Katie, a 33-year-old mother of two, has been on her share ofdiets over the years. From Weight Watchers to the Zone to SugarBusters, she feels as if she has tried them all. While she hashad moderate success in losing weight from time to time, she hasnever found a long-term solution. Her weight is apoint of contention in her marriage; her husband-who alsohappens to be obese-wishes she were thin, but says he loves heranyway. The two have been separated a number of times, and evenfiled for divorce once. The stress has caused Katie to beginbinge eating again.
There is hope for Katie and others like her who feel as ifthey're trapped on the diet carousel. The key to long-termweight loss success may not be the body, but the mind. Researchindicates that those who have a positive outlook on life aremore likely to lose weight-and stay thin. But how can you have apositive 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 trainingis something called visualization. For instance, a baseballplayer might visualize his bat connecting with a ball, leadingto a homerun. A soccer player might visualize kicking thewinning goal in a soccer match. And a golfer might visualizesinking the winning putt in the Masters Tournament.
The same technique can be used by dieters. Visualize yourselfas thin. Picture yourself in that dress that is now two sizestoo small. Imagine stepping onto the scale and being pleasedwith the result. Visualize yourself saying "no" to that piece ofchocolate cake or that plate of Fettucini Alfredo. These mindexercises can help to spur you onto weight loss.
When people learn they are suffering from cancer, they areencouraged to imagine their cancer cells being destroyed byhealthy cells. You can follow the same technique in order tolose weight. That means imagining your fat cells being destroyedby thin cells. Through such a method, you can "think your way"to a healthy weight.
In addition, it is critically important that you maintain apositive attitude. Be forgiving of yourself. If you veer offyour diet plan, simply get back on course with your next meal.Don't spend precious time "beating yourself up" over yourfailures. Instead, celebrate your successes-in a non-fatteningway. For instance, when you reach a milestone-say you've lostten pounds-reward yourself with a trip to an art museum or toyour favorite coffee shop (but skip the cream and sugar).Marking milestones will give you a sense of accomplishment, asense that you are triumphing over food.
Another helpful technique can be prayer or meditation. Somesupport groups even offer Bible-based programs thatuse scripture verses to help inspire. Taking stock of your lifeand handing your problems over to a higher power canbe cathartic and may give you a sense of peace about your weightdifficulties. It has been said that a clear head leads to ahealthy body. Try praying or meditating ten minutes at the startof your day. Chances are you will feel refreshed and ready totackle the weight challenges that come your way.
Yet another technique you might consider is role-playing. Grabyour spouse or a friend and ask him or her to act out asituation in which you might be tempted to overeat. You'll beforced to come up with strategies to fight temptation. Thisrehearsal could prove to be quite helpful when a real life dietdilemma comes your way. If role-playing works for jobinterviews, it should be beneficial for your weight as well.
Mind over matter is not just a clever saying. It can actuallybe the solution to your problems. By using yourbrain power, you can develop the techniques needed to makehealthy food choices. When your mind and your body are bothhealthy, you have the best of both worlds.
About the author:Nishanth Reddy is an Author and Publisher of various healthrelated websites. For more articles on Diet Tipsvisit http://www.weightloss-diettips.com.
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