Motivational? Not so much.
I think sometimes we hang onto things because they’re “supposed” to motivate us or remind us how things “should” be. The problem, at least for me, is that sometimes these “shoulds” and “oughts” and “inspirations” are not motivational. Here are a list of things that may be motivational, but may just be subtle saboteurs. Remember, if something’s making you feel bad, it’s probably not motivating you.
1. Women’s magazines. When I’m in a “good” place, women’s magazines may have new exercise and healthy meal ideas, but when I’m not feeling my best or when I’m a little down on myself, they’re not a motivator. If I’m PMS-ing or having a stressful day/week/month, sometimes seeing a 17 year old model lifting 5 pound weights does not inspire me to health. Sometimes the airbrushed, unattainable “beauty” is a major downer and I need to put it aside until or if I want to read it.
2. ”Skinny” or “goal” clothes. These are almost always a bad idea to keep trying to squeeze into as a way to measure your progress. I’ve found that retaining water, being sick or not getting as much activity as I’d like will change clothing size by one or two sizes so I have blue jeans in a couple of sizes. When I’ve gained a little weight those smaller size pants can be depressing if they’re my goal. I don’t keep them at the top of the drawer as an “inspiration.” I have to remind myself that they’re just clothes and I look to other motivators (how I feel, if I’ve been achieving other goals) so that not fitting into a certain pair of jeans doesn’t derail me.
3. ”Goal” photos. Maybe it’s an old picture of you when you were at your ideal weight or maybe it’s a clipping from a magazine of a celebrity whose body you admire, either way it might not be inspiring, it might just be depressing. I’ve read magazines that suggest putting up a photo on your bathroom mirror or on your refrigerator to motivate you. If it does light a fire under you, go for it. For me, though, it tends to remind me of what I’m not and what I may never be, and even more important, what may not be realistic or healthy.
4. Unrealistic goals. So you have an aerobics instructor whose got six pack abs and 15% body fat. Yippee for her. It doesn’t need to be your goal, and probably shouldn’t be. Aim for a healthy BMI and healthy body fat percentage (8-24% for men and 21-35% for women). Unattainable goals are, well, the definition of setting you up for failure! Set realistic, healthy goals for yourself so that you’re not starting out already defeated.
5. A cupboard full of “diet” food. Making healthy choices and permanent changes is the goal of all this, right? Skipping the Froot Loops in favor of whole grain cereal with skim milk is a healthy change you can probably stick with. But having ONLY Lean Cuisines, Weight Watchers cupcakes and South Beach snacks doesn’t sound appealing and is no way to live the rest of your life. Remember, when you’re trying to lose weight you CAN eat regular food. Have smaller portions, add more fruits and vegetables (they take up lots of space in your belly but aren’t very calorie dense). Lean Cuisine can be a handy lunch option when you’re short on time, but if that’s all you eat, you’re going to feel deprived (and bloated from all that salt!)
May you be happy and healthy,
Regan
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