Want to know a secret to long-term weight
loss? Sibu discovers it’s not only what you do, but what you think.
As someone who’s tired every diet that
promises quick results, I can honestly say the difference between then and now
is my mindset. I haven’t suddenly developed stronger willpower or done
something I hadn’t already done before - it’s simply that I’ve changed the way
I look and react to food.
I’m still far from my 40kg weight-loss
goal, but these days I believe more and more that I may actually get there.
I’ve found that the real battle lies in what we perceive and think about our
relationship with food that predicts our eating habits. To get your mindset
right, the following points are critical:
1. Positive thinking
One of the things I’ve struggled with -
through all the years of trying to lose weight – is simply that I didn’t
believe that I could do it, or rather that I could, but only a little bit. If I
lost 4kg, it came with a lot of effort and all I would see were the double
digits I had to aim for. I wasn’t able to use that loss to propel me forward.
Now that I use positive thinking to guide
me behavior, I see tempting foods, like vetkoek, as defeating the purpose.
These don’t even entice me any more because I’m always thinking about my
weight-loss goal. Negative thoughts, such as guilt, shame, self-deceptions and
distorted views, only create obstacles.
2. Evaluate your food choices
Rather than focusing on your eating habit,
evaluate your food choices. I’ve listened to Oprah trying to justify being
overweight by linking it to her troubled childhood. I can’t identify with that.
I had a fantastic childhood; I just love food.
Rather
than focusing on your eating habit, evaluate your food choices.
My love for food, though, is
counterproductive so I have no option but to channel the love differently.
There’s a saying that goes: “You will only persist in a behavior if the reward
is worthwhile.” What reward do you get from coming home to raid the fridge? Or
snacking in front of the TC after supper? Or habitually eating second portions?
These are all destructive to your attempts to lose weight. Food for thought…
3. Restructure your environment
We often eat unnecessarily due to the
availability and accessibility of foods. Keep your immediate environment
(office, home and car) free from problematic foods.
Keep
your immediate environment (office, home and car) free from problematic foods.
I’ve also now vowed not to buy cider as it
becomes that much easier to grab one after work; much like a tea lover boils
the kettle the minute they get home. If I visit someone though, I’ll have one.
This reduces the amount I drink and is getting me closer and closer to my goal.
4. Social support
Food has strong emotional and social value;
we all need social acceptance in some way. The process of weight loss is
difficult and it’s important for family and close friends to give support in a
meaningful and constructive way.
Food
has strong emotional and social value
I spend a lot of time with my sisters and,
whenever I visit, they cater for me so I’m not tempted by unhealthy foods. By
the same token, it’s up to me to ignore the unhealthy foods on offer.
It’s still a long road ahead but with more
than 10kg down, I’m that much closer to the goal.
I can’t stop now!
