I’m trying to get myself motivated on losing weight, but I need help with a menu. I don’t like vinegar or fake food, please help! – Lupe C.
The problem with a stranger such as myself providing a menu for you is that it won’t improve your motivation. Following a defined list on a piece of paper handed to you won’t last long. YOU need to find something that you are excited about and adopt it. Ambition to achieve a goal comes from within. Find your reason for wanting to lose weight. Dig into your psyche. Get to the heart of it. Take hold of that desire and use it to fuel your next step.
“The starting point of all achievement is desire.” –Napoleon Hill
There are hundreds of free online menus and weight loss plans, so finding one that suits you takes some work, I’ll admit. Maybe you could jot down what foods appeal to you, then search those as key words for recipes or meal suggestions. If being creative with exotic tastes inspires you, you might use another country as your inspiration and find healthy menus that reflect that culture. Perhaps you might identify a non-diet food approach that piques your interest (e.g. ‘clean’ eating, slow food, organic/sustainable, vegetarian) and follow its guidelines.
“In my experience, there is only one motivation, and that is desire. No reasons or principle contain it or stand against it.” –Jane Smiley
Alternatively you could chose a diet plan that matches your personality.
Here are a few suggestions:
free spirit >>> mindful eating (no specific plan) by tracking hunger + savoring food
social or emotional eater >>> support group like Weight Watchers or TOPS
all-or-nothing >>> strict diet like Macrobiotic
foodie >>> includes healthy carbs like Mediterranean
No matter what you choose, only you can put a menu or plan into action – unless you’ve got a personal shopper and chef! Set aside some time each week to put together a grocery list and map out what you’ll have every day. Then get to the supermarket in a timely manner and prepare your meals. Again, this takes effort. But if you want the end result, the work will become a priority and you’ll make the time.
“If you genuinely want something, don’t wait for it–teach yourself to be impatient.” –Gurbaksh Chahal
– Debbie J., MS, RD
Check out some of our other articles right here at LIVING HEALTHY for more tips on reducing body fat percentage.
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