Most of us know what we need to do to lose weight: eat less and move more. So why is it so difficult, and why do so many people feel hopeless about weight loss? There are a thousand answers to that question, and many of them (not all) involve the mindset. Mindset is a powerful thing. It’s a key to success in all pursuits, all life goals. State of mind causes physiological changes in the body. Consider the “placebo effect” for example. Many people experience dramatic relief from disabling symptoms just because they believe they will. Just because of their mindset. The same is true for weight loss.
Sustainable weight loss is not just physical, it’s also mental. Yes, a crash diet can melt pounds away quickly, and fast-acting diet pills can stave off your hunger in the beginning, but without a committed mindset about weight loss, you’ll not likely succeed over the long term. So how do you achieve a weight loss mentality? Read on.
How to mentally lose weight
First thing’s first: in order to achieve weight loss success, you have to believe it’s possible. Mindset is about belief. Believing is not the same as thinking. Visualization, or “manifesting” successful achievement of your goal is a powerful strategy for strengthening your resolve. But you must go beyond just picturing yourself slim and trim. Instead, visualize what the weight loss would allow you to do or experience that you can’t experience now. Visualize yourself making the healthy (and, yes, sometimes difficult) choices required to keep the weight off. (More about that below.) The more consistently and more realistically you visualize the details of your healthy lifestyle, the more firmly you’ll believe that you can achieve it.
How to change your mindset for diet success
Getting into the mindset to lose weight is not about spending all your time thinking about being thin. It’s actually the opposite. Changing your mindset for weight loss success is all about focusing your attention on small daily habits rather than the number on the scale. Some of the the habits that tend to create the most lasting weight loss success include:
● Create a food plan (easy with 10x, just eat 10x foods plus greens)
● Eat only when really hungry, not socially or by habit
● Eat only the minimal amount to relieve your hunger, and eat slowly
● No bread, pasta, sweets, or heavy foods, just 10x
● Avoid situations of temptation, where you know there will be junk food without 10x choices
● No alcoholic beverages during period of weight loss
● Always keep 10x snacks available, and look for them at convenience stores. 10x foods are everywhere.
● Learn what is 10x and what is not, and in restaurants, order only 10x, skip the bread. ● Order 10x substitutes for foods you miss online (Netrition.com and other sites). ● Read Nutrition Facts labels
● You do NOT have to eat everything on your plate, or an entire serving. Learn to throw away extra food or save extra food for later.
● Get sufficient sleep every night
● Your state of mind should be like a professional athlete in training. Your body must perform for you, don’t feed it junk. It’s the most precious item you’ll ever own, take care of it.
Establish one or two new habits at a time. Allow them to become second nature before you add more. Trying to do too much at once can be overwhelming and cause you to give up.
People who have struggled to lose weight for a long time are often eager to shed pounds quickly, but forming new habits and letting go of old ones is the absolutely essential requirement for weight loss success. And that takes time. Appetite suppressant medication supports you by restricting hunger while you incorporate new healthier eating and living habits, but if you don’t make those changes, the medication is useless. Getting into the mindset for diet success is to not think about dieting at all but to think instead about the small daily habits you MUST adopt for the trim, healthy body you desire.
How do I stay focused on losing weight?
One strategy for staying mentally focused on losing weight is to combine visualization with healthy habits. You must not allow a single transgression because you love yourself, and a leaner thinner you must become your new identity to which you’re committed. In the morning, visualize yourself navigating the routines and challenges of your day. If you know you have a client lunch, visualize yourself drinking water, ordering lean meat, fish, and/or greens, and putting aside the poison harmful bread basket. You can also try visualization at any point in the day. For example, after a long day of work when you may be hungry, grab a protein bar, some jerky, or a fat free yogurt and go for a swim, a bike ride, or to the gym. This type of visualization and consistent daily execution produce long term success.
If you’re just starting out, joining a doctor-supported weight loss program like 10x can be a great way to help you stay focused, lose weight, and form new habits with the support of a medical doctor.
10x is not just a diet. It’s a lifestyle.
If you’re ready to lose weight and keep it off, 10x is here for you. Our doctor-supported weight loss program includes prescription medications to support you while you form new habits, dietary guidelines, recommendations for shopping and eating everywhere, and 24/7 online access. Plus, you can text or email your 10x doctor anytime. Join 10x Diet today!