Katie, a 33-year-old mother of two, has been on her share of diets over the years. From Weight Watchers to the Zone to Sugar Busters, she feels as if she has tried them all. While she has had moderate success in losing weight from time to time, she has never found a long-term weight loss solution. Her weight is a point of contention in her marriage; her husband-who also happens to be obese-wishes she were thin, but says he loves her anyway. The two have been separated a number of times, and even filed for divorce once. The stress has caused Katie to begin binge eating again.
There is hope for Katie and others like her who feel as if they're trapped on the diet carousel. The key to long-term weight loss success may not be the body, but the mind. Research indicates that those who have a positive outlook on life are more likely to lose weight-and stay thin. But how can you have a positive outlook when you've been burned so many times before? Is it possible to "will your way" to losing weight?
One technique that has been proven effective in sports training is something called visualization. For instance, a baseball player might visualize his bat connecting with a ball, leading to a homerun. A soccer player might visualize kicking the winning goal in a soccer match. And a golfer might visualize sinking the winning putt in the Masters Tournament.
The same technique can be used by dieters. Visualize yourself as thin. Picture yourself in that dress that is now two sizes too small. Imagine stepping onto the scale and being pleased with the result. Visualize yourself saying "no" to that piece of chocolate cake or that plate of Fettucini Alfredo. These mind exercises can help to spur you onto weight loss.
When people learn they are suffering from cancer, they are encouraged to imagine their cancer cells being destroyed by healthy cells. You can follow the same technique in order to lose weight. That means imagining your fat cells being destroyed by thin cells. Through such a method, you can "think your way" to a healthy weight.
In addition, it is critically important that you maintain a positive attitude. Be forgiving of yourself. If you veer off your diet plan, simply get back on course with your next meal. Don't spend precious time "beating yourself up" over your failures. Instead, celebrate your successes-in a non-fattening way. For instance, when you reach a milestone-say you've lost ten pounds-reward yourself with a trip to an art museum or to your favorite coffee shop (but skip the cream and sugar). Marking milestones will give you a sense of accomplishment, a sense that you are triumphing over food.
Another helpful technique can be prayer or meditation. Some support groups even offer Bible-based weight loss programs that use scripture verses to help inspire. Taking stock of your life and handing your weight loss problems over to a higher power can be cathartic and may give you a sense of peace about your weight difficulties. It has been said that a clear head leads to a healthy body. Try praying or meditating ten minutes at the start of your day. Chances are you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the weight challenges that come your way.
Yet another technique you might consider is role-playing. Grab your spouse or a friend and ask him or her to act out a situation in which you might be tempted to overeat. You'll be forced to come up with strategies to fight temptation. This rehearsal could prove to be quite helpful when a real life diet dilemma comes your way. If role-playing works for job interviews, it should be beneficial for your weight as well.
Mind over matter is not just a clever saying. It can actually be the solution to your weight loss problems. By using your brain power, you can develop the techniques needed to make healthy food choices. When your mind and your body are both healthy, you have the best of both worlds.
Related Articles
Why your Diet May Not Be Working
By: Nishanth Reddy | 04/11/2006 | Weight Loss
Once you have made up your mind to lose weight, you should make the commitment and go into it with a positive attitude. We all know that losing weight can be quite a challenge. In fact, for some, it can be downright tough. It takes time, practice and support to change lifetime habits. But it's a process you must learn in order to succeed. You and you alone are the one who has the power to lose unwanted pounds.
The Secrets to Weight Loss After Pregnancy
By: Nishanth Reddy | 09/11/2006 | Weight Loss
The time right after the birth of a child can be quite challenging. While it is certainly a good idea to eat healthy, you'll need to pace yourself as far as weight loss is concerned. Over time, you should be able to lose the weight you gained during your pregnancy. It's a good idea to set weight-loss goals, but don't go overboard.
Atkins Diet Plan – a Diet Plan With Lowest Carbohydrate Intake
By: Neelima Reddy | 04/01/2008 | Wellness
According to Atkins diet plan, carbohydrates are restricted in an attempt to control your body’s way of metabolizing foods. This diet plan is mainly based on the fact that, instead of burning glucose, it allows your body to burn fat.
Your Metabolism And The South Beach Diet
By: Ryan Cote | 03/12/2006 | Advice
The claim made by the South Beach Diet is that it is a scientifically proven plan that will definitely assist you in fulfilling your goals to lose weight safely.
The Science of Personalized Nutrition
By: Dr. James P. Urban | 05/09/2007 | Nutrition
Dr. Jim Urban here with a crucial message about a totally unique nutrition program that's in a league of its own. This is my personal invitation to a no-charge Future of Health TeleSeminar that will show you a plan I believe will at last truly clear up the confusion about how to feel your best, be your strongest, lose weight permanently, excel athletically, and live the longest... once and for all. Come find out more.
Free Tips To Help You Lose 10 Pounds
By: Ryan Cote | 13/05/2006 | Advice
You see a 220-pound woman sobbing about her out-of-control weight on a television talk show. Then you hear the voice of 300-pound man addicted to food who is so ashamed he hides behind a newspaper.
