Feature: Healthy Lifestyles

Motivation Speeds Weight Loss Results, Keeps Weight Off

Author: John Phillip
Published: July 29, 2010 at 9:08 am
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Nutrition experts agree that the foundation of healthy weight loss involves a well balanced, calorie restricted diet and physical activity on most days of the week. Beyond these essential underpinnings are the motivational and psychological aspects of weight reduction which can mean the difference between success and failure.

Recent research released from The Journal of Medical Internet Research indicates that people who have lost weight were more than twice as likely to keep the weight off if they kept track of their progress using an online recording system.

This is consistent with studies demonstrating that people lose weight more consistently and faster when they keep a dairy to record all foods eaten each day. Aside from diet and exercise, there are several important steps to help motivate your mind and hit your ideal weight target.

Step 1: The Power of Motivation to Lose Weight
People are much more likely to achieve and maintain their weight loss goal when they’re motivated by others. Losing weight significantly reduces the risk of sudden death from a heart attack, diabetes, stroke, dementia and many cancers, yet many people never attain or maintain their weight goal. The motivation provided by a friend or family member is the missing key to weight loss success for many.

Before beginning your weight loss journey, find somebody who will be able to encourage you when you hit the inevitable low point or plateau in your quest. The encouragement they’ll provide is invaluable, providing the strength and psychological boost to continue toward success.

Interestingly, researchers have found that people who are financially incentivized to lose weight achieve a 70% success rate, making money a powerful source of motivation.

Step 2: Eat It, Track It and Don’t Cheat

Keeping a food dairy is a proven method that leads to permanent weight loss. When you record everything you eat, you’ll quickly find that most meals tip the scales at nearly twice the number of calories than you really need. Use a smaller 9” plate and you’ll automatically eat 40% less without even noticing the difference.

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About this article

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Article Author: John Phillip

John Phillip is a Diet, Health and Nutrition Researcher/Writer reporting on the cutting edge use of lifestyle modifications to enhance and improve the length and quality of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a Free E-Book available for download from his blog. …

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