Weight Loss Begins in the Mind

Losing weight is more about how the dieter thinks about food than food itself. Lasting weight loss success involves planning and the right mindset.

Terminating a life long pattern of turning to food for feelings other than hunger is vital for any weight loss plan (lifestyle change) to work. Filling emotional needs with emotional solutions and using food for physical nourishment only, is key to any effective weight loss plan. Seeking comfort, security, love or solace in appropriate ways allows the dieter to manage their food intake intelligently and effectively.

Tips for Successful Weight Loss
The successful dieter plans for success well before starting a weight loss plan. Just as a star student prepares for finals, the dieter who prepares for success before beginning will reap a higher level of achievement. A mind that has been prepared for change is better able to work with that change. Choose a weight loss start date of less than 30 days (not to be confused with procrastination) to begin both physical and mental preparation.

• Eliminate all foods from the household cupboards that are not on the healthy eating list. (A local homeless shelter will make good use of them.) Begin stocking only foods compatible with healthy eating.
• Learn to read food labels and consider purchasing whole, unprocessed foods instead (found mostly on the outside isles of the grocery store.)
• Since water is a staple for every effective weight loss program, plan for a way to have it nearby at all times. You will need to use this water as a replacement if you are a pop drinker.
• Monitor thoughts for negativity or victim mentality. Such thoughts will sabotage success. Take note of the urges to "make yourself feel better by eating" and acknowledge what emotions you are feeling at that time.
• Begin thinking of nurturing things that are not food related that you can do to "make yourself feel better." Some examples may be, walking, riding your bike, talking with a friend, reading, listening to music, etc. Make a list of these things and start implementing these alternatives.
• Pamper the body, mind and spirit with personally meaningful non-food activities or things. Don't forget meditation or prayer. Affirmations also can help you to "change your mind."

You will undoubtedly experience discomfort during this process. Just remember that these steps you are taking will eventually become new habits and the discomfort will subside with practice and time. Just like the cigarette smoker who stops smoking. Eventually, the pain and discomfort subsides as life goes on, only leaner and healthier. 

Thinking Patterns

"It is the MIND that maketh good of ill, that maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor."-- Edmund Spenser

So, you've heard me say that "Thinking Patterns" need to change in order to successfully change your lifestyle, get healthy and lose weight.

First, you must take personal responsibility and realize that you and only you can make the needed changes. According to Anthony Robbins in his book "Giant Steps" he says you must adopt three core beliefs:

1. The situation (being unfit and/or over weight) MUST change. Believing that you should change is not enough.
2. YOU must change it. Others can council you, but you're responsible to make the change.
3. You CAN change it. You created your current situation, therefore you can change it.

This may sound a bit basic to you until you realize that change doesn't really happen without these 3 core beliefs. If you find yourself faltering in your weight loss efforts, re-examine if you have these core beliefs as your foundation.
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Use Affirmations to Attain Your Goal

        "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right!".....Henry Ford

Do you really want to let go of the old ways that haven't worked to find the courage to try new ones? Yes!!

"Thoughts of your mind have made you what you are and thoughts of your mind will make you what you become from this day forward.".....Catherine Ponder

Affirmations are positive statements we say to ourselves.  The subconscious can not discern between truth or fiction and whatever you tell yourself and believe will be who you become. Once you have created an affirmation that fits your goal, you must write it ten times a day for 21 consecutive days. This is a critical component for success.  Writing uses more of your senses and you are imprinting your affirmation deeply into your mind and body.

Five Parts to a Successful Affirmation:

1. It must be positive. Such as, "I eat only healthy food," as opposed to, "I am no longer eating junk food."
2. It must be said and felt with passion & power.  Even if you do not believe what you are affirming, Act as if you do believe it.  Think it, Feel it, Hear it, Smell it.
3. It must be said in the present moment. State affirmations as if they are happening and real now.
4. It must be possible, such as, "I am losing weight," instead of "I am losing 10 pounds each day."
5. It must be personal.  We can only affirm for ourselves.  We cannot change anyone else.

Here are some possible "health & fitness" affirmations. Personalize them to fit your goals.

• I am in the process of arriving at a healthy weight for me.
• I am proud to be eating healthy foods today.
• I always have enough time, energy and desire to exercise my body.
• Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

Using affirmations that are meaningful for you and are focused on what you want to become true in your life will, over time, replace those negative, self-defeating habits and behaviors with positive, affirming, self-enhancing behaviors.

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