-
01
“OMG!
I am so fat!”Your fat is not you. Don’t link the two. Your self-worth is very different from your appearance. Don’t lose your talent, your character, your hard work, your achievements. Don’t tie your strengths to the way you look. Be positive about your defining qualities and let them shape your perception of yourself. The fat might disappear, your values and beliefs won’t.
Tip: Just like you keep a track of weight loss and diet, keep a diary of your personal goals and achievements to motivate you. -
02
“I don’t think
I have it in me…”It’s easy to look at the mountain and get daunted by the climb. This outlook makes the task seem beyond your capability. Stop looking at the things in rigid terms – it is not a yes or no, black or white situation. Remember, we all have that inner will to succeed. A defeatist attitude takes you several steps back mentally. Channel that energy instead in moving ahead physically, step by step.
Tip: Think of moments or events when you have used your willpower to achieve something. Use that as your inspiration to carry on. -
03
“I’ll never look
as good as -----”No, you’ll never be like whoever you’re trying to emulate. And yes, you should not be aiming for that anyway. Every person is unique and no two people have identical body types, lifestyles, interests or passions. People have different traits and live in varying circumstances. Some of the things that set you apart are also genetic. While none of these factors are in your control, you shouldn’t be trying to control them in the first place!
Tip: Don’t try to be like someone. Spend more time finding out who you really are and what makes you tick. -
04
“It’s not working.
Nothing has
changed!”If it were that easy, losing weight would a piece of cake. Remember, it is not magic, it won’t happen overnight, crash diets and missed meals will only bring it back faster or lead to rebound bingeing. What is wrong in getting there slowly and getting there surely? Try aiming for day-by-day progress instead of immediate results. Because otherwise you may end up abandoning the whole plan for want of a realistic expectation.
Tip: Think of all you can do as small steps today. Don’t wake up expecting miracles in the mirror. -
05
“I deserve that
sinful treat”Self-deception is your worst enemy. Sometimes you need to win over that inner voice of temptation. Because it will dream up the taste, smell, look and feel of the very thing you should be avoiding. You deserve better, actually. You deserve a healthier, more goal-oriented lifestyle and a better chance of staying on top of mindless bingeing. Even if you really must have it, there’s always the option of moderation.
Tip: Switch your thoughts to something other than food. Remember, it’s called just desserts for a reason. -
06
“I’m too stressed
to care.”This kind of blame game only satisfies you. Procrastination only postpones the problem and increases the task. There never will be a perfect time – you have to make it. Also, you can set a start date for good health, but there’s no end date because it’s got to be a way of life and not a short-term project. If you are stressed, then exercise and goals are the best way to beat it anyway!
Tip: Look at your stress triggers more closely and many will be linked to food. The sugars, the alcohol and caffeine could lead to yo-yo energy levels. -
07
“I’ve cheated,
I might as well
give up…”If all it takes is one transgression to demotivate you, then stop this all-or-nothing approach at once. One binge isn’t going to derail you, failure isn’t as bad as it’s cracked up to be. It’s not the slip up but getting back on track that you need to focus on now. Cut yourself some slack. Quit wallowing in the “if only” and the “should have”. Get back to normal routines again – don’t try to make up for what’s done either.
Tip: Show yourself a little compassion from time to time. Give yourself kudos for the effort, a pat on the back is in order. -
08
“Once I lose weight,
life will be totally
different.”Sorry, this kind of thinking is just a mirage. It was never the weight that stopped you from succeeding. It was your outlook. While being overweight may make you feel like you are lonely, unhappy and unloved, isolating yourself is not the way out. Conversely, by losing weight, you are not going to solve life’s issues miraculously either. Replace insecurities with optimism and see the difference.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to get out there and prove yourself. Don’t try and be a different person, just a better one. -
09
“When I reach
my goal – it’s over!”Not really. Once you’ve hit your target, you’ve still got to maintain the regimen. Truth be told, gaining back lost weight is much easier and faster than losing it. Thankfully, by the time you’ve reached your goal, your routine would have become a happy habit – you won’t feel like giving it up. Staying with the plan ensures that what you’ve lost stays lost. This is the beginning of a healthier way of life, so enjoy it from here on.
Tip: Treat staying fit and trim as an everyday activity. Stop trying to finish it like you would a chore or an assignment.
