Fastest Ways To Lose Weight: The Psychology Of Weight Loss

The Psychology Of Weight Loss: Part 1: Getting To The ROOTS

If you want to change attitudes and habits toward exercise and eating for the long haul, you are going to have to dig deep into WHY you feel the way you do about them.

 What does being fit really mean? 

The “INSIDE-OUT” approach to fitness differs from that of conventional wisdom. Most programs work on diet and exercise alone. They give suggestions on what foods to eat through recipes, calorie-counting books, and exercise tips. While this way may work in the short run, eventually your motivation and desire to get in better shape disappears. In order to change your attitude and these unwanted behaviors, there are three things to learn about yourself: 

# How and what motivates you? 

# What are the reasons behind your unwanted behaviors? 

# What kind of support system is good for you?

The “INSIDE-OUT” approach is an on-going process. In theory, it is a simple common sense idea. In practice, it will take some hope, a little faith in yourself, and patience. 

• The goal is for you to develop a lifestyle that reflects this way of thinking. 

• You cannot sustain motivation to be active without pure motives.

• You cannot change unwanted behaviors without knowing the reasons behind them.  

• You cannot stay focused without outside support. 

• You cannot eat smarter without a proper attitude toward food. 

• You cannot continue to be active without deep desires. 

In a Nut Shell:

The "INSIDE-OUT” concept takes a look at your exercise and eating behaviors through a cognitive awareness approach. It deals with your motives, desires, and beliefs toward exercise and food.  If you want to change attitudes and habits toward exercise and eating for the long haul, you are going to have to dig deep into WHY you feel the way you do about them. This will not be easy and it will take hard work. 

I recommend you for reading this; however, the reason you are is because you are not happy with who you are right now and how you feel. Twenty years ago I did not either. However, after changing from the INSIDE OUT, I today feel better than anytime in my life. And thousands of others have changed to by applying this approach. You are not alone. Let me help!

Part 2 – How are you motivated?

The bottom line of staying motivated to exercise and eat right is finding a meaningful reason too, not just because you have to.

New Years Resolutions do not work because you are really not motivated when you think you are. On the surface you may be, but deep down you are not. That is why by April, that membership to the gym, those new clothes and that new found motivation has all but disappeared.

When it comes to weight loss and sticking to an exercising program you are motivated from two emotions; fear and pleasure. You are also pushed from two directions; internally and outwardly. Out of the four choices there are two good ones and two bad ones. In other words, two that will help you stick to losing weight and two that will eventually hinder you. Do you know which ones they are?

What motivates you to exercise?

Fear of your health   or    Pleasure of feeling better.

What drives you to exercise?

Internally vital signs or    Toned arms and legs.

I best way of staying motivated is a combination of both. However, you have to figure out the combination. I’ll give you a hint – pure motives are not seen. I believe that the journey goes from denying the reality of your health to a deep desire to take better care of yourself.

What does it mean to have deep desire for something? Remember those feelings you had back when you wanted your first bicycle. That Barbie doll you made a fit over in the toy store in front of everyone. Or what about that girl or boy you would have done just about anything for? There was such a hunger, a burning in your gut. You couldn’t even think straight, eat or sleep because it occupied your every thought. You just had to have it! 

If you want to go from denial to desire, call on the “all or nothing attitude.” If you are going to start now, you have to start for good. The reality is you will have good attitude and bad attitude days for the rest of your life. But understand, if you are going to be healthier through exercise and eating, you are going to have to participate in some form of exercise till the day you die. This is not a temporary fix to a long-term problem; it is a lifestyle.

The bottom line of staying motivated to exercise and eat right is finding a meaningful reason too, not just because you have to.

Part 3 – Lose the hang ups!

We have missed the boat and your boat is sinking fast. You have weighted your ship down with stats, calories, grams and pounds. Now you are more confused than ever on how to lose weight, feel better and get stronger. We catch up with the crisis, or will the diabetes and obesity epidemic sink us? The answer is not in the numbers the answer is in the psychology of weight loss. Yes, health will get worse before it gets better. In order for you to get better these two steps must take place:

Step #1: Get over your hang-ups!

