Tips on How to Properly Follow a Celebrity Weight Loss Role Model

From Valerie to Wynona to the Biggest Losers, there's no shortage of prominent people to follow as they journey through their weight loss plans. However, many dieters complain that, although following someone else on television as they lose weight is certainly motivational, it can also be discouraging. Setbacks and unexpected life changes alter our plans and keep us from being able to celebrate our own successes each time one of our examples hits a new milestone. There are steps that can be taken, however, to make the process more rewarding and as effective as it was meant to be. Consider the following tips on how to properly follow a celebrity weight loss role model for a few guidelines.

Tip #1: Cut your celebrity role model's goals in half for yourself. Unless of course you, too, happen to have a live-in trainer and nurtitionist, it might be a good idea to scale back a bit. Attempting to lose the same amount of weight as an individual who can afford diet "luxuries" can be a self-defeating move.

Tip #2: Take body weight percentages into consideration. Rather than trying to match your celebrity weight loss role model pound for pound when it comes to shedding the spare tire, focus on the percentage of body weight you hope to lose each with each weigh-in. You'll be more likely to stay focused on the goals that are right for your unique situation.

Tip #3: Join a community of those following the same celebrity's success. You can learn a great deal more by discussing your motivational role model with others who share that same inspiration. You can overcome fears and doubts together, as well as celebrate joint successes between yourselves and your shining celebrity example.

Tip #4: Take a second glance at your potential role model's attitude. Not all celebrity dieters are equal. Make sure yours have a healthy attitude toward weight loss and maintenance. There's a difference between those who sign up to lose weight in front of millions for the sake of motivation, and those who do so only to obtain a paycheck.

Tip #5: Remember that you are not in a compensated spotlight. If you find yourself not having the success that your role model is enjoying while on the same weight loss plan, remember that losing weight essentially becomes the "job" of the paid sponsor. It's much easier to accomplish a goal when you are under an obligation to do so.

Tip #6: Don't compare your twenty minute daily routine to your role model's three hour photo shoot preparation. If you feel that your role model is looking a bit more svelte than you, even though there isn't a tremendous gap between your weights, consider the average amount of time and effort that goes into their appearance before you see them. A quick reality check will put you back into focus and able to appreciate your progress more easily.

Tip #7: Get into your role model's head. In other words, don't just look at a before and after picture every few weeks. Read articles and blogs that your celebrity is posting. There, you'll likely find more information about what they are doing in addition to following a diet plan, as well as how they are overcoming their own struggles in the process.

Tip #8: Don't let your role model's post-diet weight gain set you back. Sometimes, a celebrity puts a great deal of weight back on when the spotlight is off. That doesn't mean that the weight loss plan is doomed to failure. After all, it did work. It just wasn't maintainted. One person's weight gain has little to do with another's, so stay focused on your own success and be proud of what you have accomplished. Your drive to stay healthy will keep you from following suit if such a scenario occurs.

Keep in mind the reasons following a celebrity dieter is a good idea, but stay grounded. What matters is knowing that someone is out there speaking on behalf of getting healthier, which means a movement is underway that you'll be a part of. Join the community, but stay focused on your own life and goals.