Mind Over Matter: Key Strategies for Weight Loss Success
By: Nishanth Reddy
Katie, a 33-year-old mother of two, has been on her share of
diets over the years. From Weight Watchers to the Zone to Sugar
Busters, she feels as if she has tried them all. While she has had
moderate success in losing weight from time to time, she has never
found a long-term weight loss solution. Her weight is a point of
contention in her marriage; her husbandwho also happens to be
obesewishes she were thin, but says he loves her anyway. The two
have been separated a number of times, and even filed for divorce
once. The stress has caused Katie to begin binge eating again.
There is hope for Katie and others like her who feel as if theyre
trapped on the diet carousel. The key to long-term weight loss
success may not be the body, but the mind. Research indicates that
those who have a positive outlook on life are more likely to lose
weightand stay thin. But how can you have a positive outlook when
youve been burned so many times before? Is it possible to will your
way to losing weight?
One technique that has been proven effective in sports training is
something called visualization. For instance, a baseball player
might visualize his bat connecting with a ball, leading to a
homerun. A soccer player might visualize kicking the winning goal
in a soccer match. And a golfer might visualize sinking the winning
putt in the Masters Tournament.
The same technique can be used by dieters. Visualize yourself as
thin. Picture yourself in that dress that is now two sizes too
small. Imagine stepping onto the scale and being pleased with the
result. Visualize yourself saying no to that piece of chocolate
cake or that plate of Fettucini Alfredo. These mind exercises can
help to spur you onto weight loss.
When people learn they are suffering from cancer, they are
encouraged to imagine their cancer cells being destroyed by healthy
cells. You can follow the same technique in order to lose weight.
That means imagining your fat cells being destroyed by thin cells.
Through such a method, you can think your way to a healthy
weight.
In addition, it is critically important that you maintain a
positive attitude. Be forgiving of yourself. If you veer off your
diet plan, simply get back on course with your next meal. Dont
spend precious time beating yourself up over your failures.
Instead, celebrate your successesin a non-fattening way. For
instance, when you reach a milestonesay youve lost ten poundsreward
yourself with a trip to an art museum or to your favorite coffee
shop (but skip the cream and sugar). Marking milestones will give
you a sense of accomplishment, a sense that you are triumphing over
food.
Another helpful technique can be prayer or meditation. Some
support groups even offer Bible-based weight loss programs that use
scripture verses to help inspire. Taking stock of your life and
handing your weight loss problems over to a higher power can be
cathartic and may give you a sense of peace about your weight
difficulties. It has been said that a clear head leads to a healthy
body. Try praying or meditating ten minutes at the start of your
day. Chances are you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the
weight challenges that come your way.
Yet another technique you might consider is role-playing. Grab
your spouse or a friend and ask him or her to act out a situation
in which you might be tempted to overeat. Youll be forced to come
up with strategies to fight temptation. This rehearsal could prove
to be quite helpful when a real life diet dilemma comes your way.
If role-playing works for job interviews, it should be beneficial
for your weight as well.
Mind over matter is not just a clever saying. It can actually be
the solution to your weight loss problems. By using your brain
power, you can develop the techniques needed to make healthy food
choices. When your mind and your body are both healthy, you have
the best of both worlds.
Nishanth Reddy is an Author and Publisher of various health related websites. For more articles on Weight Loss Diet Tips visit www.weightloss-diettips.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your eZine, Blog, Auto responder or on your website as long as the links, and resource box are not altered in any way.
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