In theory, losing weigh should be relatively simple—we just need to start eating better food and exercising more. These are things that are completely under our control, so no problems right? Wrong. Countless people struggle with weight loss, and while other factors may affect weight, the biggest problem typically stems from an inability to make the necessary lifestyle change; we have a host of issues working against us, such as laziness, bad habits and weird self-sabotaging beliefs that keep us stuck where we do not want to be. It comes down to making better decisions, which means we need to work on our mindset, which will set the stage for the choices we make. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Combating Stress
Stress is just a part of life, and most of us fare poorly in managing this nasty beast. It can deteriorate our mental and physical health. When it comes to shedding those extra pounds, it is one of your primary enemies. Not only does it cause physical changes in the body that can counteract weight loss efforts, it puts us in a state of mind that is not conducive to reaching our health goals. It triggers emotional eating; it makes us feel negative and pessimistic about life, and we start to care a bit less about improving our health or other facets of life. It causes us to zone out in front of the TV for hours instead of exercising. If you want to forge a successful battle against the bulge, managing stress must be a top priority. It will help you feel better, and when you feel better, you will want to make decisions that keep you feeling better, like eating right and working out.
Identifying Your ‘’Why’’
If there has been one thing that has motivated me to reach my goals over the years, health and otherwise, it has been getting crystal clear on why I want the things I want. Once you identify this at the deepest levels, your motivation to achieve your goals skyrockets. When you are clear on why you want the things you want, you will do whatever it takes to acquire these things. Why do you want to lose weight? List out these reasons and then ask yourself why you want those things and then why you want those things. Keep going deeper until you reach the core. Make copies of this list and place them anywhere you will need a reminder.
Adopt Long-Term Thinking and Be Forgiving
Remember that you are trying to lose weight and make permanent lifestyle changes—this is not some crash diet to look good for an upcoming event. You have a lot of bad habits to break, and you will probably slip up plenty along the way, but forgive yourself and remember to think long-term. Do not use a moment of weakness as an excuse to go on an eating binge for the next week; even if you go on that binge, know that it does not mean all hope is lost.
