Diet & Fitness Blog
What's Your Real Motivation for Losing Weight?
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In case you didn't see the recent headlines, a national survey reveals that most women are more concerned with improving their physical appearance than avoiding serious disease. In the years I've worked for eDiets, I have seen many similar studies across gender lines, so it really doesn't surprise me very much. The truth is that all of us want to look good. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with that! As long as you are trying to lose weight by eating healthy and exercising, I don't think it matters if you have a somewhat superficial motivation for wanting to whip yourself into shape. I'll be honest with you. I have been working at eDiets for more than five years now, and I have learned all about the serious health risks like diabetes and heart disease. I really do want to be healthy and live a long life. But it isn't the general goal of improving my health that has recently motivated me to start getting up at 5 a.m. and hit the gym before coming to work. Quite frankly, I have had a couple of nice dinner dates recently, and that has suddenly made me a little self-conscious about those extra pounds spilling out over the top of my boxer shorts. Besides, some of my dress pants have been getting a little snug, and I have no intention of buying a new wardrobe.
There, I said it! The general goals of wanting to improve my health and practice what I preach here at eDiets have had me rolling over and hitting the snooze button for months. The more immediate goal of wanting to blast away my unsightly belly has been getting me to the gym and onto the treadmill before the sun comes up. And you know what? That doesn't make me a bad person!
So what about you? What are your real motivations for wanting to lose weight? I mean the ones that actually compel you to order a salad when you'd rather have a thick, juicy steak and go to the gym when you'd rather roll over and put your head back on that soft, fluffy pillow.
Leave a comment below on this online confessional. Don't worry… you can remain anonymous! --Glenn Mueller, senior writer/editor
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Labels: motivation, relationships
Comment by 
zayiflama said... - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 4:37:00 PM
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 12:43:00 AM
I wanna lose weight to look like the way I used to in my college days... I have pinned a snap on my whiteboard to remind me of my goal at 5.30 in the morning!
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 5:04:00 AM
I always see myself as fat i have some fats here and there inspite that most of my friends say that i m good any way to have good shape is my real motivation for eating well but for going to gym or making sports that is thing i liked most
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 6:08:00 AM
Getting healthy.Lowering my blood sugar,cholesterol and BP.The bonus is looking better!!
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 7:21:00 AM
The older I get, the more I realize that health is the only thing that matters. However, it was a great feeling to throw out most of my big clothes and buy a few smaller ones!
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 7:22:00 AM
At 43, I have only one living family member due to bad habits like smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet. I want to be around for my kids and grand-kids graduations. After losing 45 lb.s I weigh what I did after college. The "high" after a good workout is addictive and keeps me motivated to go back to where I was.
Matt from Oshkosh
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 8:33:00 AM
I personally am tired of people telling me you have a "Pretty Face" what the hell about the rest. so that leads to believe im fat. so my real motivation at times is those comments but truly I want to live a longer life and be healthy and truly cant stand that unsitely cellulite I have. YUCK!! I just want to wear a size 10 and stay there
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 8:42:00 AM
I have so much more energy and I love the way it makes me feel. Healthy eating and Exercise, it is truly the way to go. Thank you.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 9:56:00 AM
this is very realistic - it is so hard to get motivated and then stay there. It can be so depressing when something is not going your way like no dates or work is too stressfull and you get lonely and feel like no one cares. I think you have to pull it up from within and realize that excersize is a release for all those bad feelings and that can motivate you.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 10:02:00 AM
After seeing a photo of myself and how much weight I had gained, I decided to try to get in shape. I have been going to the gym for three years and started going twice a day at the beginning of this year. Now a t-shirt that I wore three years ago looks like a tent on me. It really is a "high" when I am finished with my workouts.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 10:17:00 AM
