Fitness Blog
Ask Pam: Finding Motivation
Friday, October 09, 2009
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Have a question about your diet? Send an email to askpam@ediets.com and check back often to see if your question is picked.
How do I get started and stay motivated? -- Frances
Frances,
This question is one that most of us ask repeatedly and want to know the answer to. Like anything in life, it can be difficult to start something new -- let alone keep it going. Change can be hard for some of us, especially when we aren’t really sure exactly what to do or how to do it. And then add on the fact that it may be something we aren’t too thrilled about doing in the first place: losing weight, exercising, eating healthier and having to cook (and so on).
You may not love this statement, but getting started has to come from you. You will have to decide that now is the time to begin making a change and taking that first step. It may be a small one (baby step) or a bigger leap – doesn’t matter as long as it is something that moves you closer to your goals.
Take weight loss, for instance. Are you ready to lose the weight? If you aren’t physically and mentally (the biggest factor) ready to go for it, it’s tough to stay motivated or committed.
Make the decision that you want to start. Then think of a reason to keep you going; there is no right or wrong here, and each of your reasons will probably be different. Is it to be healthy? Is it to look and feel sexy? Going to a reunion? Or simply because you are tired of buying those size X pants? Make it your reason to get started and decide on your motivation.
Don’t always think big -- think small: “By next week, I will cut out the calorie soda. My goal this week is to exercise three times; limit buying lunch out twice this week; or look at myself in the mirror and say ‘I am worth it.’” The last one may seem silly to you, but it shouldn’t be. Who is usually the harshest critic to us? You got it: ourselves! Say something nice to yourself to keep you motivated. If you feel good, you’ll look good!
Recently, I had a baby and kept saying, “I need to get going and start exercising again.” Days went by with me making excuses until one day I thought, “Enough is enough. Get dressed, get the baby ready and get out there!” My motivation was to get that baby weight off! Of course, it is taking time but the first step was getting started.
Want more help on getting started? Check out our community or contact our Nutrition Support Team, who can assess your needs and recommend a plan that’s right for you.
Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.
Not a member yet? eDiets has more than 20 personalized plans and a team of nutritionists and fitness professionals ready to tackle your extra pounds. Click here to learn more!
Pamela Ofstein, eDiets Director of Nutrition, is a registered and licensed dietitian responsible for the development, design and implementation of eDiets nutritional components, including product offerings, nutrition programs and media publicity. She received her B.S. in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University. Leading a team of nutrition professionals, she continues to widen and enhance eDiets.com personalized services setting the standards to provide credible information to consumers.
How do I get started and stay motivated? -- FrancesFrances,
This question is one that most of us ask repeatedly and want to know the answer to. Like anything in life, it can be difficult to start something new -- let alone keep it going. Change can be hard for some of us, especially when we aren’t really sure exactly what to do or how to do it. And then add on the fact that it may be something we aren’t too thrilled about doing in the first place: losing weight, exercising, eating healthier and having to cook (and so on).
You may not love this statement, but getting started has to come from you. You will have to decide that now is the time to begin making a change and taking that first step. It may be a small one (baby step) or a bigger leap – doesn’t matter as long as it is something that moves you closer to your goals.
Take weight loss, for instance. Are you ready to lose the weight? If you aren’t physically and mentally (the biggest factor) ready to go for it, it’s tough to stay motivated or committed.
Make the decision that you want to start. Then think of a reason to keep you going; there is no right or wrong here, and each of your reasons will probably be different. Is it to be healthy? Is it to look and feel sexy? Going to a reunion? Or simply because you are tired of buying those size X pants? Make it your reason to get started and decide on your motivation.
Don’t always think big -- think small: “By next week, I will cut out the calorie soda. My goal this week is to exercise three times; limit buying lunch out twice this week; or look at myself in the mirror and say ‘I am worth it.’” The last one may seem silly to you, but it shouldn’t be. Who is usually the harshest critic to us? You got it: ourselves! Say something nice to yourself to keep you motivated. If you feel good, you’ll look good!
Recently, I had a baby and kept saying, “I need to get going and start exercising again.” Days went by with me making excuses until one day I thought, “Enough is enough. Get dressed, get the baby ready and get out there!” My motivation was to get that baby weight off! Of course, it is taking time but the first step was getting started.
Want more help on getting started? Check out our community or contact our Nutrition Support Team, who can assess your needs and recommend a plan that’s right for you.
Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.
Not a member yet? eDiets has more than 20 personalized plans and a team of nutritionists and fitness professionals ready to tackle your extra pounds. Click here to learn more!
Pamela Ofstein, eDiets Director of Nutrition, is a registered and licensed dietitian responsible for the development, design and implementation of eDiets nutritional components, including product offerings, nutrition programs and media publicity. She received her B.S. in Food and Nutrition from Florida State University and M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University. Leading a team of nutrition professionals, she continues to widen and enhance eDiets.com personalized services setting the standards to provide credible information to consumers.
Labels: dieting, losing weight, motivation, nutrition, pam, weight loss
2 Comments - Diet & Fitness Blog: Ask Pam: Finding Motivation
Comment by 
Robert Troch said... - Monday, May 11, 2009 3:05:00 PM
Thanks for saying his because it needs to be said.
"You may not love this statement, but getting started has to come from you"
You got to want it to get it. Exterior motivation is short lived and many times driven by someone else. If you don't want it then you won't get it. The real "motivation" comes from seeing the results of your persistence. That's when it feels great!
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