Confidence and Weight Loss
For many people, their confidence would be increased by losing weight. But sometimes, people don't have the confidence to believe they can be successful in their weight loss goals. That's often because they have tried many weight loss diets and have failed - resulting in the loss of confidence.
To build confidence your weight loss goals should be realistic (1-2lbs of weight a week lost) and as importantly, whatever weight loss system you choose to follow should suit your lifestyle.
Today there is far too much emphasis on what we shouldn’t eat – don’t eat saturated fat; have fewer ’bad’ carbohydrates; cut down on salt…
What we should be doing is concentrating on what we should eat more of – increase fruit and vegetables; get your oily fish; introduce more wholegrain carbohydrates.
This way, your healthy eating plan feels less about restriction (which is a negative concept) and more about eating right.
Visualisation is a technique used by sport psychologists for keeping athletes motivated and positive. The athlete creates a vivid mental picture of themselves winning their race, game or match.
See yourself Slimmer, Fitter and Healthier
This is a very useful tool for weight loss too. You need to picture yourself as slimmer, fitter and healthier and keep this image in mind at all times.
If you have a photo from a time when you were feeling at your best then dig it out and stick it on the fridge – what better way to remind you of your ultimate goal!
Self-talk is another technique often used by athletes. It may sound odd but talking to yourself is a very powerful motivating tool. Tell yourself you can achieve your weight goal, that you can change your lifestyle.
If you feel your willpower slipping as you reach for that chocolate bar for the third day running, ask yourself ’How will eating this bring me closer to my weight goal?’.
You’ll find this helps focus your thoughts and question the choice that you’re about to make. Remember to stay positive and avoid negative ‘I mustn’t‘ statements.
Stay positive – gain confidence
Many of us who slip up on our goals (or sneak in a visit to the kebab shop) tend to think we’ve blown it. Don’t despair – it’s human nature to fall into the ‘all or nothing’ trap.
It’s important to keep slips to a minimum but also to keep them in perspective. One pound of fat contains around 3,500 calories, so even the worst of slips is unlikely to make you gain even a pound of weight.
If you do go off track for a short time be reassured that relapse is a normal part of the cycle of change. Relapse does not mean collapse. The most important thing you can do is stay positive and don’t give up. If you find you need a confidence boost, take a good look at the goals you have achieved so far.
As soon as you feel ready, pick up your GetFit Nutrition Nutrition Card™ and try again. GetFit Nutrition’s group of health and behaviour change psychologists has helped shape every part of your personal programme.
They’re also creating a library of helpful easy-to-read guides to help you stay on top of things and deal with the challenges that we all experience from time to time. We call it the ’Health Hub’.