Bad News – Weight Loss Diet Solutions

Out of all the habits we may want to have, positive thinking is one of the most difficult to attain. Why? Right from being very young, we are exposed to all kinds of negative influences, either intentional or unintentional. Think of all the times when you were a child that you were told not to do this or that, or else some dire consequence may result.

We receive many damaging blows to our self esteem throughout our lives, and are constantly bombarded by bad news in the media. No wonder people are conditioned to expect events to turn out badly- I had a colleague who used to say that she always expected the worst to happen, as then she was not disappointed! What a limiting way to live your life.

Positive Thinking – Attracts Good Things in our Life

We attract into our lives what we think about. I’m sure you know someone who always expects things to turn out badly and always moaning about how many problems they have to deal with. I’ll bet that they appear to have more than their share of bad luck; this is because they are attracting it into their lives by thinking about it and dwelling on it.

Similarly, people who expect the best and anticipate that things will turn out well attract a positive outcome. By adopting the attitude of positive thinkers, and expecting the best possible outcome at all times, you will attract this positive outcome to you.

Positive Thinking to Change Your Life

We build our self image from feedback received from parents, friends, society, media and our own thoughts. We are constantly engaging in inner dialogue with ourselves, and this can be less than positive; how often have you heard that internal voice use words such as ‘You’re useless’ and ‘You’re bound to fail’? Each time we say this to ourselves, our subconscious hears this message and so we fail. This ensures that we are less and less likely to think positively in the future.

The first and most important step to positive thinking is to change this inner dialogue. Over the next 24 hours make an effort to listen to your self talk, and notice when you think something negative about yourself.

Think what thought you could replace this with instead, for example if the thought ‘I’m useless with money’ pops into your head, say to yourself ’I have made mistakes in the past but am now becoming better and better with money every day’. If you find yourself thinking ‘I’ll never lose weight’, think ‘I am making new lifestyle choices and am becoming fitter, slimmer and healthier’.

Make a habit of stopping those negative thoughts and turning them into positive ones straight away- this will filter down to your subconscious and you will automatically become what you are thinking.

Use a Journal to Stay Positive

Another way to build positive thinking is to keep a notebook or journal handy, and every night write down everything positive which happened to you that day. Write a list of all your blessings; you may not feel as though you have many, but once you start writing you will see that you actually do have a lot to be thankful for.

If you make a mistake or experience a setback, instead of dwelling on it, think what lessons you have learned from it and how you can approach the same situation next time to achieve a positive outcome. Be thankful for the opportunity to learn.

Take responsibility for your life and actions. Remember that we can’t always choose the things that happen to us, but we can choose how we react to them. If one door closes, look for the door which opens in its place- it may lead to an even better destination. Remember, positive thinking gives you the power to change your life so it is a habit well worth striving for.

I found this great interview at EMax Health read and rearead this interview as you shop and start getting ready for the holidays. Don’t just go out and say “I’m not on Weight Watchers this week” as it is easy to have everthing in small quantities instead of feeling sick from eating to much of everything.

A QA with Head of Training for Weight Watchers, Palma Posillico, Provides Tips on Healthy Holiday Weight Management

Each year millions of people look forward to sitting down at the table with loved ones for a special holiday meal. Woven into the nostalgia of the holidays are those favorite dishes that evoke memories of childhood and family togetherness, but also bring along the guilt and weight of extra calories and excessive portions. Palma Posillico, head of training for Weight Watchers International, establishes the guidelines and curriculum that Weight Watchers meeting room Leaders use. Therefore, she is ultimately responsible for guiding millions of Weight Watchers members through those Leaders on their weight loss journey. In the QA below, Posillico offers suggestions on how to enjoy the holidays while maintaining a healthy weight.

How much weight does someone typically gain at the holidays?

Although it is commonly believed that the typical person gains about five pounds during the holidays, the good news is, this does not appear to be true. The most reliable study to-date suggests that the average weight gain in the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is just less than one pound, although those already overweight tend to gain more.

I will just lose whatever weight I gain by working extra hard in January. Besides, since I already have weight to lose, what difference will it make if I gain a few more pounds this season?

While the good news is you may not gain a great deal of weight this time of year, the bad news is that ANY weight gained is most likely cumulative and typically not lost and can make up more than 50% of all the weight you may gain over a year’s time. The amount of weight you have to lose can also have an effect on your motivation to do something about it, and it may give you a feeling of hopelessness. Avoiding those few additional “holiday” pounds could make the difference in someone feeling that reaching a healthy weight is achievable, rather than impossible.

I am currently on a weight loss plan. Should I continue to try to lose weight during the holidays?

“Know thyself.” Decide before Thanksgiving what you want to continue losing or to maintain your weight. There is no right answer. Then, create your Winning Outcome by writing it down ink it to believe it. Use this as an anchor to help maintain control during the holidays and keep focused on your longer-term goals.

What are the most common “trigger” foods at the holidays (cookies, pie, dinner rolls, etc.)?

Trigger foods are different for different people. Whether they are sweet snacks, savory/salty snacks, or comfort foods, trigger foods have “high-abuse potential” and can lead to overeating. As a first step toward more controlled eating during the holidays, increase your awareness of your personal trigger foods and try to avoid them.

Is it easier to “accidentally” stray away from healthier eating at the holidays than any other time of the year?

For many people it is, because the environment becomes “riskier.” Hors d’oeuvres, desserts and other tempting foods are omnipresent. There is increasing evidence that many people tend to overeat simply because “the food is there.” You need to manage your environment to the extent possible, or manage your response to it. “Recognize, Remove and Replace” sources of temptation and trigger foods with healthier alternatives.

My family loves to eat how do I deal with their ridiculing or pressuring me to have “just one more serving,” when I want to eat well?

Be assertive! Use the Three-Part “I” Message and fill in the blanks with your own message – “When you push extra servings on me, I feel upset because you know I am trying to lose weight.” Or, use “Straight Talk” – “I need you to respect my decision to watch my portions because it’s important to my health.”

There are always sweets in the office this time of year, and the holiday party is my weight loss downfall. Is there something I can do to keep from giving in to this?

Try “Mental Rehearsing” imagine an upcoming event that you know will be a challenge for you. Picture in your mind what you will do to successfully handle it. For example, envision the buffet line. Rehearse how you will fill your plate to manage your weight without feeling deprived 3/4 full of healthy choices, the other 1/4 of your “indulgence” items. Then picture yourself going to the dessert table, reviewing all the choices first, and then picking one serving of your favorite.

How do I deal with eating in the mall during the long days of shopping?

Steer toward foods that are less processed and more wholesome. Most food courts have evolved to offer healthier choices these days. Look for places that serve salads or vegetable/broth-based soups. Or, pack a light lunch and water bottle in a small backpack. Use the mall to work in a quick “power walk.”

Palma’s Power Tip:

Don’t turn a one-day holiday, like Thanksgiving, into a four-day event. One day’s worth of indulging is much less likely to sabotage your weight loss.