Want To Lose Weight? You Can Do It!

"I want to lose twenty pounds in two weeks,"  "I need to fit into a dress that is three sizes smaller then I am now by next month,"  are things we might feel while trying to lose weight.  We think that if we don't get results quickly, or  don't fit into a size four in a short amount of time, we have failed.  Losing weight takes time and patience both mentally and physically.  Here are a few thoughts that may help you stay motivated and feeling good during the weight loss process:


1) Change takes time!

Think about a four mile hike.  You don't get there after taking four steps!  Each little step you take gets you closer to the finish line.   Even if you get tired along the way and sit down to rest, you can still pick yourself  up and continue until you have completed the hike. The same is true with losing weight.  Every single choice we make has a big effect over time!  Even if you don't see big results right away,  if you continue to try, you are  getting closer to your goal.


2) Get to know what makes you feel good:

The more you tell yourself  you can't  have something, the more you crave it.  Focusing on what makes you feel good and what your body wants instead of what you "shouldn't have," can really help.  When you are in tune with your body, you learn when you really want a piece of chocolate, and when you just "want it" because you are in the habit of thinking you can't have it.   When you eat because of fear or guilt, you feel bad.  When you eat based on what you really want,  you feel good afterwards.  You are also less likely to overdo it because you won't feel deprived.


3) Never give up!

We all have our moments and our weaknesses. That's part of the process.  Thinking about what can be learned when we don't do as well as we had wanted, is a valuable tool to staying positive.  It switches focus from feelings of guilt and failure, to feelings of hope and motivation.  Instead of calling it a  "bad day," it can be a learning experience.  Picture yourself as you want yourself to be.  Believe  that you will get there and you will!!! :)