Motivate me

Q: Recently a lost a lot of weight, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to maintain my new size. I am already getting bored with my diet and exercise program. How can I keep up my motivation? —Christine Koontz

A: Hi Christine. I suggest finding inspiration around you and surrounding yourself with positive images! Tack motivational phrases and photos to your fridge, headboard, steering wheel and desk.

Keep your exercise social. Make plans with friends or a trainer so it’s fun.

Make eating and exercise part of your normal routine—like brushing your teeth.

Keep a food diary and fitness journal to monitor your habits.

Use mobile apps and post your progress on social media so your friends and followers can offer support and accountability.

Set a goal to try one of those trendy new “fun runs,” like a color run or mud run.

Enjoy your food, and don’t deprive yourself. Just be reasonable and take responsibility. If you know you went overboard with dessert, do some extra stairs, push-ups or walking.

Always eat breakfast, and eat at regular intervals, so your body will be able to trust that it is being fueled.

Your body is very simple. Be kind to it. Feed it good stuff, make it do fun stuff, keep it clean, give it ample sunlight, give it restorative rest and dress it up and take it out on occasion. Then it will love you back!