You have more than 60,000 thoughts a day. And in that time, you have the capacity to build yourself up or knock yourself down. To successfully reach the weight you desire, start with a positive attitude. Look at your eating regimen as something fun rather than something you have to do. Be adventurous. Try new recipes. Eat from the good dishes and flatware. Positive thinking helps improve emotional well-being, reduce stress and improve your diet, according to a 2000 study conducted at University College in London.
Step 1
Set your intention. How much weight do you wish to lose? Write this down in your notebook -- use colored pens for added flair -- and set out a plan for what you will do to achieve your goal. Plan out meals and give yourself some leeway so you're not feeling too limited. Keep a daily diary of what and when you eat.
Step 2
Treat yourself as your own best friend. Beware of -- and be aware of -- disempowering yourself with negative thoughts and comments about your self-image. You wouldn't call your friend a lazy, fat slob, so why would you think that of yourself? If these kinds of thoughts show up, turn them around into something positive. Look in the mirror and say kind, encouraging words to your reflection -- out loud.
Step 3
Write "morning pages." Julia Cameron, author of "The Artist's Way," recommends starting out each day by filling three full 8 1/2 x 11-inch notebook pages with whatever comes to mind. By adhering to this discipline, you can vent any frustrations and steer yourself onto a more positive path. Express gratitude for what's going on in your life.
Tips and Warnings
- Smile! Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, the mere act of turning up the sides of your mouth makes you feel good. And notice the positive response you get from those around you. Even when you're alone, give yourself a smile of congratulations for all your good work. Keep good company. Spend as much time as possible with positive, upbeat people who love to laugh. Avoid negativity as much as possible. Make any changes you can -- whether it be finding a new job, dropping old friends, de-cluttering your home or simply turning off depressing television programs -- to maintain positive, loving energy around yourself.
Things You'll Need
- 8 1/2 x 11-inch notebook
- Notebook
References
- "Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity"; Evaluation of a Modified Cognitive-Behavioural Programme for Weight Management; L Rapoport L, et al.; Dec. 2000
- FitWatch: How a Positive Attitude Can Help You Lose Weight
- "The Artist's Way"; Julia Cameron; 1992
- MayoClinic.com; Positive Attitude Key in Tackling Weight Loss; Donald Hensrud, M.D.; Jan. 2010
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