Is your mindset ready for weight loss?
So, you’ve increased your exercise, fibre, protein, water and sleep. But have you boosted your mindset towards sustainable, effective weight loss? Prepare for any setbacks that may pop up along the way with our seven tips to align your mindset with your healthy lifestyle.
1. Know the stages
A weight journey is a dynamic process moving through different emotional stages, plus plateaus and phases of fast and slow weight loss. How you feel may depend on your current stage. Avoid judgement and try to simply take the next step.
2. Mindful eating
Stress, boredom, distraction – even happiness! – can encourage us to eat more than we planned or wished to. It’s important to become more aware of your body's hunger and fullness cues through mindful eating.
3. Coping mechanisms
Find non-food-based strategies for managing unpleasant emotions, such as hobbies, a brisk walk, chat with a friend, cup of tea, playing with pets, quick shower, deep breathing, repeating a mantra or listening to music.
4. SMART goals
A smart weight loss goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. To help do this, break larger goals into smaller, more manageable mini-goals and celebrate small successes along the way.
TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist
Sophie Harvey
TerryWhite Chemmart Gasworks, QLD
5. Learn from setbacks
Know you’ll have ups and downs and learn to view these as learning opportunities and devise a plan to handle similar situations differently in the future.
6. Self-compassion
It’s easy to be overly critical of ourselves, especially if progress is slow. Instead, treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in a similar situation.
7. Professional guidance
Ask your Pharmacist, nutritionist or GP for advice around implementing healthy lifestyle changes. A counselor or therapist can help with behavioural changes, if necessary.