The Mind Matters when Losing Weight
Your mind is a powerful ally in your quest for long-term weight loss. With the proper knowledge and attitude, the mind can work with the body to create positive new behaviors. Here’s how:
- Set a realistic goal or a combination of short-, intermediate-, and long-term goals. For example, a short-term goal might be to lose 10% of your current weight. A longer-term goal might be to sustain the weight loss for at least six months.
- Break your goals into smaller action steps.
- Do a confidence check: Do you believe that you can achieve your goals? If yes, keep going. If no, set new goals that are more attainable.
- Have frequent pep rallies to boost your spirit. Be your own cheerleader and enlist others to cheer with you. Tell yourself often and loudly that you can do it. Think about how good you felt when you achieved your goals in the past. Believe in yourself and see the results.
- Visualize yourself doing positive new behaviors, like asking for food the way you want it at a restaurant. Continue to visualize what you can accomplish and the benefits that will come with sustained weight loss.
- Come up with new strategies if your initial ones are not working or are not working as well as they were.
- Recognize and give yourself credit for the gains you’ve already made. Compliment yourself. Think positively about your good qualities and successes, rather than drawing on or dwelling on negative thoughts.
- Reward yourself with nonfood rewards, like an evening at the movies or an afternoon with a friend, for reaching a goal or successfully changing a behavior.
Posted in Dieting, Tips and Advices
