Weightloss is first mental!

In my last article, I wrote about the keys to accomplishing your 2018 weight loss goals. Today I discuss how having the right mindset will set you well on your way.

Everyone knows how to lose weight. It’s all about eating less and exercising more, right? Wrong! People who have lost significant amounts of weight know that making a lifestyle change is about so much more than calorie restriction and getting a gym membership. It’s also a massive mental challenge that requires stamina, rational thought and emotional support. In other words, it’s often a mind makeover, first and foremost.

Wanting to lose weight and finding the motivation to lose weight are two completely separate ideas. Although you may want to achieve a healthier weight, you might find it hard to change your mindset. Take it from me, I know how I was able to lose 55kg in 14 months. It was more of a mental challenge than it was a physical one. In order to get myself moving and start a weight-loss program, I had to find personal motivation and discover why I truly wanted to lose weight. Here are some of the things I did that might help you on the journey.

Find your ‘why’. For something to change, you have to change. It doesn’t matter what aspect of your life, you desire the change: finance, health, relationships or weight. First of all, you have to get the foundation of your weight transformation cemented. You must know your why! Answer the question: Why do I want to lose weight? Otherwise you will quit when the going gets tough, and you will slip right back to your old patterns. Maybe that’s why you failed the last time you tried to lose weight! You didn’t really know why you had to lose weight, you just saw that you had gained weight and was shocked by the truth. The foundation of all success is to have a written goal and a powerful why. This is where most people fail.

Find your personal reasons. The next step is to weigh yourself first thing in the morning to find out your current weight. Compare this to what a healthy weight for your height should be. Then you can list all the reasons you want to lose weight. Dig deep and look for the personal reasons you want to lose weight. It could be to look a certain way at your wedding, or being able to actively engage in play with your children, or just to feel confident about yourself, because you want to be able
to live your life to the max. You need to consider how being overweight can jeopardize your health. People who are overweight are at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are life-threatening diseases that can be prevented with weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

Tell somebody. It would be a good idea to tell a few people who are trustworthy and reliable, they would be able to build you up and help you along the way. Studies show people who are connected with others, whether it’s in person or online, do better than dieters who try to do it alone.

Keep journals. Once you begin your weight loss journey, it is important for you to
weigh in regularly and keep journals detailing what you eat, how much you exercise, your emotions, and other measurements. Studies show that keeping track of these information help promote positive behaviours and minimize the unhealthy ones. Simply knowing that you’re tracking your food intake could help you resist cheating.

Plan your workouts. It is also important to schedule your workouts like you would an appointment; remember, planning ahead is 80 per cent of the battle. If you are armed with a detailed plan, results will follow.

Use non-food rewards. It is important to reward yourself after you have met one of your mini-goals, or lost 5kg, or a few inches around your waist, with something other than food. Take yourself on a date to get a massage; a trip to the movies; a manicure; or whatever will help you feel good about your accomplishments.