Tips for Staying Motivated from

 Motivation is the critical piece of the puzzle that moves us into action. Whether it's the motivation to learn a new language or to "spring clean" the house, it is the hidden force behind each of our accomplishments. The same can be said for weight loss; it doesn't happen without motivation. The good news is everyone has motivation inside of them. It's just a matter of finding out what drives you.

Is there a weight loss goal calling you to action? Perhaps it's having the energy to play with your grandkids or learning to Salsa dance. Or maybe, like Jenny Craig’s celebrity client Sara Rue, it’s fitting into a favorite old pair of jeans. Whatever it is, get passionate about it and take action. The following tips can be used to help you find the motivation and commitment to keep you on track for the long haul. The important thing is to use them regularly to steer you toward your final destination and to re-motivate yourself on the days when you need it most. Don't wait for motivation to find you, create it for yourself each and every day.

Track your progress. Self-monitoring is a great tool for following your results and keeping you motivated.

Weigh yourself weekly either in centre or at home, take measurements (chest, waist, hips) monthly and plot your progress on a graph or use the online Progress Tracker at www.jennycraig.com. Seeing your progress can be very motivating! Taking before and after photos is also a great way to see how far you've come.

Celebrate the small milestones. The small steps we take along the way are often as important as reaching the final destination. A small reward could be a new magazine subscription or new pen for writing in your journal or just choosing an apple instead of a candy bar.

Promise yourself something big. Acknowledging each small success along the way is vital, but what about the bigger wins? When you get to your halfway weight, think about how you're going to feel and what reward will motivate you to keep going. Reaching your halfway weight is a major milestone to celebrate and what better way to do that than with something a little extravagant? It might be a facial or a full day at the golf course, or perhaps a splurge on a new hair style. Whatever it is, make it special. You’ve earned it!

Visualize the future you. Close your eyes. Now, picture a slimmer more vibrant you. How do you look? How do you feel? Where are you? What are you wearing? Who are you with? Whenever your motivation is low, hold that image in your mind and remind yourself that you deserve to be the best "you"!

Just do something! Some days everything just clicks and eating well and exercising is a breeze. On other days simply getting out of bed can seem like a struggle — life is like that. On the days when you're in the groove, do a little extra — take another 10- minute walk or eat some extra greens for a real nutrition boost. On the days when you're struggling, remind yourself how good you felt on those days when you did make the effort to move a little more and push forward and get your workout done — you know you'll feel better afterwards.

Find ways to get re-inspired. Feeling in a bit of a rut, or don't feel like getting active today? Read a motivating quote from a book or watch a weight loss or makeover show. Place inspirational quotes in strategic places at work and at home. You can also read other success stories and motivating tips at www.jennycraig.com.

Sometimes an uplifting message is all you need to get back in motion.

Move to the Tunes! Music can be very motivating; it can even lead you to exercise longer. On the days when your motivation might be low and you're feeling a little stressed, listen to music that makes you smile and get moving! Put on your favorite song and dance, and feel the stress melt away.

Share your dreams. When we speak our goals and dreams out loud they become real. By telling your friends you become accountable and who knows, perhaps a friend wants to join you on your journey and become a weight loss buddy.

Make today the day you decide to change your life with Jenny Craig!

Visit your employer or health plan member website, or call 1-877-Jenny70, to learn about your special offer on the Jenny Craig Program.