Thank you Diane. "Thoughts" are amazing. The same thought, turned around, can change everything: "I can't to do this,"becomes a much more powerful statement when changed" I can do this." Like any change in habit, and thinking negatively is a habit, it takes time and reinforcement: say it out loud, write it down, tell your friends, visually imagine it. And it will happen.

As to the issue of medication. For years I used the fact that I take multiple meds for various things and all have the side effect of weight gain. I look my meds up and find that, yes, they can cause weight gain but never in 100% of the folks that take them. I have to ask, why is that? Also, I have encountered several people who have lost substantial weight while taking meds as known for causing major weight gain such as depecote and lithium. Initially, yes, these folks did gain a lot of weight. But some were able to take that weight off by,guess, counting calories and exercise. For me this would indicate several things: first: because you may be on meds don't accept that a weight gain is permanent. Also, and probably more importantly in the long run: If a medication with a weight possibility attached to it is recommended for you, do not immediately discount it, out of hand. Yes we all have the right to request a med with less potential for weight gain. But sometimes the effects of a medication, say on a major depressive disorder, are profound enough as to carry one into a more positive way of living that would include a healthier life style.

Great article, I've had all those thoughts on many occasions and it's reassuring to know it's not just me! Really interesting solutions too, I'll be using them for sure. Thanks.

Thank you Diane I really enjoy your articles and they mostly seem to arrive at the correct time for me. I was feeling very stuck a few months ago and as if nothing could ever change but made the choice to stick with my diet any way. Now it's September 1st and looking at my weight loss chart I have lost 17lbs! OK it's not as much as I would prefer, and it is right on recommended half a pound to a pound weight loss per week. I am sure that if I had not chosen to be positive about my whole situation I would have over indulged and put my weight back on and more - this is what has happened in the past.

"I'm a busy, hard-working, calorie burning guy.  I deserve to eat everything in sight.  Just this once."

Hey Diane,

Thank u so much for this wonderful article. Came right when I needed...I am on disciplined exercise and eating right regimen....but at least now...no luck!..so was getting a bit upset ....BUT..saw this article and again collecting myself and getting on the wagon :D!...I knw...it is said.."wear ur attitude"...attitude towards everything matters soooo much!!..

Thnx again friend...and peace!!

 

Ah yes, famous last words..."Just this once".  And normally that would be absolutely true.  We can indulge every now and again.  However, if you find yourself saying those words more and more often (once a week for me), it slowly but surely becomes habit forming again and that' s a no-no.  Glad to know it's not only me! :)

I think this is a great article. I truly believe that everything begins and ends with what you are thinking. If you truly decide that it is time for you to change your life, you will. I am quoting now, but I don't know from whom, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're halfway there." It's a powerful motivator, this mind of ours. I am working on turning all of my negative self talk into positive self talk. So instead of saying can't, I just say not yet, but I am getting there. Look at all of the progress you are making, don't look at what you haven't done. It's time to be selfish and say, "I deserve this. I am a worthwhile individual. I am happy and free from the negative." Don't let anyone else get you down. It's all about you, you, you and the positive thoughts you can give yourself.

I recently bought a towel that has embroidered on it "You look pretty today". I have it hanging in my bathroom as a little pick-me-up and reminder that I am pretty. Sometimes a physical representation of the positive that you are looking for can really help.

 

I always told myself I had plenty of time to lose weight but time has a way of passing very quickly. Once I realized this I was able to get serious about my commitment to weight loss. Now a year has gone by and I have lost the 60 pounds I wanted to lose.

Thanks! Awesome article! Patience--or lack thereof, was one of the major things that used to prevent me from suceeding. But my insurance company rolled out a program that if you lose just 1 BMI pound in TWO months they will pay for any reasonable weight loss program. For me, that is just SIX pounds in two months. This has been incredibly helpful when weeks go by and I "only" lose 1 pound. It's a powerful reminder that small losses are a BIG deal. 

How much we burn during sex?

 

THANKS Diane, your words are so true. Taking responsibility for your health and being willing to do ANYTHING to release the weight has been the key to my successful 36 pound weight loss. My knowledge of foods and nutrition kept me from really turning my will over to a sound weight loss program and following it no matter what the "BIG I" thought I SHOULD be doing. I decided to follow a plan, write down my foods, eat what is on the list, and forget about it. It frees up my day to not have to think about food: what I will eat, when and how much I will eat. I already know every morning what I am having for the rest of the day. I also try each day to be grateful for the strong body that I have. I feel good that I have the opportunity to be healthy and begin a new chapter in my life. I am 60 years young, and the best is yet to come!

Yes, I love synchronicity--- perfect timing for this article. I too am working on observing & detaching from negative thoughts and finding positive thoughts and affirmations to replace them.  Been listening to the book "The Secret" which is all about that. Also picked up book "The Artist's Way". Finding that everything is falling right into place.

First week back to counting calories and I can already see the difference. I am working on visualizing myself at my ideal weight. Thanks, for your article!

Thank you everyone for your comments! I appreciate your feedback and am so pleased my article was helpful.

One thing I'd like to add about positive thinking is that it's not about denying what you're feeling or trying to be upbeat when you're feeling down. Being positive is about staying certain and sure, and having no doubt that you can reach your goal, despite moments of discouragement.

To your health and happiness~

Warmly,
Diane

I love these blogs on calorie count. I have been a member for 8 months. If anyone needs some support in losing weight or would like to read about my challenge visit my blog.   http://enlightenedberg.blogspot.com/

thanks those are all the thoughts that go through my head  but nowi feel a sence of calmness!!

 

Original Post by: pinangel

I think this is a great article. I truly believe that everything begins and ends with what you are thinking. If you truly decide that it is time for you to change your life, you will. I am quoting now, but I don't know from whom, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're halfway there." It's a powerful motivator, this mind of ours. I am working on turning all of my negative self talk into positive self talk. So instead of saying can't, I just say not yet, but I am getting there. Look at all of the progress you are making, don't look at what you haven't done. It's time to be selfish and say, "I deserve this. I am a worthwhile individual. I am happy and free from the negative." Don't let anyone else get you down. It's all about you, you, you and the positive thoughts you can give yourself.

I recently bought a towel that has embroidered on it "You look pretty today". I have it hanging in my bathroom as a little pick-me-up and reminder that I am pretty. Sometimes a physical representation of the positive that you are looking for can really help.

 

Dear pinangel,

Thanks for sharing about the towel you bought!

As you say, having a concrete positive symbol like this is definitely very affirming and inspiring. I love the idea about the towel since it's used so often and is so visible in the kitchen. I'm going to pass on this idea so thank you so much for sharing!

Warm wishes,
Diane

 

Thank God for this site, because I feel like it's the only support I have for my weight loss.  I have a husband who can eat like crap and not gain too much, who won't exercise with me and who is a little too accepting of me being overweight.  I have a sister who runs triathlons and marathons and my parents have decided that praising her weight loss (and subtly suggesting that I do triathons!) is going to be their strategy for pushing me to lose weight.  At the gym, I am surrounded by young 20-somethings and high school kids, which just makes me feel fatter.  It's nice to know there are people who share the same struggles and would look at me not as the chick with the gut and thunder thighs but more as a work in progress.