Think Yourself Thin

If you are trying to lose weight, you may be trying to do so with diet or exercise or both.  However, it is much easier to lose weight if you have the right mindset.  Here are a few pointers to help you get your mind in a positive mode.

• Listen to or watch something that is inspirational or uplifting.  If your brain is excited and processing things faster and more intensely, it is easy to get your body excited about exercising.
• Low levels of exercise count.  You don't have to have an intense, lengthy exercise session in order to lose weight.  A nice brisk walk or even a slow walk will do some good.  Start slow and build up your level of exercise.
• Lose the guilt.  You don't have to make progress every day in order to make a difference in your exercise program.  Set a minimum work for those days when your energy level is low.  Then on those days that you're feeling good, step up to a more intense workout.
• Celebrate each accomplishment.  You don't have to focus on big accomplishments.  Celebrate each pound that you lose.
• Make peace with your body.  Accept the fact that you don't have a perfect body.  Just be happy with the one you have and do what you can to make it feel better and look better.
• Listen and interact with your body.  As you exercise, be attentive to how you are feeling.  If your legs are aching, slow down the pace.  Your body will tell you what it can and cannot take.
• Replace negative talk with positive talk.  If you're telling yourself that you hate your thighs or that exercise never works for you, change your attitude and turn your talk to such things as "This is fun" or "I actually feel better after walking a mile".
• Reward your body with non-food treats.  If you are doing good with your exercise and/or diet program, treat yourself to a massage or a manicure.

Remember, focus on the positive.  Keep a postive attitude toward your weight loss program and it is bound to turn out the way you wish.