Positive Attitude Boosts Weight Loss

I know diets. I’ve struggled with weight most of my adult life and I’ve tried them all. I often blamed my failures on the diet plan until I finally experienced some weight loss success. Really working at losing weight and seeing results made me truly open my eyes to my past diet fails. My biggest obstacle to weight loss was my attitude.

I was the queen of “all or nothing” thinking. I could do great with exercise and healthy eating, then I’d slip and have a donut in the office breakroom. Just a little slip that shouldn’t have amounted to anything. But in my mind, I’d blown it, so I’d just toss away the whole day and promise to start again tomorrow. Then tomorrow would come and I’d slip and throw away that day. Then the next and the next and then I’d be off the diet completely.

Attitude is so important to weight loss success. If your mindset gets in your way, try these attitude tips for weight loss success:

- Set achievable goals. If you have a lot of weight to lose, the total amount can be daunting. Instead, focus on your first 10 pounds. When you reach that goal, reward yourself with a healthy treat and then focus on the next 10 pounds. Small milestones can also help you when developing a new exercise routine.

- Be honest with yourself. You know what you need to do to eat healthfully — stop tricking yourself into believing one (than two, then three) slices of cheesecake is okay. Also keep in mind that you’re making changes for a lifetime — birthday cake and campfire s’mores happen. Don’t beat yourself up for small slips; just keep going and remember that the occasional treat fits into an overall healthy lifestyle.

- Picture yourself thin. Extra weight can wear you down and sap your energy. Picture yourself feeling and looking your best.