At Medical Weight Loss Clinic we meet patients who all share a common goal – to live a healthier life. And to meet that goal our medical experts like Fallon, who works in our Flint location, say the first step begins with one question.
“If you have no motivation to lose weight, I recommend determining your why,” Fallon says. Ask yourself why you want to lose weight. Define all those reasons.”
Only then is it possible to move forward. Find your “why” and you can begin to set realistic expectations. Fallon also suggests documenting or journaling your weight loss journey.
“It helps to pick a plan that fits your lifestyle,” she says. “Last but not least, make a commitment. You owe it to yourself.”
Getting into the right mindset can set you up for success on a healthy journey. To do so, Fallon suggests identifying the troubling thoughts that have stood in our way in the past. She says don’t be afraid to change that goal, either. What might seem like a goal to lose weight initially can be re-tooled into a new goal to become a healthy, better version of yourself.
“Try to focus on what’s attainable,” she says. “Start off slow and work your way up to build a pattern of consistency and longevity. This will train your brain into a healthy mind set.”
Getting motivated is one challenge. Keeping up that momentum is another. And the cold winter months can lead us astray. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
“A few things that keep me motivated to exercise in the winter months include investing in work out gear, making a plan and sticking to it, and frequently reminding myself why it’s important,” Fallon says. “Remember to be kind to yourself and your body. Relax, recover and get some sleep.”
If motivation to stay on a healthy path wanes, the professionals at Medical Weight Loss Clinic are here to help. Fallon suggests investing in new workout clothes or trying out some accessories that can keep you moving and help you forge ahead. She likes medicine balls, resistance bands or even ankle weights – which are low-cost ways to add to a daily workout or movement goal. Try any of them during a commercial break she says, and you’ll still see the benefits.
On those days where it feels so hard to stay on course, Fallon says it’s important not to give up.
“Even if it feels like you’re not making progress, just keep going!” she urges. “Consistency is the key. It will not happen overnight. Just start. Even if it is slow. Remember the turtle won the race!”