The Psychology of Weight Loss

If you’ve ever been overweight, you’ve probably tried many different weight loss diets and programs, probably without much success.

Does this describe you? Then you should understand that you need to change your association of what food means to you.

When it comes to weight loss you may secretly be your own worst enemy. Before we get started on that, let’s look at the fact that accomplishing any goal, large or small, requires a mind that is clearly focused on the desired end.

What does that mean? It means turning self-talk into a positive advantage and using your rational mind to help fuel and motivate your efforts. The responsibility, ultimately falls on you to stick with it. But if you make your healthy choices before your cravings hit you, then you won’t have to worry about making bad choices when that time comes!

If you’ve attempted to lose weight in the past but found you gain it back, sometimes with more weight than before, it’s time you work on the mental challenges that you will face along the way.

The Psychological Cycle Of Weight Gain

In a world where thin is in, it’s not unusual for people who are overweight to carry the burden of lower self-esteem. People who don’t fit the profile of how you “should” look often develop eating disorders because of the pressure they place upon themselves. Stress and other outside pressures often lead people to eat. Whether big or small, this is a common way for people to deal with their issues. This can create a vicious cycle because while you feel good as you eat, it can in turn lead to weight gain, which inevitably leads to lower self esteem. It’s easy to get trapped in this endless cycle.

What makes the problem even worse, is by gaining weight, you have less energy, which makes it even harder to be active. What you may not realize is, by being active, it’s a more effective way of relieving those same stresses that may lead to gaining weight in the first place.

People who try to lose weight often feel guilty or ashamed because they may not reach their goals quick enough. This is where that mental strength to press on becomes important. Often, it’s when someone is five feet from the goal is when they give up. Don’t let this be you!

This is why getting on the right weight loss program is CRUCIAL for successful weight loss. Whether it’s a weight loss diet that you’ve imposed on yourself or a program designed for your body, the next seven steps can help you break the psychological cycle of weight loss/gain.

Seven Tips To Make Your Journey A Little Easier

1. Stop Diet Deprivation. Diets and weight loss programs that put severe restrictions on what you can eat oftentimes arouse binge eating. While you may hold out for a while, one day you’ll decide depriving yourself is not worth it, or you can’t take it anymore, and you dig into the refrigerator, freezer or snack cabinet with a vengeance. Allow yourself small indulgences that are satisfying and will help you avoid harmful binging.

2. Planning is KEY. When you buy groceries, make all of your good decisions at the store. This will eliminate you making bad choices when you’re hungry at home. This will also alleviate alot of mental stress too.

3. Set small acheivable goals. This way you will feel successful along the way. Many little goals add up to the big goal in the end, and you will feel great along the way.

4. Choose Healthy Outlets for Emotions. Instead of opening the refrigerator when you’re upset, how about phoning a friend, or take a walk. Discover something that makes you feel calmer or happier – something other than food or alcohol. Do yoga, dance around your living room, meditate or go out bowling with a friend.

5. Stop Harboring Emotional Pain. Work through issues that are upsetting you. Talk to a therapist or even a friend. Don’t let hurts, even old wounds or patterns that reach back into your childhood, affect you and your relationship with food.

6. Don’t forget why your doing this. It’s to lead a better, healthier life. If that simple fact can’t keep you motivated, not much else will.

7. Use Your Mind to Break the Cycle. The fact is you can do it. It’s all in your mind – the power to lose the weight rests with you. Believe you can succeed and you will succeed. If you want to put an end to the psychological cycle of weight gain, start by turning all of your negative self talk into positive affirmations. That’s the best way to break the cycle.

Have you ever heard the term “Fake it til you make it”? Create positive energy first in your head, and it will manifest in your life.

Write down your goals! It’s easier for your brain to get you moving in that direction with visual reinforcement. Review those goals daily if you have to, it will also keep you focused on what you aim to achieve.

These are just some tips to help you remain focused. Remember, it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle choice. Once you realize this, it won’t seem so challenging because it’s not work, it’s who you are.