Staying Motivated

Sometimes the hardest part of losing weight is staying motivated when things don't go your way. Sometimes the scale isn't your friend, and sometimes it doesn't reflect the work you've put in. That's okay. As annoying as it is, it's perfectly normal to lose little or no weight after a large loss. It can be easy to get discouraged when this happens, but it's important to remember your goals, and realize that this isn't a setback, it's just your body trying to figure things out.

This time around I have a really great support system in place to keep me motivated, and to hold me accountable. I'm lucky in that I have two really great people on my team. My husband has been amazing about the whole thing. We didn't eat terribly before but our diet has still changed pretty dramatically. Even so, he's eaten everything I've put in front of him without complaint. He even has the Weight Watchers app on his phone and uses it to find restaurants with healthier options on days when I don't feel like cooking. I also have a good friend who is on the same journey as I am. I can't stress how helpful this is! We can text each other when we have a bad day, or when we give in to temptation and eat ALL THE PIZZA! We can also text each other when we have really awesome days or when we don't give in to the pizza temptation. Having someone there that won't judge you when you screw up, and who will celebrate with you when you have a big loss or reach a significant milestone is pretty freaking fantastic.

Another big way that I stay motivated is by following other Weight Watchers members on Instagram. I love seeing everyone's progress pictures. I'm not at the point yet where I can really see a difference in my body so being able to see the transformations that others have gone through is hugely motivating. I also love all of the healthy meal inspiration I get from following these ladies. I hate boring food so seeing all the delicious, low point foods that everyone else has found to eat is a big help. A few of my favorites to follow are: on__point, trackingisthenewblack, rachyrachyww, and lauren_losingit.

I had to remind myself many times last week why I was doing this after only seeing a one pound loss. One pound is a totally respectable number by the way, it was just difficult to digest after having the big 3.8 pound loss the week before. But I stuck with it, I made some small adjustments like drinking fewer carbonated beverages and cutting back on the amount of carbs I was consuming (bread, pizza, pasta...) and this week I was down 3 pounds! Stick with it. Even when the scale is being a jerk and refusing to budge, don't give up. Find other ways to measure your success, like your energy level, the fact that your clothes are fitting more loosely, or even that you finally found a way to prepare brussels sprouts that you actually like. Be proud of the progress you've made, and keep up the good work!

Savannah