The Emotional Side of Working Within a Diet Plan

It's time to give yourself a pat on the back if you have been working on your weight loss goals.  I have come to realize, it takes so much from us both physically and emotionally to really work a diet plan.  Weight loss effort does demand a great deal from us.  While the goal of working within the framework of a diet is for the body to lose excess weight, I am absolutely convinced that mental preparation must be incorporated within the plan for an increased chance of success.  There are many diets out there; yet, I feel these plans miss the mark if they do not address the real emotional needs of the followers!

While on a diet, we are actually making big changes to our lifestyle.  Change can be a tricky thing; some of us embrace it, while some of us fear it.  Some of us may have not even attempted to make a lifestyle change before.  My theory, here, is that since we are working on changing our physical self, the mind and our emotions, or mental self must work on change too.

A big part of the emotional side of dieting has been (for me) overcoming certain issues of being overweight. 
Overweight people often lack self-confidence and suffer from low self-esteem.  I know that has been part of my battle when I was very overweight.  I know I'm not alone in this because many studies have shown that overweight people have much higher probability of lacking self-confidence or happiness because of  their weight.  I'd say I lead a good life; yet, I was not really happy nor healthy with my over abundance of excess self.

So, how do we work on the emotional side of any given diet plan?  Here are some points to consider:

-We need to become determined and focused on following a weight loss plan.  I feel setting goals is a great idea but be careful not to set unrealistic goals and take a good look at your reasons why you want to lose weight both physically and emotionally.

-It is essential to make a routine based upon your weight loss plan.  This includes planning the diet out, organizing your life to meet the needs of the diet plan, and finding ways to continually motivate yourself.

-Reach deep inside yourself to find that determination to succeed, mentally and emotionally in order to cultivate better confidence levels.  Do this by aligning with the plan, making the best choices and eliminating any sabotage by self or from others.

-Be in competition only with yourself.  Work on your plan at your own pace.  Your body is unique, don't compare other's results to your own.  You will however, feel great as you see your own results.

-From time to time, remind yourself of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  While on plan, notice how good you feel both physically and emotionally.  This increases the motivation for achieving your goals. I know there is a direct positive correlation to how well I'm doing on plan to how I'm feeling.

-Reduce stress of dieting by sticking to an exercise plan and utilizing the power of prayer or meditation.

-Seek out positive role models who are also trying to develop a healthy lifestyle and work with support groups who follow your plan too.

-Continually work on a positive attitude about weight loss, being on plan and your overall health.

Weight loss, dieting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and changing ourselves, inside and out, is a mental strategy as much as it is a physical one. Once we mentally conquer our body, we achieve even greater success over all.