How can I stay motivated when dieting?

Great video Dr. Oz, thank you for sharing and we appreciate you greatly for this incredible program.

One thing I always ask my clients is "What is the best method for you to be motivated?"

They will look at me crazy but then we will further examine what that question means.  People are motivated by different things and different people are wired differently than others.  Some people are motivated by empathy and encouragement.  Some people are motivated best when they have accountability.  Others are pretty self motivated but just need coaching to know what to do.  Others just want to see results and will mostly be motivated if they see results.  Others kind of have that military attitude and need to be pushed and have tough love.

It is very important to understand what motivates people because someone who is motivated by empathy and encouragement will not be motivated by the pushing military style.  Someone who needs tough love will not be motivated by a softer more understanding approach.  Motivation like everything else should be personalized.

Staying motivated while dieting is quite a challenge. I stopped calling it hard or frustrating (which it certainly can be) and now go with challenging. I know it seems like a minor difference but this endeavor is largely mental.

 

I think you first need to really identify what you are trying to do. I would suggest you practice an eating style that puts you in enough of a calorie deficit to lose one pound a week. When you figure out how to do that do it again. Your motivation can come in many ways. A couple pounds here and there can be all it takes to make cloths fit better and that’s motivating.

 

There is a real rhythm involved with weight loss. It’s like pushing a rock up a hill. If you can keep it moving you will see some great results if you bring it to a halt it’s tough to get moving again.

One of the best ways to stay motivated when dieting is establish realistic goals, and set dates by them. Once you incorporate goal setting to help you accomplish dieting then this will help you to stay motivated and press on through the work that comes with dieting. The other way is to treat yourself in moderation every now then about once or twice a week with a little ice-cream or a couple slices of pizza to maintain consistency on the diet.