Why is it so hard for me to start exercising? I know it’s good for me. It seems like I have some form of resistance to getting in better shape.

“Exercise Resistance” or ER means a conscious or unconscious block against participating in a regular active program. Studies show that some people have barriers built up from past experiences that give them a negative mindset toward exercise and food. In many cases, this prevents a person from starting or following through on an exercise program.

RESENTMENT

I thought the golden years were supposed to be filled with relaxing things to do, not more activities I usually put off before?

Building up resentment toward exercise goes much deeper than just not liking the effort it takes to do it. Resentment brings out a rebellious attitude in us. The sooner you accept the fact that exercise is going to have to be a part of the rest of your life, the more likely you will start — the more likely you will continue exercising. Resentment is usually fueled by his cousins: Denial, Pride and Laziness. The best thing to do is never let them play together. Resentment is a form of pride.

FAILURE

The only failure is not starting. Success is not measured in numbers. It is measured in your growth through the process. Just because your track record may show some ups and downs has no bearing on your future efforts. Plus, your self-worth is not based on how many times you started an exercise program. Fear of failure is an excuse to never try.

PERFECTION

If you think for one second that you are going to be perfect in sticking to a plan, forget it. It’s not possible for anyone. The truth is you will never be perfect. Perfectionism is an illusion.

COMPARISONS

You will always compare your results to something or someone. Once you hit a goal there will always be another one. You may even be the type that no matter what you do, it will never be good enough. If you are this type, stop for a minute and listen to your body.

Comparing yourself to others and your past is a losing battle.

EXPECTATIONS

If your expectations are too high, you set yourself up for failure and then begin comparing yourself to others. In some cases, ER sets in before you even start. This is hurtful. Setting expectations that are too high is self-defeating before you even start.

Step #2: Change your false beliefs about food, exercise and life.

Getting to the ROOT of the matter to change unwanted behaviors, it’s important to acknowledge your thinking toward exercise and eating. A lot of people believe they know what that thinking is, but haven’t come to grips with their core beliefs. In other words, they have to get to the “root of the matter.” 

In order to change your attitude toward exercise and food, you have to understand the WHYs of the behavior.

You are going to have to dig deep, find the root of the problem, nurture and understand it.

Your BELIEF system

The reason you have certain behaviors is based on the core beliefs of your value system. It is here--inside--where things need to be addressed. Beliefs form barriers that stop you from starting or following through on a regular exercise and eating program. In order to change attitudes toward exercise you have to check under the surface.

It takes time, effort, and energy, and in some cases, outside professional assistance to get to the TRUTH of the matter…to see what is below, admit it is there and bring it up to the surface. If you have a hard time following through on an eating plan, chances are barriers have formed, and stop you from smooth sailing.

Do the math! Numbers do not lie. You either accept the road less traveled or you face the consequences. It’s just that simple. This may resemble a scare tactic, but the bottom line is this is the reality. If you think for one second you are exempt, above reproach, or just relying on luck or faith, think again. Your best defense is a good offense.

Get over your hang ups. Get through your false belief’s and GET MOVING!

Part 4 – The Power of Praise!

Your success in sticking with an exercise and weight loss program may just come down to you asking for help - unless pride gets in your way. The key to longevity is surrounding yourself with people who will give you support followed up by accountability.

Your success in sticking with an exercise and weight loss program may just come down to you asking for help - unless pride gets in your way. The key to longevity is surrounding yourself with people who will give you support followed up by accountability. 

“A good team is one that has quality support, honest encouragement, and requires personal responsibility.”

Your Inner Circle 

“You can tell a lot about a person by the friends they keep.” This is a very true statement. Let me say this first. Many decisions in life have strings attached to them. Strings sometimes make it virtually impossible to accomplish any goal.  However, it is important to be aware of who influences you the most. Usually there are two types of people around you: 

Toxic, negative, pessimistic people

Non-toxic, encouraging support people. 

