The Psychology of Weight Loss

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Registered: 04-09-2007
The Psychology of Weight Loss
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 4:32am

As a Doctor of Psychology and a person who has lost and kept off 70 pounds since 2001, I know that how we think is an essential component of weight loss motivation and success.

What will help keep you in the "weight loss mindset"? One important thing: telling yourself what you do want and why you want it, rather than what you're worried about messing up on.

For instance, “I will be thin because it will feel good” or “I will eat vegetables to have energy” is much more motivating and focused than “I don’t want to be fat” or “I need to avoid junk food”. Positive phrasings with reasons why promote motivation, energy, and focus. It also sets up a positive self-fulfilling prophesy for success. Telling ourselves what we don’t want does the opposite. It drains energy, saps motivation, and promotes anxiety. So, if you want to get and stay motivated for weight loss, be careful how you talk to yourself!

For more of my thoughts on psychology and weight loss, check out my blog at:
www.theweightlossmindset.blogspot.com

Dr. Randy Gilchrist
Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY 19726
Certified Hypnotherapist #H18668