Weight Loss Motivators

How motivated are you to get healthy and lose that extra weight from 2012? What if we offered you $6,000? How motivated are you now?

A couple from Tobaccoville, North Carolina did just that after winning a bet on healthywage.com. Together, the couple lost over 120 pounds and the key to their success? A monetary motivator.

Similar sites are available all over the web. You place a bet and according to the amount of weight you lose, have the opportunity to win a whole lotta dough!

Now, betting isn’t for everyone but if you find yourself struggling to stay motivated try thinking outside the box. We all have our moments of weakness and if losing weight itself doesn’t keep you motivated to  reach your goal, you may want to consider some of these ideas:

• Get a coach or find a support group. If you’ve visited Hilton Head Health before, you’re eligible to participate in our H3@Home Wellness Coaching program. This program is designed to encourage you while you lose weight at home. It also offers a private online community of H3 Guests going through the program with you.


• Set a date. Register for a race, sign up for an obstacle course relay or book a trip. By setting a deadline (and a monetary commitment) you are invested in your goal and can pace yourself along the way.


• Check the bucket list. We all have those experiences we’ve always wanted to do but for one reason or another have yet to cross them off the “bucket list.” Well, why wait? Take on the challenge or set the date and go for it! You may have to train to get there but at least you know that the outcome will be well worth it. Focus on one item off the list a time and journal your whole experience leading up to the event.


• Find the deeper meaning. Instead of focusing on losing weight, focus on what the weight loss actually means to you. Will you be able to go up and down the stairs without breathing heavily; will you be able to wean off certain medications; or will you be able to sit comfortably in a car or a plane? Keep that motivator in the back of your mind as you go through your weight loss journey.