We all hate to accept defeat, but we need to admit that for most of us--losing weight has been an unresponsive partner that has been ignoring us for years. Exercising sometimes doesn’t equate to the pounds melting off the hips and bum.
When life doesn’t seem to give us what we want, we manage to fight to look at the positive side of a struggle. Here is the kicker, start viewing exercising as a way to improve overall, emotional, and physical health—even if you’re not losing weight. There are so many good things that exercising does do for people, so why quit for the sake of just losing weight? Here are ways to keep going! Will it be easy, no. But we know you can push through and do it.
Do it for complete health
Besides watching calories, and eating better, changing the mindset to a positive one will also help the quest for a body. The Mayo Clinic mirrored how being positive helps. “Attitude is extremely important, but often not appreciated. The common attitude associated with initiating weight loss is "Oohh, I've got to go on a DIET," often said with a forlorn tone that implies the joy has gone out of life.” Start by mapping out a plan for success. Do it for you!
The mind
Everyone is different in how they lose weight, but one thing is for sure having a good attitude is necessary when things get tough. Look at the show “Biggest Loser.” Where the mind goes, the body will follow. The Mayo Clinic addressed this good attitude:“Focus on the positive aspects of undertaking lifestyle changes that can lead to better weight management. Yes, positive. For example, many people find that when they were more physically active, they felt better. Listen to this. Use this as motivation to continue to be active.” Use this change to make goals happen, again, you can do it. Make a change in thinking today.
Understand that you’re not alone
Visualize your success. This is not a magic trick, sorry. When you see yourself getting bummed, see yourself happy and losing weight. Look at weight loss as not a punishment, but living a better and more fruitful life. Make health priory by doing something every day that will help. This can be walking the dog in the morning, jogging, walking, or doing yoga before work.
Prevention recommended looking at a list activities that you love to do. Make a date for yourself to accomplish these activities.
“You can even use self-care as a reward for making positive thinking and healthy lifestyle changes. For example, if you've been putting off going to a Zumba class after work and finally take the difficult first step and go, reward yourself by taking a long, hot bath or by getting a professional massage rather than rewarding yourself by sitting in front of the TV with ice cream.”
Use Positive affirmations
You need to keep the good thoughts flowing--not only for losing pounds, but for mental health. What are you saying to yourself and who are you talking to? The people you associate with also can influence thinking and attitude. Practice saying positive affirmations daily. Here is one from inspirational author Louise Hay.
“If you want to create better health in your body, there are definitely some things you must not do: You must not get angry at your body for any reason. Anger is another affirmation, and it's telling your body that you hate it, or parts of it. Your cells are very aware of every thought you have.”
One-size does not fit all when we are looking to lose weight. With some encouragement, acceptance, perseverance and self-love you can love the skin you’re in.
