Five Motivational Tools to Healthy Eating

1. Statistics The statistics available regarding the health and fitness of our society are shocking and disturbing. I won't go into them; you know that obesity is rising, diabetes is rising and worse, childhood obesity is getting worse each and every day. If any of these numbers relate to you, you can use them to motivate yourself to be more than a statistic. Don't let any of these numbers scare you into action, let them empower you to change. Empowerment is better than fear every single time.

2. Images and role models for success For many, it helps to have an image of success. If you’re trying to lose weight or eat better, you can find someone you know and respect who has achieved the same goal. If you’re looking to lose weight, why not find an image of a celebrity role model or find a role model you know personally and let them inspire you. Inspiration comes from visual images and from personal interaction. Conversations, quotes, and pictures from this person and how they achieved their goals could help you attain yours.

3. Get a coach Sometimes it pays to get expert help, particularly when you’re dealing with a difficult life-changing plan. For example, starting a new weight loss campaign can feel overwhelming. Instead of operating in the dark and trying to find the right diet plan for your goals, body type and health, you can hire a nutritionist or dietician to guide you. Not only will a dietician help you figure out what to do to meet your goals, he or she can be invaluable when it comes to motivation. That’s their job, to kick your bottom into gear and help you live the way you really want to live even when it’s difficult to do. You can find a coach to help you with just about any goal you have, from improving your nutrition to losing weight, exercising and even quitting smoking.

4. Find a support group Sometimes it is just helpful to find a group of peers who are going through the same thing you are to get you through the tough times. Many weight loss programs offer support groups in the form of meetings or online chat rooms. If you are not participating in a formal weight loss program like Weight Watchers, you can easily find an online group of people who are going through the same things you are. Support groups can help you know what to expect as you’re making your way towards your healthy eating goals; they can offer inspiration when they succeed and they can help you get through the tough times by offering advice and support. I highly recommend (and I'm a member of) Burn the Fat Inner Circle.

5. Track your progress Tracking your success is a great way to stay motivated. You can track your success in a journal, using an online tool like the FitWatch Fitness Tracker, or by creating a spreadsheet to track your goals and results. My article on How to Set a Weight Loss Goal has even more tips for tracking your progress.