Mental Tips For Losing Weight 08/16/2010
 Think ThinWeight loss can be a difficult task, especially if you don't really believe you can accomplish it. Although much of the weight-loss battle is physical, mental choices play a big role. In fact, a study by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology, in Australia, reported that your self-belief level can influence exercise and healthy eating choices. Several mental tips can be used every day to help your weight-loss process run more smoothly. Don't Be Afraid to Say No Remind yourself it is OK to say no when offered food. No matter who is offering--your mother, your best friend or even your boss--it is fine to decline. Because the offering of food, such as baked goods, sometimes is given as a token of love or affection, saying no can be difficult. If you are afraid of offending, the Fitness magazine website recommends accepting the food but disposing of it at home. Or, if offered a second helping, accept it, but chose seconds of vegetables or fruit instead of the main course. Positive Self-Talk According to the Cognitive Therapy Associates website, restructuring negative thoughts can have a positive effect on weight loss. Be respectful of yourself, avoiding critical behavior and thoughts. Talk to yourself with dignity, ignoring the negative internal dialogue that can lead to weight-loss discouragement. Instead, replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts. It's OK to Waste It Don't feel guilty about not eating everything on your plate. Although most children are brought up learning not to waste food, Fitness magazine says it is better to dump extra food into the trash instead of into your body. If throwing food away is not economical for you, reduce recipes so appropriate portions can be served. Reduce Mental Stress Reducing stress improves mental function and also helps reduce the craving for food. Reduce stress by reading, meditating, yoga, doing deep-breathing exercises or playing with children. Whatever the activity, Cognitive Therapy Associates says it should be so enjoyable that you are likely to repeat it. Because overeating sometimes is a coping mechanism for stress, reducing it can be effective against weight loss. Activities Can Be Fun Without Food Although many activities often are coupled with food, a movie can be just as entertaining without popcorn. "When you combine a certain pastime over and over with eating, you eventually stop listening to hunger or fullness cues and just eat on autopilot whenever you engage in that activity," says Tara Gidus of the American Dietetic Association. Change this behavior by altering your routine. If you usually snack in front of the TV at night, read a book on the porch for a change of scenery. Instead of meeting friends for dinner, arrange a walk or a game of softball. Think about how much cash can be saved if you skip the concession stand at the movie theater. CommentsLeave a Reply | About Me
For as long as can remember I have been interested in fitness and working out. I became a certified trainer over 5 years ago because helping others achieve their fitness goals gives me great satisfaction, especially when someone comes up to me and says something as simple as " I feel so great! Thank you so much!" ArchivesAugust 2010 Categories |
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