If you are obese or struggle with your weight loss in Springfield, you probably want to punch anyone who says it’s all in your mind or to modify your thoughts for successful weight loss. This type of vague “help” isn’t really helpful at all, and it only serves to confuse and alienate people.

However, shifting your thinking in a few critical areas can make a big difference. Here are 5 specific ways that changing your thought process can help you lose that excess weight.

1. Stop the Negative Self-Talk

Before you buy a new pair of sneakers or even think of creating a diet plan, you must stop speaking negatively about your weight and your body. It may seem a little new age or fluffy to some, but it is very difficult to get excited about losing weight and following through, if you consistently tell yourself you can’t lose weight or will never lose weight. Even if you aren’t prepared to start heaping praise on yourself and speaking positively, at least stop the negative, self-sabotaging talk.

2. Change Your Focus

Most of the time, when someone makes the decision to lose weight, they focus on things like how much weight they will lose or what percentage of body fat they want. Sometimes, focusing on hard numbers like this makes it more difficult to stay motivated and makes it more upsetting if these numbers aren’t reached. If you change your focus a little to real-world benefits like having more energy, getting sick less often or fitting your clothes better, it may help you to stay on track.

3. Never Say Never

One big mistake many people make when starting a weight loss journey is proclaiming they will never eat certain bad foods again or never miss a workout. When you use the word never, and then inevitably stray or have a lapse, it only promotes feelings of guilt. Stay realistic with your weight loss and realize you will fall off the wagon every so often. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be disciplined, just don’t say never.

4. Give Yourself a Break

If you are serious about losing weight, it’s easy to beat yourself up when you eat a bad meal or gain a couple pounds. Keep in mind that a slip up every so often doesn’t mean your entire plan is derailed. Perfection is not the ultimate goal and giving yourself a break during occasional transgressions will keep you motivated more than feeling bad.

5. Focus on Good Instead of “Not Bad”

One thing you’ll hear a lot when someone is trying to lose weight is, “this food isn’t that bad” or “that drink isn’t so bad.” Instead of this approach, try focusing on what is good. Rather than looking for foods that aren’t that bad for you, look for foods that are good for you. Do this, and you’ll find yourself eating a lot healthier and meeting your weight loss goals sooner.

For help achieving you weight loss goals contact our team at Springfield Weight Loss Center today.