I get asked a lot about how to get motivated to lose weight when we gain, or even to keep going during slow weight loss intervals. I have experienced both over the years…and especially recently.

Over the 10 years since surgery, I accepted the normal 10% weight gain, but during the last 3 years, I had put on a few pounds I was no longer willing to live with. So, I set my mind to weight loss. Now, I must say, I am easily motivated, but I also…can just as easily become uninspired.

On April 8, I set out on my most recent weight loss experience, which I call my  “get back to basics reunion”. The first 12 weeks went well, I lost 25 pounds. But then came July, the dreaded standoff—I reached a marathon stand still—for the last 8 week, I’ve moved up and down the same four pounds. Officially known as a weight loss surgery patient plateau. Now that’s discouraging! I still have more to lose.

So here's what I'm doing.

I am a firm believer in first "setting your mind" towards what you want. First, I begin the motivating process by making a list of reasons why I want to lose weight. The reasons that inspire us in the first place, can often encourage us during the process. I make a list of why I want to lose, where I want to be in the end and my plans for getting there. Although weight loss was included in my list of desires, my goal was to get back to healthier choices.

On days when I need additional inspiration, I find it helpful to try on clothes in my closet that I want to get back into. Even going to the department store to try on clothes or look through clothing catalogs, or new trends online. I especially enjoy being surprised when my clothes have a little more wiggle room than the week before!

One week led me to the outlet stores and the clearance racks to find a new and exciting summer deals. I selected a few things that I was excited to add to my wardrobe. Last week, I went to a in-home clothing event. That was inspiring. There were lots of girls trying on clothing and I wasn’t too terribly embarrassed to try on some promising outfits. It was fun!

Before weight loss surgery there were particular kinds of clothing I dreamed of wearing such as a khaki pencil skirt or a sleek sweater dress. I helps me to imagine myself wearing those clothes with specific details and how it would feel to be able to wear it well. I encourage you to choose an outfit that is within reach and set your mind toward wearing it. Be specific about color, style, and every detail, and image yourself sporting it. 

Among my list of reasons to lose weight are huge health motivators, reduction in knee pain, more energy, more flexibility and better blood sugar levels.

I also seek out support group friends and fellow weight loss companions. I weigh-in with someone each week - to hold myself accountable. It’s harder to face someone else on weigh-in day if you haven't done your best. I have a support group of several people that share the same desire to get back on track - they don’t have to be weight loss surgery patients - anyone who is struggling with weight and earnestly trying to lose. Encouraging others is a reward all it’s own!

This summer, I texted with a group of friends - including my friend, Hannah. She has great ideas on recipes and is very creative in finding fresh food ideas. My sister, Ginger, wanted to lose a few pounds. It was exciting to share and connect and to see her reach her goal. One of my neighbors offers encouragement, too. She and I get together about once a week (informally) and share our ups and downs.

Another motivator for me is finding new recipes that are healthy. Even trying a new food that I haven't tasted before—something new and simple that I can add to my “go to menu”. I also try a “special dinner” or “special breakfast” recipe that I would like to try. Making a list of foods that I CAN eat and a list of healthy snacks. Summers are especially hard for me as ice cold popsicles tend to call my name. I purchased a few popsicle forms and made my own flavors—inventing new recipes, challenging myself to make them as tasty and low calorie as possible.

On a food note, I find making things as simple and convenient as possible helps - I try to keep things on hand in the fridge and freezer. This summer I made a fresh storage container purchase for the fridge (FreshWorks by Rubbermaid). They work! These containers keep fruits and vegetable fresher longer so that I don’t have to worry about spoilage quiet so soon. I keep food ingredients prepped, and on-hand and in sight so that it’s ready when I’m hungry.

Activity wise, I recommend finding activities that are enjoyable. Exercise doesn’t just have to be in the gym. Discover an activity that is rewarding and productive that you enjoy—wash the car, go for a walk up the street, down the beach, or through the mall, buy a jump rope, get a hula hoop or put together some friends for outdoor games, activities, or throw a pool party - something simple, easy and fun. 

During my recent stand-still, I've had to review my goals and my progress. My goal was to get back to health and making healthier choices, not a number on the scale. I did want to get into some smaller clothes in my closet, but that was only a by-product of my effort. I must remind myself that the main thing is that this is not a diet. This is a lifestyle, a way of living I needed to get back to. I was also reminded, that in all my efforts to make plans and do my best, I must surrender my plans as well as the result to the Lord. Through it all I'm growing stronger inside and out. I’ve been diligent, I have had success in my endeavors and I will continue to move forward, in the right direction—and so can you. Yes, you can. You have many more miles to go!