Your New Year’s resolution should be just the motivation you need to keep you going strong this time of year. But as the year progresses, it’s common to feel the urgency of those resolutions slipping away. The next thing you know, they’re lying crumpled in a corner, only to be revisited next New Year.
Fortunately, we’ve got some great ideas to keep your program fresh, and to keep your incentive at an all-time high. They’ll help to give your program the boost it needs to carry you through the year—and beyond!
1. Think Outside the Box.
If things are getting ho-hum on your program, there are a million ways to spice up your favorite Nutrisystem® entrees. In fact, there are some great suggestions in the Recipe Center on our website.
But don’t limit the newness to entrees. Ever tried arugula? How about mango? Persimmons? The next time you’re in the grocery store, don’t just head toward your usual favorites. Pick out one new food, ask the produce manager how to prepare it, and give it a try!
2. Own It.
Beyond what you’re eating every day, one way to keep yourself from getting lax with your program is to be accountable for your actions—to both yourself and to other people. Take time to stop and think about how you’re following through on your commitment to a healthier lifestyle, and ask others around you if they’ve noticed any changes in how you’re living. Really make a concerted effort to be aware of all the choices you make in a day, especially when it comes to your weight loss. It sounds simple, but the more attention you pay to your program, the more it will mean to you, and the easier it will be to follow through with it. Accountability is a tremendous motivator.
3. Celebrate Your Victories.
If you’re like a lot of people, you minimize your successes and focus on your shortcomings or setbacks. Why not focus on the good things you’ve done instead? When you reach short-term or long-term goals like losing 5 or 25 pounds*, celebrate with a non-food reward, like a new pair of shoes or a book by your favorite author. And don’t just consider the scale victories, either. Celebrate the lifestyle victories, too, such as the first time you drive past your favorite fast-food restaurant without stopping, or resisting the birthday cake in the office.
Finally, never downplay your progress. When someone compliments you on the weight you’ve lost, accept the thanks proudly; don’t just shrug it off like it’s no big deal. Losing weight IS a big deal, and acknowledging it will infuse your program with energy.
4. Pardon You.
This is important: you need to lighten up on yourself when you falter. Don’t let one slip up kill your dream of being slimmer and healthier. It’s impossible to be perfect, and that’s true no matter what you’re doing. If you’re always berating yourself for falling short with your weight loss, it can be hard to keep going. You just end up feeling punished all the time. Instead, forgive yourself for any setbacks. Learn from the experience, then let it go and move on; you deserve a fresh start any time you want.
5. Think Back.
Why did you want to lose weight in the first place? To improve your health? To look better? To set an example for the family? Take a few minutes and remind yourself of all the reasons why you initially wanted to lose weight. Remember how you felt just before you joined the program and be as specific as possible:
• Movie or airplane seats were challenges
• You constantly ran out of energy
• Someone made a rude comment
• You really didn’t like the clothes choices you had
• You felt self-conscious about your appearance
• You had medical concerns
The more examples you can come up with, the more motivation you’ll build. Try it and see!
