The Psychology of Weight Loss - Think Your Way Slim (Pre-ops and Newbs must read)

I saw this as a graphic this morning, but it was a bit hard to read so I typed it all out for you fine people. I am a fan of Bob Harper and thought this was very simple, common sense stuff that maybe we learn over time but sort of goes unsaid. This is great stuff for pre-ops and newbies! If you are here and reading this, you nailed #4!  

The Psychology of Weight Loss - Think Your Way Slim  

The best nutritionist in the world can't help you lose weight if your brain isn't in the game. Here are some simple solutions to help you get with the program:  

1. Make it your choice.  

"If you're not mentally ready to make healthy decisions, you won't be able to stick with any diet or exercise plan." says professional trainer Bob Harper. Remember you're in control - no one is forcing you to do anything.  

2. Be realistic.  

"It's almost impossible to transform your diet in one day, " says Harper. "When you start with a smaller goal, like eating breakfast every day for two weeks, there's a better chance you'll reach it." And the confidence boost you get from doing that will propel you into hitting your next mark - say having a healthy or "mindful" lunch too.  

3. Tame the hunger in your head.  

A lot of us eat out of boredom, when we're stressed or when we're feeling down. Next time you reach for a snack, take a moment to decide if you are actually hungry. And rather than feed your feelings, try going for a walk, chatting with a friend or writing in a journal instead.  

4. Find some support.  

"Dieters who join a community of people with like-minded health goals tend to be more successful," says Chris Downie, author of The Spark: The 28-Day Breakthrough Plan for Losing Weight, Getting Fit, and Transforming Your Life (Hay House). "Having someone to talk to when you fall off the wagon gives you a better shot at getting back on it."

Thanks for posting this! Number 3 is definitely my biggest issue. I need to get to a point that boredom means getting up and doing an active activity with my daughter instead of stuffing my face with treacherous foods that emotionally feel like old friends. Learning how to EXERCISE on PURPOSE with a toddler who demands (and deserves!) time with her mommy every day is hard, too. One step at a time, so long as they're going towards progress...

That is tough, BUT, here is how i did it, of course my kid is a bit older so not sure how well this will work. But tell your daughter that when you say you are hungry and its not meal time that that means we get to play for 15 mins. Empower her to break your mindset. It works well with little kids because they don't have a lot to think about and they are still eager to please and not yet blood and life sucking leaches that drain you of every dime you make. Kidding!

Oh and on your ticker i would encourage you to change your GW from what it now is to 145. If you are just hoping for something you are leaving open the possibility for you to NOT make it. If you definitively say 145 you will make your goal. As in "My Goal is 145lbs". Your nutritionist has nothing to do with it other than to tell you what you should eat to get there." If your nutritionist says it unrealistic or has anything negative to say about it, find a new one. Most of them are tools that read out of a textbook anyway.

Thanks for sharing!  I needed a little reminder on how to get my head in the game for these up coming pre-op weeks.