Why is weight loss so difficult when it is exactly what is needed to improve overall health?
One major obstacle with weight loss is that the brain subconsciously hears “loss,” and no one likes losing something! It’s programmed into our DNA that losing something results in pain. Your innate daily actions are driven to keep you in a state of pleasure and avoid the state of pain.
This year, break through this major weight loss obstacle by understanding what weight loss will give you.
Go deeper using the following simple steps to create a vision for success. You will be thankful you did. This simple shift of focus to a positive is crazy powerful when it comes to your weight-loss journey.
Pull out a piece of paper and take a few minutes to complete this exercise. No, really, this is worth the time and effort, trust me.
First: Write down what you really want for your health. If it’s weight loss, be specific with how many pounds you desire to lose. Other examples I see from my clients include relieving symptoms of digestive pain and discomfort, improving energy, and being able to participate in life more fully. Don’t hold back; write it all down because there is no wrong answer.
Second: Now, write down why you want what you just wrote down. Take this step deeper and ask what the weight loss will give you. Here’s an example: Weight loss will give me more confidence, better self-esteem and the ability to be part of the action and not just sit on the sidelines. Write it all down. What will you gain after reaching your health desire in the first step?
Third: Lastly, write down the starting step you need to take to reach your health goal in the first step. For example: To start my weight-loss journey, I need to eat less sugar each day. Then, set a very specific action step such as: I will decrease my refined sugar intake by half over the next month, while enjoying more fresh fruit.
The trick for this step is to not only focus on “losing” or taking something away. Be sure you are “giving” yourself something in the process; otherwise, your subconscious will fight you every step of the way because you will never choose to put yourself into a state of pain to accomplish a goal.
Remember, the key to starting, maintaining and finding success in your weight-loss journey is to focus on positive additions to your life and well-being instead of the “loss” or “deprivation.” This one simple step will move you forward with positive momentum.
You do not have to deprive yourself to live with optimal health.
Fran Sutherlin is a local registered dietitian, health coach, speaker and owner of Sustainable Nutrition in Bayfield. She can be reached at 444-2122 or fran@fransutherlin.com.