Negative, Pessimistic People: Toxic 

You usually know these people. After being around them you feel physically and mentally drained. Toxic people are envious, cynical, and pessimistic by nature.  If you try to get support and encouragement from this type of person, all you’re going to get is frustrated. If possible, don’t spend much time with them.  Related Article : AVOID THIS TYPE OF PEOPLE IN LIFE

Positive, Optimistic People: Non-Toxic 

On the other hand, if you are around those who are honest and encouraging, you become a reservoir of energy. Depending on how important change is to you, the choice of changing friends and certain relationships may be necessary. In other words, if you want to know about yourself, just look at the types of friends you have.  

EnCOURAGEment

The most effective accountability systems I know are those that stress encouragement,accompanied by direct responsibility. Encouragement and support can come form different directions. In most cases, you’re influenced by those with whom you most associate and those you most value in your life.

The more you’re positively reinforced, the more fulfilling the journey will be and the more memorable. It takes courage to take this step and if you make it, you should be applauded. 

Responsibility 

Even though you can’t succeed alone, you still have to take some responsibility in your health and goals. Part of being responsible is sharing goals with close friends and support people. Take some pride in what you want to do. Take what you’re doing seriously. If you don’t have your health, what do you have?

Part 5 – Perspectives toward food!

Any dietary plan on the market has some portion of it that works, but the basic principle of any good eating program, no matter how sugarcoated, centers around calories IN— calories OUT.

The eating “only one type of food diets” will not be effective, and such a restricted diet defeats you mentally.  Most diets are just too unrealistic for a person’s lifestyle. Plus they don’t supply enough basic nutritional needs for people to stay with them. Balance is the key! Attitude is the key to keeping balance!! Here are what I call the 5 P’s of eating and the attitude one must take to keep food in check!

Perspectives toward food

Ask yourself, “Why do I eat?” Most will say, “I eat because I have to.” Well, think about it. Do you?  If you eat just because you have to, then your choices will be more for taste. 

If you ate with the attitude that food was fuel, then how would you eat? You may be more likely to make a quality choice. Your attitude toward food is very important!

Pattern of eating

Do you drive the same way to work every day? Do you go to the same grocery store? Do you hang out with the same people most of the time? The same thing is true with your food. 

Chances are you eat at the same time, gobble up the same food types and in most cases, you take in roughly the same amount of food on a weekly basis?  Your body gets used to eating the same types and same amounts. As in exercise, it is really important to incorporate a variety of foods in our daily eating to keep it off guard, so to speak. 

Pushing your buttons 

Why do you think advertisements are so powerful? They spark something inside of you and immediately you find yourself on autopilot going to the refrigerator or the next fast food joint to get something you don’t need. Recognize this so you can make better choices. 

Portion Control 

Being aware of how much you eat at one time is very important. Take spaghetti for example—fifteen years ago the doctors came out and endorsed pasta as a healthy food. While this is true, physicians didn’t explain portion control. Even though pasta may be a good food type, an extra hundred or two calories a few times a week adds up. Learn to push the plate away.

Pre-Planning 

This may sound like common sense, but with our busy lifestyles, pre-planning meals in advance is far from simple. However, pre-planning is essential.  

For most of us all we can do to just keep up with the day’s activities, much less cook in advance. It really boils down to time management. If you have good choices in the refrigerator, you will be more likely to eat that food. When healthy foods are unavailable, you will go out of your way to the pantry, pizza parlor, or fast food restaurant for immediate gratification.

 In a nut shell:  

Eating right has a lot to do with how you look at food, how much you eat and what you eat. Recognize if you have eating patterns. The patterns may be lifestyle, emotional, physically related or all the above. Pre-planning meals and shopping ahead solves a lot of the poor decision making. Learn to push yourself away from the table. YOU WILL EAT TOMORROW! 

From the suggestion box: 

• If you have excessive eating habits, they may be emotionally related. Figure out your bad habits and counteract them. 

• Pre-plan the week, if possible. You’ll make better choices if you have better choices from which to choose. 

• Food journal twice a month with times, types and amounts of food eaten. 

• Snacking throughout the day helps overeating. 

• Eat until comfortable – you will eat tomorrow. 

• Eat with your opposite hand. 

• Sit while you are eating.

Must Read 

11 Steps on How to Achieve the Ultimate Body Transformation

Depression Symptoms Causes And Treatment Options

10 Benefits Of Exercise To Get You Motivated Into Moving!