My real reason to lose weight was because I had a dream that I was dead and my kids were devastated. It scared me because I was 337 lbs. 2 years ago I started walking (could only go a half block then and now I do 3 miles 2-3 times a day) and eating better. I had lost 90 lbs but had a lil backslide this winter and gained 20 back. I am working HARD to relose them 20 and want to lose another 50 or more. So my kids are my real motivation...and I like looking alot better.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 10:25:00 AM
I was always extremely chubby (well, okay obese) as a child and I don't want to be that way ever again. I'm 5'2'' and was 185 at my heaviest. I've been at 125 lbs for about 5 years. I keep old photos handy to keep me motivated. I have never felt better.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 11:03:00 AM
I have no motivation at this time. But having lost lbs in 2004 and keeping it off has taught me that the motivation I had to lose weight and looking better got me off to a good start, but the good habits (exercising and eating healthier) that I have acquired have kept me going.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 11:20:00 AM
I recently began hanging out with my best friend from high school again and in school, I was a lot smaller than her... Now she's a size 0-2 and I'm an 8 where as I used to be a size 4/6 and she was an 8/10. It's a little disheartening and since we're getting superficial here- really I just want to be thinner than her again :-P
Comment by 
crissy27blue said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 11:39:00 AM
Being healthy is a first and foremost.In my family there is high blood pressure,diabetes,high cholesterol that run so with a healthy diet and rather working out I can cut down on those risks.I am 23 years of age,5' 5" and 120 lbs so when I work out I do it for health benefits not because I need to lose weight.Also because being in shape is something that makes me feel good about mysef especially while I am in college and because when I work out I have more energy overall.The diets and everything do not work unless you are willing to make a life change which many people do not yet my goal is for myself:when I hit 30 or have kids that I can snap back in the shape that I am right now as an added bonus.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 11:39:00 AM
I am so tired of the rollercoaster ride of dieting and gaining the weight back. This time I want to change things for the rest of my life.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 11:50:00 AM
All the comments are great! And like most I want to live longer and I believe eating healthy and exercising is the key. It gets hard sometimes when I sleep-in and don't exercise, I feel so guilty and it's like pushing a dead mule to start again. So it helps when I have a partner to work-out with. But my real motivation is to like how I look to myself and to keep learning new ways to lose weight until I am happy with myself.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 12:07:00 PM
How great would it be to feel like a hot sexy mama again? I am willing to work hard. My ego got slammed in my recent divorce and I need to feel attractive again.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 12:08:00 PM
I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT TO FEEL BETTER ABOUT ME. I WANT TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SAY "WOW! SHE LOOKS GREAT."
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 1:13:00 PM
I can look at myself. SImple as that. It's also the best anxiety cure to date.
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 5:14:00 PM
I work in a hospital and see the extremes of poor health everyday--my motivation is to stay healthy and strong (if I'm going to live to 90)--the benefit has been feeling and looking better. What gets me out there and moving?--if someone else can do it-so can I!!
Comment by said... - Friday, May 30, 2008 8:09:00 PM
I finally want to feel confident in a bathing suit A BIKINI to be exact! I'm so close!! I hunger for that more than food LOL . I also want to have A LOT of endurance when I run, during a workout, in bed, everything really! but i fully agree on doing it in a healthy way DIET and EXERCISE! Right on!
Comment by said... - Saturday, May 31, 2008 5:02:00 AM
i have been away from my family for the last 18 months, recently i attended my sisters wedding and was amazed by the positive comments i got from every one, even my dear ma. i had started dieting and exercising regularly while i was away and that apparently makes me look goooooooooooood!!!!
so i have to keep it up, cant have them wondering what happened to me otherwise..
Comment by said... - Saturday, May 31, 2008 8:17:00 AM
they say that, all else being equal, people after 25 gain one pound per year on average, unless they change eating habits or begin exercising. I am 25 and think my weight is healthy for my height. But I'm by no means as toned as I would like to be. I project what I look like now to 10 or 15 years down the road and I'm not sure I like what I see. If things remain unchanged, I know I will be miserable. So I'm willing to do something about it now to prevent that flab from emerging more with each year.
