Avoid Negative Thinking During Weight Loss
By Rachel Carver
It happens to the best of us. You buy some junk food at a gas station. Or maybe you skipped a couple of workouts this week. In either case, it is easy to chastise yourself, which will actually lessen your chances of sticking with your weight loss plan.
Research shows people who avoid negative thoughts achieve their weight loss goals and find it easier to get back on track after overeating or skipping a workout. If you tell yourself you failed, chances are you actually will. In other words, positive thinking gives you positive results.
Avoid these negative phrases to stay on track during weight loss.
I Ate Badly Today
Defining your eating habits as good or bad will not help you succeed. Bad eating fills you with guilt and shame, which can lead to unhealthy food relationships. Good eating makes you feel like you always have to be perfect. Figure out what you did to follow your plan or step away from it. Maybe you bought that junk food because you were stressed, or maybe a food journal helped you stick to your meal plan. Once you figure out the reason for your actions, you will be able to prepare yourself for the next occurrence. The next time you want that candy bar, for example, you can realize you did not have enough breakfast protein and are hungry as a result. You learn you need to prepare your breakfasts in advance.
I Can't Make the Scale Number Move
Seeing an unchanging scale number can be discouraging. This can stress you out and change your hormones. Remind yourself of the positive changes that are happening. Maybe you have more energy to play with your kids, or maybe you increased your walk or run distance. Focus on the things that are going right, and remember the scale number will not always change.
My Mistake Brought Me Back to Square One
One mistake is not a death sentence to your weight loss goals. In fact, an all-or-nothing mentality can actually prevent you from creating a healthy lifestyle. Making one bad meal choice should not affect the rest of your day. Focus on making the right choices the rest of your day. Go on your afternoon walk, or cook your vegetable-heavy dinner. You are only human, and it is acceptable to not be perfect.
I Should not Eat This
Constantly obsessing about what to eat will not help you succeed. Indulging in a treat you enjoy means you have a good relationship with food. Ask yourself why you want to eat the treat. Evaluate whether you really want it or if you are bored or stressed. If you decide to enjoy that special food, do so without guilt. Remember you made the conscious choice to eat something special.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Park City, Utah.