Four top ways to lose weight

Your "why" will motivate you to keep going when the going gets tough. Photo / Getty Images

By Rachel Grunwell

Want to lose weight? Well, you firstly need to have a strong "why", ie why are on this health journey and why does it matter to you?

Your "why" will motivate you to keep going when the going gets tough. And it will get tough sometimes. But you will strengthen through the struggle if you have a strong "why".

You know, something like wanting to be healthier so you can have more energy for your family.

I'm not a cuddles-style wellness coach. Yes, I'm motivating, supportive, and caring. But I'm honest with clients that they will need to put in the work and have a strong "why". I'm there for them to break down any barriers holding them back.

I've gone from an unfit mum to a multi-marathoner, so I understand the journey. I'm used to hard work, sweat and sometimes shedding the odd tears along the way. When I get in struggle city and want to quit on a goal, I think of the words: "Suck it up, princess".

Toughen up princess is a saying in Mark Manson's book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. I interviewed Mark when his book was published and I like his counterintuitive approach to living a good life. He says we have to be willing to struggle for things that matter. I agree.

Four top weight loss tips
1. Find a "tribe" on Instagram to motivate and inspire you. Follow me on @inspiredhealthandfitness — I'll cheer you on!
2. Enter an event with friends to scare you into action with keeping up your fitness, for example the Rotorua Ekiden Relay on October 13. You can walk or run in a team and even dress up!
3. Back yourself 100 per cent. Quit the self-sabotage talk.
4. Don't be a dreamer. Be a doer.

• Rachel Grunwell is our weekly wellness columnist. She is an award-winning writer, qualified PT and yoga teacher. She coaches private clients. Follow her via:

InspiredHealth's website
InspiredHealthNZ Facebook
Instagram