We all clean, the kitchen, the bathroom, even our closets, but have you cleaned your mind? How you think and feel is one of the biggest factors in our weight and health, and is usually one of the things we never think about when trying to get healthy or lose weight. You cut back calories and exercise, but never look at what you are thinking when it comes to weight loss or health issues that may be ailing you. Its time to put all the other cleaning aside and clean your mind.
Sit down, relax and really think about the reasons behind your health and weight issues or habits. Why does it matter, you ask? Because behind every action is a thought. The thought is were it all began. Changing your thought process can literally change your life.
What is your thought process when it comes to food? Do you think of food in terms of "good" and "bad"? The problem with cateorgizing good and bad when it comes to food is that it leads to many diet related errors. Change your thought about food from "good" and "bad" food to all foods can fit into a healthful eating plan. Moderation is the key, watch the portion size, look for ways to add high nutrient foods to your diet, and lower your intake of less nutritious foods. If you include all food in a healthful diet, you will feel satisfied, healthy and more in control of your eating habits.
You have a bad week on the scale.... Do you think, "I'm not losing weight, what's the point?" If that is what pops in your mind when you don't see the number you like on the scale, realize that you are eating healthy for your well being. Of course you want to lose weight, but don't make it your sole focus point. Losing weight can be challenging, but remember, in order to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week you must lower your caloric intake by 500 to 1,000 fewer calories per day. When you are frustrated with the scale, don't let it win. Take a deep breath, realize that you are doing all the right things for your body. Remember what it was that started you on your journey to a healthier you. The weight didn't come on overnight and it will take just as long (if not longer) to take it back off. Do what you know is healthy for you and eventually the scale will reflect your hard work. Don't give up and throw in the towel. Giving up will put you in a place with possibly more health issues and even more weight to lose.
If only there were more hours in a day! Do you feel as if you don't have the time to eat right or exercise? When you look at leading a healthier lifestyle, don't overload yourself with everything all at once. Take it step by step. The first week maybe take a healthier lunch with you to work, the next week add in a little exercise, even if its 10 minutes here and there. Your body doesn't care when you do it, just do it! Gradually continue to add something each week, and before you know it, it will become something that you are accustomed to doing, and will be second nature.
Do you eat when you're hungry or do you eat to soothe your emotions? As a society we have learned to use food as a way to distract us from uncomfortable feelings. Stress, bordeom, sadness, or any difficult situation, food is like a friend. Eating in response to your feelings only makes things worse. The problem doesn't go away and you are left feeling worse for overeating. Over time this is what shows up on the scale. Find something other than food to soothe your emotions. Take a walk, curl up with a good book, relax in a hot bath, or call a friend, are a few ways to help ease your emotions.
Creating a better way of thinking will put you in control of your life. Food does not have power, you do. Your scale cannot decide that you will eat healthy and exercise, but you can. Your schedule doesn't dictate your health fate, how your handle your schedule and approach it does. Stress, problems and uncomfortable events don't have to send you in a downward spiral, simply alter how you react to them.
Once you throw out the old thoughts that have held you back and replace them with new thoughts, the healthy lifestyle you've always wanted will begin right infront of your eyes.
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