Hi ,
People often start a weight loss or emotional eating program full of enthusiasm and after a couple of weeks, reality sets in, and their initial
enthusiasm fades. No longer feeling motivated, they begin to lapse back into old behaviors or quit altogether.
To be successful losing weight long term or overcoming emotional eating, you must have the right kind of motivation.
There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation is performing a task because it’s personally rewarding to you. An example is you love to exercise or eat well because it makes you feel good, not only in your body, but how you feel about
yourself. Your motivation for wellness is intrinsically motivated.
Extrinsic motivation means you complete a task or engage in a behavior because of external forces. You may do something to get a reward or avoid disapproval. If externally motivated, your reasons for losing weight may be that you are seeking approval
and acceptance from others. You want to avoid their disapproval.
Wanting to look good for yourself would be a form of intrinsic motivation. Wanting to look good to get attention from others would be extrinsic motivation.
To be successful at long term weight loss or overcoming emotional eating, your motivation needs to be intrinsic. You are doing it for yourself because it will be meaningful and rewarding to you.
When you are intrinsically motivated, you are more likely to keep your
new habits because you enjoy the process of engaging in them.