Comment by 
R.J. said... - Saturday, May 31, 2008 2:26:00 PM
"What's my motivation, for losing weight. Health reason's made me. Inches are melting away and I'm feeling better and better, because of the simple food choices I'm making. I am eating Live food's Not really man made; ex: "fruit, veggies,oatmeal,chick peas YUMM really high in fiber, multi grain's,Legumes lots of celery and carrots, anything soft or crunchy thats healthy" no sugar for me! I am playing a game with myself everytime I go to the fridge I pick the healthiest thing I can find. This goes for resturants or where ever I am. Can't forget the best most healthiest too drinks,like real juices.I hope taco bell mango and strawberry smothie will last forever. I'm also trying to focus on gardening and eating right. Gardening and getting out in nature is great a great excercise & experience. For the mind and body not to mention the sprit.
Good Luck; )
R.J.
Comment by said... - Monday, June 02, 2008 10:45:00 AM
Like a lot of people mentioned already, confidence is a big motivation.
Comment by said... - Monday, June 02, 2008 5:58:00 PM
the reason I lost the weight is because I wanted to love myself as I did before gaining the xtra 110lbs that were holding me down from enjoying my life. Now I truly love me, and life..
Comment by said... - Thursday, June 05, 2008 11:02:00 AM
When I first started working out I really just wanted my lovely shape back. Now, after working really hard to lose the pounds I have, my outlook has changed. I cherish my body just to be able to move, breath and feel strong and ALIVE! Its like winning the lottery only instead of having millions of bucks, I get to enjoy life the way I always wanted without any constraints.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 8:52:00 AM
I'll be nearing 40 in 2.5 years-and I want to be in the best shape of my life by then & be an inspiration to my family who has a ton of health issues. I know-that's 2.5 years away-but I'd rather start now than 2 months before I turn 40. I no longer get the instant gratification of weight loss since I'm at my maintenance goal so exercising gives me that instant gratification.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:41:00 AM
I'm re-entering the workforce, and I want to look my best. I love wearing skirts, suit dresses, and strutting my stuff in my high heels all day. However, I'm 17 pounds over weight, my stuff won't strut and if I go any where near my high heels, they take off running and screaming for mercy. So back to the basics. Eat right and exercise. I also want to be a positive role model to my daughter, as well as turn the head of that special someone. Looking fantastic naked is also a great motivator.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:00:00 PM
I would like to get pregnant within the next year. I feel like it will be easier too get back in shape after the birth if I'm in great condition to start with!
Comment by said... - Monday, June 30, 2008 12:52:00 PM
I really appreciate this blog for being honest. This year I went from a size 0 to a size 2. This gain in size makes me feel less happy with myself. I want to get back to a size 0. I know that going from a size 0 to a size 2 isn't much of a weight gain for some. However, I just feel like I need to take control over my weight, instead of letting more pounds slowly add on.
Comment by Kristina said... - Monday, June 30, 2008 4:50:00 PM
I always struggled with my weight during my childhood and teens. In the eighth grade I was 166 pounds. This lasted until I marched with the band's color guard in high school. My sophomore year, I was 130 pounds and a size 8 and I swore I would never let myself go again. When I quit because my homework took up most of my time, I immediately packed on over 30 pounds, and they all stayed. I just graduated in June, and I'm 162 again and hating the way my body feels and looks. I don't move as well as I did, and I know to prevent further injury to my back, I need to lose the weight that my body isn't used to carrying anymore. Not to mention, seeing two digits on my jeans tags really sucks.
Comment by said... - Monday, June 30, 2008 6:13:00 PM
My motivation is that I want to feel good about myself when I look in the mirror. I'm 16 and I really want to be a sexxi girl that guys want... I'm not overweight just chubby I guess.
Comment by said... - Monday, June 30, 2008 7:47:00 PM
I want to lose weight because I don't want to be the fat friend in my best friend's wedding pictures next month.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, July 01, 2008 2:32:00 AM
Thanks so much for the article and also the comments have been great...aside from the anonymous commentor who is complaining about going from a size 0 to a size 2 and needing to get control of his/her weight and wanting to be a size 0 again. Hmmmm...I'm wondering about that and the motivation behind the comment itself, never mind the losing weight part. My motivation for losing weight is enjoying my life more than I already do with my husband and two kids, 5 and 2, and being a HEALTHY weight for my age and height is important to me for my self-esteem and over-all well-being. However, I have learned that my weight does not define who I am, only the impression of myself and how I feel OTHERS see me changes the way I feel about me. I look forward to feeling good in my skin and proud of who I am in the journey to better health. Good night.
