Overcoming The Struggle To Lose Weight

How to Overcome the Struggle to Lose Weight
By Ernest J. Geeting

It seems a day doesn't go by without some new report being released informing us of yet another negative effect of being overweight. For those of us who carry a few extra pounds the daily stream of health and fitness news becomes a constant reminder of the necessity to get serious about diet and exercise. We already know we need to lose weight but for some reason we just can't seem to bring ourselves to commit to getting the job done. Ultimately it is one's personal mindset that makes losing weight such a struggle. In this article I'll give you some suggestions on how to remove some of those mental barriers that keep you from losing weight.

Look forward, not backward. It is easy to talk yourself out of beginning a new weight loss program if you dwell on your previous failed attempts. Most often the only things that will stand out will be negative: the hassle, inconvenience and weight regained. Concentrating on the negatives makes committing to a new weight loss plan appear most unappealing. If you are to succeed in losing weight you must resist the temptation to let your mind stray to past failures. Instead, turn your attention to the positive benefits of weight loss. In your mind's eye form a picture of how you will look once you have reached your weight loss goal. Visualize yourself in that skimpy outfit or swimsuit you've always wished you could wear. Imagine yourself sexy and attractive, feeling confident and energetic. Make it a daily practice to close your eyes for a few minutes and 'see' those good things yet to come. All are possible if you if you lose that extra weight.

Don't play 'if only'. “If only there were a simple weight loss drink or pill that would work”, “if only I actually liked vegetables and whole grains”, ”if only I had more time to cook healthier meals”... etc, etc, etc. All these thoughts are actually nothing more than excuses to keep you from doing what you know you should. Decide right here and now to leave the dream world of 'if only'. Determine there is no good reason why you should continue to put off losing weight.

Break your program into small goals. Big projects like losing weight can be overwhelming so break things down to numbers you can wrap your mind around. Instead of thinking about the total amount of weight you want to lose concentrate on just losing 2-3 pounds per week. Think about reducing calories and eating healthier for each meal (or even each item) rather than trying to think about the day's total calories. Extend your exercise time just a little bit more each day instead of trying to become an athlete overnight. You get the idea.

Make it fun. Find ways to make your weight loss program enjoyable by designing it around things you love doing. If you love to cook seek out fun and new healthy low calorie recipes. If you hate cooking make it a game to find the fastest and easiest healthy meals possible. If you don't like running for fitness, walk or bicycle instead. Invite a friend to join in with you so your weight loss program become a fun social experience.

Feed your mind. Search for health and fitness websites, pick up a book or two on nutrition, subscribe to a good health magazine. All these will not only strengthen your resolve to lose weight but will also be useful in helping you learn the healthiest ways to do it. Knowledge truly is power when it comes to losing weight.

Seek out support. It can be emotionally challenging to try to stick to a weight loss program while on your own. The guidance of a coach or support of a friend or group can go a long way to helping you stay motivated. Both online and off there are numerous opportunities to connect with others who encourage you in your quest to lose weight.

The war against obesity is won in the mind first so take the things I've written in this article seriously. Take responsibility for your weight loss, develop a plan you can not only live with but can enjoy and be sure to connect with others for support and encouragement. Do these things and you will find your weight loss program to be much more pleasant and effective.