Research shows that people are more likely to stick with their workouts and exercise longer if their incentive to break a sweat goes beyond losing weight or fitting into skinny jeans.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that women who exercise to lose weight or to become more toned, do almost 40% less exercise, and walk 2.5 times less than those who work out for other reasons, such as reducing stress, to feel energized or simply increasing their well-being. They feel exercising to shape their bodies is something they’re supposed to do – which is less motivating.

Think about ways your health habits are enhancing your life, beyond looking good in a sexy outfit. For example, your workouts can boost your mood and make you feel more powerful and confident. You won’t see the heart attack that you prevented, or the other diseases that you’re warding off – by exercising and staying healthy.

So, constantly remind yourself that by keeping the weight off, you’re reaping a multiple of benefits.

• Try to incorporate longer walks in your day-to-day routine – go to the local park, walk to buy something, check out nature trails, walk your pets, drive to the beach then walk along the beach, go on a picnic.
• Use the stairs instead of the lift – especially if you’re going up just one, two or even three flights of stairs. Every single step helps you to lose weight – the healthy way.
• If you take the bus daily, get off the bus one stop early, and walk the rest of the way.
• If you’re watching television, jump up during the commercial breaks and do some sort of exercise in between. Having an exercise bicycle in your living room would be quite handy for this.
• Watch your calorie intake – eat less, eat smarter and eat healthy. Don’t crash diet!
• Drink more water. In fact, as much as possible, have water instead of pop, juices and other drinks with artificial sweeteners.
• Cut down on beer and alcohol. Doesn’t sound like much fun, but your body will eventually appreciate and show it.
• Watch and track your weight on a weekly basis. Know where you’re at, know your goal.
• Be patient and persevere – your weight loss efforts won’t pay off overnight … but keep at it and they eventually will.
• Reward yourself with non-food items when you’ve achieved certain targets. A new CD, whatever … just not more food to distract you.
• Share your joy with everyone around … even the naysayers and negative ones. Let them know where you’ve reached and where you’re coming from.

Hope these tips help to make you lose weight the healthy way!