The BEST tool for weight loss

Mar 10, 2011

  The BEST tool for weight loss is not the band.  And it's not gastric bypass, the sleeve, or the DS.  The BEST tool each of us has in our arsenal to fight the battle of obesity is our MIND.

Most of us who have been overweight have a lot of battle scars.  We have belief systems in place based on our own experiences, and on what we've learned from others' experiences.  A lot of that baggage can hold us back from success.  Have you ever told yourself things like, "I just can't lose weight"; "I don't like to exercise (or dont have time)"; "I always re-gain"; "Well, I ate one cookie, I might as well have five since I already blew it today", etc. etc.  We have to learn a new way of thinking about ourselves for long-term success, regardless of the method we choose to lose weight. 

Here are some techniques I used during my weight loss journey that really helped me.

1.  Education.  Whether you are pre-op or post-op, continue to educate yourself about healthy living.  I subscribed to Prevention Magazine, and read it cover-to-cover during my first year out.  I attended healthy cooking workshops.  I read online.  I am *still* learning, and the things I learn often make it easier to maintain motivation to eat right.  Lately, I've been reading a lot about insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and the effects that carbohydrates have on our bodies and hormones.  What I've learned makes it easier to avoid them.  

2.  Set realistic goals and track progress.  The scale is just one measurement of success.  I also took body measurements and full-body pictures once a month or so.  Plus, I kept a food and activity journal.  Being able to actually see changes, and to review my progress and habits helped me appreciate small improvements, and to switch things up if I wasn't progressing.

3.  Be grateful.  I made a list of things I am grateful for, and add to it, and review it regularly.  If you focus on being thankful for the good things about yourself and your life, you spend less time with negative thinking.

4.  Fantasize.  Spend time thinking about how healthy you are becoming and the things you will be able to do at a healthy weight.  See yourself doing all the things you've had to miss out on.  A great time to do this is when you're exercising.  It takes your mind off how hard you are working, and empowers you to keep at it.  

5.  Look for role models.  We have some amazing people right here on OH, who have been through much of the same stuff as you.  Look for people who have achieved the success that you hope for, and learn from them.  Connect with people who bring you up, and avoid the toxic people who pull you down.  Use your BLOCK button.

6.  Get help if you need it.  If you need extra help overcoming depression, addictions, or eating disorders, see a therapist. Sometimes you just can't do it all on your own.  Ask for help.  

7.  Be kind to yourself.  Everyone screws up once in a while.  Be honest about it, learn something from it, forgive yourself, and move on.  Each day is a new day to be good to yourself.  You are worth it.   

Our beliefs are empowering and help us move forward in the direction of our dreams.  Keep on dreaming!

Tami

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