Weight loss isn’t just a lofty goal for many people. It’s also a multi-billion dollar industry that sells fad diets, special teas, expensive workout plans and new pieces of exercise equipment, each one promising the fastest results and offering us the instant gratification we crave.
The problem is, it’s not working. That’s because there’s a secret to weight loss that nobody is talking about — a secret that leaves us short on our goals, saying things like, “I’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work,” and reaching for the next gimmick. The truth is, you can try everything and anything, but without shifting your mindset, nothing will work. You have everything you need to lose weight and keep it off for good right inside of you. All you have to do is use your mind (and get rid of the diet tea).
In order to make significant changes in our lives, like losing weight, the change has to start on the inside first. Cheesy? Maybe… but it’s the truth! Without a mindset shift, no exercise or nutrition plan will work. If you are looking for a short-term fix — like to lose a couple pounds before a holiday or special event — then sure, you can hit a couple of extra classes, drink a little bit more water, cut out processed carbs and probably see the scale drop. However, for real, sustainable weight loss, we need to dig deeper. We need our minds to be ready for change before our bodies will follow.
This process takes work. It is much harder than ordering an exercise band or drinking a tea, however, the results are rewarding on a much deeper level, reaching far beyond fitting into your jeans. The first step is to commit. You have to fully commit, believe in the process, believe in yourself and leave no room for excuses. If you are ready to commit, here are three steps to shifting your mindset.
1.
The problem is, it’s not working. That’s because there’s a secret to weight loss that nobody is talking about — a secret that leaves us short on our goals, saying things like, “I’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work,” and reaching for the next gimmick. The truth is, you can try everything and anything, but without shifting your mindset, nothing will work. You have everything you need to lose weight and keep it off for good right inside of you. All you have to do is use your mind (and get rid of the diet tea).
In order to make significant changes in our lives, like losing weight, the change has to start on the inside first. Cheesy? Maybe… but it’s the truth! Without a mindset shift, no exercise or nutrition plan will work. If you are looking for a short-term fix — like to lose a couple pounds before a holiday or special event — then sure, you can hit a couple of extra classes, drink a little bit more water, cut out processed carbs and probably see the scale drop. However, for real, sustainable weight loss, we need to dig deeper. We need our minds to be ready for change before our bodies will follow.
This process takes work. It is much harder than ordering an exercise band or drinking a tea, however, the results are rewarding on a much deeper level, reaching far beyond fitting into your jeans. The first step is to commit. You have to fully commit, believe in the process, believe in yourself and leave no room for excuses. If you are ready to commit, here are three steps to shifting your mindset.
1.
Embrace The Power Of Positive Thinking
Our brain believes everything we tell it. Good or bad, positive or self-deprecating, it hears what you say and believes it as truth. The first step is to use a daily affirmation to flip the switch and start training your brain to think differently. There’s a saying about those who “think they can” and those who “think they can’t” both being right, and both statements are true. Start telling yourself daily, “I am confident I can lose weight. I know that I am strong enough to overcome this and I welcome the challenge with open arms.” Again, cheesy? Maybe… but if you knew it would work, wouldn’t you give it a try? Remember, this is not about instant gratification (it will not work overnight), but you are worth more than a quick fix. You are worth the long haul and the daily affirmations.
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Remove “Can’t” From Your Vocabulary
Above and beyond telling your brain good thoughts, at some point you have to prove to yourself that you can do it. You have taken on a huge challenge and could use some gratification along the way. It’s human nature to desire tangible results, as we need a reason to stay the course. This is especially important in the beginning of your weight-loss journey.
Step two is to set very small, attainable goals and prove to yourself you can accomplish them. For example, decide you are going to do a 15-minute workout everyday for a week, and then do it. At the end of the week, cue the self high-fives, the confidence and the “screw you” to the voice of doubt. This step is all about proving to the voice inside that says “you can’t,” that you “can” and building your willpower for when things get really challenging.
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Step two is to set very small, attainable goals and prove to yourself you can accomplish them. For example, decide you are going to do a 15-minute workout everyday for a week, and then do it. At the end of the week, cue the self high-fives, the confidence and the “screw you” to the voice of doubt. This step is all about proving to the voice inside that says “you can’t,” that you “can” and building your willpower for when things get really challenging.
3.
Treat Yourself Without Food
After you squash your doubt and bust through your fears, it’s time to reward yourself… without food. We are taught from a young age to use food as a reward, but this has to change. Instead of sabotaging all your hard work by treating yourself to a “cheat meal,” try to treat yourself to something that reflects the new you — the you that works hard in the gym and would love a soothing bath or a pedicure for your hard working feet; the you that is becoming confident in the kitchen and would love a new cook book to inspire home cooked healthy meals; the you that does 10 minutes of exercise at home before work and would love a mat and an official exercise spot. Taking time to reflect, relax and treat yourself is critical to shifting your mindset. Learn to do it without food and your weight-loss struggles will melt away.
There you have it, the secret to weight loss nobody talks about. It may sound hooey dooey, but if it works, do you care? Commit to yourself, commit to the process, commit to the three steps and see for yourself.
See more at: Fitness Republic
