Internal Reasons to Lose Weight

Why lose weight? Well, some reasons are better than others. External reasons for losing weight involve trying to impress someone else: family, friends, strangers, potential love interests, etc. Is this a good enough motivator to lose weight? Well, usually, no. Not long term, anyway.

People who successfully lose and keep the weight off need consistency. Longevity. Committment. A permenant, low weight lifestyle. External motivation alone usually runs out--especially because some people are impossible to impress, no matter how much weight you might lose. Or, they just plain don't notice. They're often too into themselves.

To keep your improved eating and exercise habits, it eventually requires that you also possess internal motivation to be thin. Internal, meaning--if no one ever saw you thinner, would you still want to lose the weight--just for yourself? Would you still want to sacrifice that cheeseburger? Would you still get out of bed to exercise if no one ever knew either way? If not, it's time to change that.

Here are some ways to increase your internal motivation to lose and keep the weight off:

1) Research the endless health benefits of losing weight (and the terrible health consequences of staying overweight).

2) Try to remember how much better you'll feel inside when you lose weight. Think of all the extra energy, self-esteem, and overall happiness you'll enjoy!

3) Visualize yourself thin and healthy. Enjoy a preview of your better, thinner looks right now.

4) Practice making yourself the main one you want to impress. Be your own audience. Your own crowd to please. It's all about you!

5) Remember--be your own best friend and your own best support system. You are the one that will never let yourself down. In the end, you are the only one that will be there for yourself 100% of the time.

I wish you all of the internal motivation you need, want, and desire! Until next time...

Dr. Randy