We all have been there. You get stuck in a slump because the scale isn’t moving as fast as you want it to, despite your efforts. You are exercising and drinking your water, yet the scale won’t budge. Or, you wonder why others can eat whatever they want, but you watch what you eat and yet you are not even close to being at goal yet.
The other day, I spoke about figuring out what prevented me from reaching goal in my past endeavors with Weight Watchers. Presently, I am doing all I can to keep my motivation going in full gear and preventing burnout like years before.
But, simply planning and prepping foods are not the only ways you can keep your motivation fire burning while keeping burnout at bay.
Below are 8 foolproof ways to prevent Weight Watchers burnout until goal.
8 FOOLPROOF WAYS TO PREVENT WEIGHT WATCHERS BURNOUT UNTIL GOAL
1. Try to not continuously eat the same foods.
I personally find that if you eat the same foods every single day, your body gets used to how it metabolizes it. Which can lead to constipation or the reverse. Plus, if you eat the same meals day in and day out, it can get monotonous. And if you get bored, it can lead to overeating and you may be leaving out other foods that have different nutrients your body needs or foods that will keep you fuller longer.
2. Reward yourself with each goal no matter how small.
We will hear about NSV – non-scale victories. But make sure you do just that when you meet a goal. Don’t wait till you lose 20 lbs, reward yourself at 3 pounds. I think of it this way: 3 pounds may seem small, but that’s 12 sticks of butter. Think of those 12 sticks as fat removed from your body. 3 pounds doesn’t seem so small now, does it? If I lose 1 1/4 pounds a week, of course I wish it was more. But I simply think of 5 sticks of butter coming off my butt and I’m content again and ready for the next week’s loss.
3. Don’t avoid eating out or being in social situations.
Weight Watchers Freestyle is not a diet. It is your new way of eating for life. This is not a temporary thing we are doing to lose weight. If you think of it like that, you will only be back where you started once you reach goal.
Over the years when I was on Weight Watchers, I would not go out to parties, restaurants, concerts, you name it. This was another eye opener for me. Because, while I lost weight, as soon as I was in a social situation, I relied on the old excuse of “there is anything on the menu I can have”. And you know what? Years ago, that could have been partly true, because every food counted – at least what I wanted to eat. But now, with Freestyle, there are so many more food choices that fit within the plan.
Also, with barbecues, picnics and lots of social gatherings coming up during Summer, here are some foods that you can eat without guilt and fit right into your daily points allowance seamlessly:
Freestylin’ Eight Layer Dip
Freestylin’ Deviled Eggs
Nachos Italiano
Bodacious Black Bean Corn Salad with Sweet Lime Dressing
0 Point Creamy Dreamy Hummus with Variations
Creamy Vanilla Cheesecake Fruit Salad
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. ” – Benjamin Franklin
4. Scope restaurants out beforehand.
Coming off #3 from above, if you know what restaurant you are going to socially, look up the menu online. Most chain restaurants and finer restaurants have their menus available online so you can keep your points allowance in check. And, don’t be afraid to ask for your food to be prepared a certain way, most places are happy to oblige.
5. Find other like-minded people.
There is strength in numbers. Emotionally too. Get active in Facebook Weight Watchers groups, there are a lot out there. People post new recipes, tricks, inspiration and just lend an ear when you need to vent. Instagram is great as well for Weight Watchers inspiration and recipes. Also, if you ever need to vent or are feeling like you are in a slump or have a lack of motivation, drop me a line and we can chat.
6. Face the Past.
Whether you want to or not, pull out those pictures of yourself that you do not like. You know, the ones stuffed deep in your drawers or between the pages of a book never to be found. I am speaking from experience here! Before starting Weight Watchers on 1/1/18, I asked my husband to take pictures of me front ways, behind, side, you name it. I keep these on my refrigerator for motivation. It works! When you feel hopeless, look how far you’ve come. Or better yet, where you never want to be again.
7. Turn your favorite foods into your favorite ethnic dish.
If you like chicken, beans and Indian food, make Chicken Chickpea Curry. If you like ground turkey and Mexican food, make Mexicano Stuffed Peppers. If you like shrimp and Chinese food, make Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce. Like chicken breast and Thai food, make some Balmy Bangkok Chicken. Never give up your favorite foods or ways of eating your favorite foods or you will feel deprived. This is a surefire way to binge. So go for it – start experimenting in the kitchen.
Remember, this is a new way of eating for life. It is not a temporary fix until you reach your goals.
8. Give into temptation – but in moderation.
Yes, this may sound counter intuitive, but if you are craving chocolate, have some chocolate. Notice I said some and not 5 pounds of it. If you feel like apple pie, have a slice, just don’t eat the whole pie. To go about this, rework your daily points, use your weekly points, save up 4 points daily, exercise and use activity points, etc., there is no reason why you cannot give into your craving. But do so in moderation.
You will not go the rest of your life without eating apple pie, cheesecake, chocolate you must learn how to work these foods into your life. Also, go in search of Weight Watchers friendly recipes for your favorite foods on Pinterest.
Finally, I said it before and I truly believe that this Freestyle plan is the best Weight Watchers plan ever. To be able to have so many different 0 point foods and to be able to “earn” and carryover points makes this program super doable. I find that this is beyond livable. I have to admit that some days I cannot finish my points – and that is even including the ones I carry over.
If you want a few 0 point or extremely low point meals to spice up your menu, here are a few suggestions:
Pioneer Woman’s Recipes Remade the Freestyle Way
Complete Pioneer Woman’s Daily Menu Made Freestyle FriendlyÂ
3 Day 0 Point Weight Watchers Freestyle Menus
0 Point 4 Course Dinner Menu With Recipes
What are some of the ways you keep your motivation going?