Comment by said... - Tuesday, July 01, 2008 1:31:00 PM
To the 16 year old girl who wants to be a "sexxi girl that guys want"...be true to you and don't worry about chasing the illusion that what you look like makes you who you are. Sexy is a state of mind, society will try to tell you otherwise. It's sad at 16 you already have fed into the machine that tells people no one will want them unless they look a certain way. Be the best person you can be in AND out and you will find someone who truly appreciates you for exactly who and what you are. IF you want to change something about yourself, do it FOR YOU. There's lots of time for everything else. Slow down and enjoy your life and don't rush it. Just don't classify sexy with how much you weigh. The two are completely different, and run FAST from someone who trys to tell you or make you feel otherwise.
Comment by Sonja said... - Wednesday, July 02, 2008 7:56:00 AM
It use to be weight loss, health,looking and feeling great about myself since I have maintained all three now for 20+ years my motivation comes from being able to eat what I like when I like. It has all been a lifestyle change and although I have lived in several different continents my routines don't change i.e eat 6-8 sml meals a day, exercise 45mins - 1hr30mins 5 days a week change routines regularly so you don't get bored,get enough sleep, take small bites of these and you will achieve your goals in weight loss, health and feel good too. It still leaves you plenty of time to enjoy other things in your day. And the compliments get better with each year.
Comment by said... - Monday, July 14, 2008 12:52:00 PM
I read if I didn't loose weight before I was 70 yrs old I neever would so I lost 20 lbs. and had to buy new clothes. Now I need to loose another 15 lbs.to help my knees - I've known too many people with knee problems because they are carrying too much weight and I don't want to be one of them.
Comment by said... - Sunday, August 10, 2008 10:04:00 PM
Bcos i did get made fun at in back in highschool.My gool is to loose up to 31 pounds, and i have lost up to 18 so far this summer, and 13 pounds to go.i'm in so a much better shape then i was on my high school graduation day this May, and can't pray to loose about 5 more pounds, b4 school begins this Sept.I'm very happy that i wouldn't be made fun at for being chubby any longer.Exercing, and eating healthyesp. snacking on vegs, and fruits did make me loose this weight.
Comment by said... - Monday, August 11, 2008 10:16:00 PM
I want to lose weight because i want to feel great & sexy when i use a bathing suit or any king of clothes.
Comment by said... - Monday, September 01, 2008 12:20:00 PM
looking good and younger - extra pounds added extra years to my apprearance - was what got me started but now with a healthy diet and lots of exercise I feel so good that I have added feeling good to my list
Comment by said... - Monday, September 08, 2008 11:38:00 AM
itoo am concerned about diet and exercise,however i enjoy having a light beer or two is this defeating my purpose?
Comment by said... - Monday, September 29, 2008 8:11:00 AM
I have what may be superficial reasons but I think they are actually great motivators. I recently in the last 2 years or so have had an upward spike in my music career and I realized that I will be in the public eye more often.
That right there is my motivation for looking good because I feel that I have an image to uphold. I later discovered that the working out I was doing was not only for aesthectic purposes but as I moved around my area as a musician and later in Europe on a mini-tour, I was grateful for what I had done because it turned out that I really needed that exercise to be in good shape.
Things like carrying my instrument, running for trains, setting up my equipment, breaking down my equipment, etc. all required some serious strength and endurance. Not to mention the actual performance on the stage.
That was a fantastic discovery and it took the pressure off of me to just workout for the look of it all. I am able to gather strength from the fact that I am 'in training' and that makes me feel special.
Comment by said... - Thursday, December 11, 2008 1:32:00 AM
I got dumped a year ago and was motivated to get in shape by hurt feelings, anger and revenge. But now I keep exercising and eating right (mostly) because I'm addicted to how great I feel now. Twenty-five pounds, many tears, and one deadbeat jerk have been shed, and I'm so much happier.
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