We all know that seeing weight coming off is a huge motivation! No matter what your primary reason is for doing keto, when you step on that scale each week and it keeps moving down, it motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing. It’s easy to stay motivated because you see the difference. Your clothes fit better and then they are too big. You do a double-take when you look in a mirror or see a picture of yourself. You feel on top of the world. But scale motivation doesn’t last forever.
The Scale Motivation Stall
Then, you hit a stall or you reach your ideal weight. Then what? If you don’t stay motivated to live the keto lifestyle, you start seeing the scale creep back up and that’s the opposite of motivating. At that point, it’s easy to give up and old habits start to sneak back into your lifestyle. An off-plan day here, an extra couple of carbs there, and suddenly you wish you hadn’t given away those extra big sweatpants. So, how do you stay motivated when the scale stops showing you progress?
I have not lost weight in several months. I may lose another pound here or there, but I am pretty much at my ideal weight, I think. At least, I’m happy with where I am. I haven’t been this weight since I was 16, so that’s got to be a good thing. So, if the scale isn’t motivating me, what is?
Goomba could use some of the tips below!
Non Scale Motivation Tips
- I look at before and after pictures. Sometimes I forget how I felt when I was so overweight so I look at a picture of me before 2020. It all comes flooding back to me. I don’t want to get there again.
- I keep a few pieces of clothing from before I started keto and try them on occasionally. That’s a real eye-opener! I fit into that???? Whoa. I’m sticking with keto with or without scale motivation.
- I write down my motivations and goals that are not related to the scale and have them close by. I put them in my agenda where I have the information on the blogs. Every day, I look at them and it keeps me motivated. A few of them include:
- Wearing a bikini to a beach **Update I’ve Done It**
- Go shopping for a new outfit – because you know I love shopping!
- Go back to Disney World and not worry about fitting on the rides.
- Keep my health and Bill’s health first and foremost. The most important motivation of all.
I’ve done a few things to keep me on the keto lifestyle train. I still weigh myself once a week to make sure I am on the right track. It varies by 1-2 pounds up or down each week and that’s normal. If I see a difference of 5 pounds or more in a week, that’s a sign I need to stop and rethink what I’m doing. That means it’s real weight coming on, not just water weight.
Exercise Can Help
I am also starting to exercise. One of the great things about keto is that exercise is not required. That being said, I don’t like the loose skin I have, so I’m going to work to tone that up some. I also get support from my family, friends, and all of you. If you can find keto networks that don’t have trolls, that is great support. I’ve been lucky to find a few.
Most of all, celebrate your success! Not losing weight anymore means you did it! Post a self-congratulatory note on social media and pat yourself on the back. It’s not easy to lose weight and be a healthier you and you did it. You did it with hard work and dedication. You put your health first and made it happen. Be proud of yourself and be an inspiration to others by keeping it a priority in your life.
Wendy