How To Change Your Eating Habits To Lose 10 Pounds
By: Ryan Cote | 17/05/2006 | Advice
You look in the mirror and don't have a problem with your appearance, except for slight chubbiness. Standing on the scale proves your guess: you've gained 10 extra pounds.
Alli Weight Loss Aid - Fda Approved Diet Pill
By: Christopher Ferrante | 16/06/2007 | Weight Loss
Alli is a new diet program that was released on June 15 and since it's release it has been flying off store shelves, you can't even find it in most stores any more, Why is alli so popular? Alli is the only weight loss program that is approved by the FDA, this is very important because it shows that it is legit and does what it says. When using alli along with a fat and calorie restrictive diet you could loose up to 50% more fat, this means that if you loose ten (10) pounds with diet and exercise, you could loose fifteen (15) pounds using alli, This speeds up the weight loss process by a great margin.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this safe for me to use?
By: Sarahcat91 | 09-05-2008
Ive resently came across this alpha pill thingy for weight loss, but it helps lower choestrol. it was in a magazine and recomended by a ph D.heres :http://www.feedyourgenesright.com/Alpha-Lipoic.htmlsome information about, would you check it out and leave some comments.heres the actual pills:http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=SR-1112thanks again for all the help.
Sleeping
By: Sarahcat91 | 09-05-2008
I have horrible sleeping problems. for one it takes two to three hours for me to finially fall asleep and when i wake but i feel like i didnt even sleep! im guessing this has to do that im a light sleeper and don't get that heavy sleep i need. what are some ways i can solve this. and let me tell you reading, sleeping naked, taking a warm bath , drinking warm milk does not help me get to sleep faster. Thanks for the advice ^_^Ive always heard that this could maybe be the fact that its so hard to lose weight?
5'7 and 160 lbs . In a rut, have a baby gut...can ...
By: mkms22 | 08-05-2008
5'7 and 160 lbs . In a rut, have a baby gut...can anyone help me out?
Do guys care for looks or personality?
By: Buffy | 07-05-2008
Do you really believe guys go for personality no less than they would for looks?Does that mean women can gain 20 pounds and still feel good about themselves?
Diet
By: jessalyn24 | 06-05-2008
Has anyone tried to lose weight with Apple Cider Vinegar? It seems to curb my desire to eat but I am only 4 days in...
Whats the best way for a vegan to shed 20 pounds ...
By: sylvanpritzel | 06-05-2008
Whats the best way for a vegan to shed 20 pounds by June?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Nishanth Reddy
Hypnosis for Weight Loss Can Help Shed Weight by Controlling your Subconscious Mind
By: Nishanth Reddy | 25/07/2007 | Health
Just as you can use hypnosis to stop smoking or other negative behaviors, you can also make use of hypnosis for weight loss. Here, the goal is to educate the subconscious mind how to change from one thought process to another.
Yoga Meditation –works With Various Levels of Mind to Experience Peace and Spiritual Joy!
By: Nishanth Reddy | 12/07/2007 | Meditation
The Yoga of today is not actually a separate part of Yoga Meditation, simply because for a fact Yoga is meditation. Yoga Meditation is now popular belief that Yoga is all about physical postures.
Get Rid of Pain and Irritation With Natural Hemorrhoids Treatment!
By: Nishanth Reddy | 11/07/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Natural hemorrhoids treatment is your destination, if you are suffering from severe pains and irritations that are caused by hemorrhoids. Here are some natural treatment methods.
Home Remedy for Eczema-an Excellent Way to Treat Injured, Inflamed and Itchy Skin!
By: Nishanth Reddy | 10/07/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
One of the Home Remedy for Eczema include footbaths which can be an excellent way to clean, soothe, relax and rejuvenate tired, aching feet. Here are the eleven best home remedies for eczema to use for footbaths.
Anti Aging Exercises Best Way to Stay Young
By: Nishanth Reddy | 09/07/2007 | Health
Anti aging exercises like facial toning exercises is a good idea to keep your face healthy and free of aging. Pampering and exercising your face is one of the better solutions for minimizing wrinkles. Here are some of the ways to do it.
Lasik Eye Surgery - What you Need to Know Before Having Lasik
By: Nishanth Reddy | 29/06/2007 | Medicine
It is important to understand what happens before, after and during LASIK eye surgery, if you are thinking about having the surgery. Here is the information on the FAQ’s about LASIK eye surgery and its procedure.
Prevent Eating Disorders in Order to Maintain a Healthy Body
By: Nishanth Reddy | 28/06/2007 | Health
Preventing eating disorders can be possible with some preventive measures. Here are five preventive measures that can perform in order to keep eating disorders at bay.
Yoga Techniques for Taking the Stress Out of Vacations
By: Nishanth Reddy | 26/06/2007 | Health
Yoga techniques help to reduce the stress that rises from our daily activities. In order to avoid the vacation stress, it is better to follow yoga techniques for stress management.
Sports and Fitness 
