Change Your Attitude and Lose the Weight

A positive attitude is everything when you set out on a journey to lose weight. It doesn't matter if you have 20, 50 or 100 pounds to lose. Many people make a New Year's resolution to lose weight and start the year with gusto. They cut out entire food groups and start exercising an hour a day. Come mid-February a good 80% or more have given up and are back to their old ways. For years I was one of that 80%. Last year things changed and I attribute the change to a change in attitude.

I had tried every diet imaginable. High fat, low fat, carbs, no carbs--you name it. I joined NutriSystem where I managed to lose the weight, only to regain it plus some. Diet pills and starvation didn't work. Finally it dawned on me; diets don't work--attitude does. The reason diets don't work is because you can't live your lifetime avoiding certain food groups. Eventually you are going to want a piece of cake or a cheeseburger and there's no reason why you can't have them occasionally. The secret to losing weight and keeping it off all boils down to: portion size, frequency and attitude. Let's face it, you can't eat Big Mac value meals on a daily basis and lose weight.

Last year I decided to join Weight Watchers. I'm not saying that the Weight Watchers program is for everyone, but for me it was the perfect fit. I learned how many calories I needed per day to lose weight. They use a program that converts calories, fat and fiber to a point system. I'm not going to go into any food plans because it doesn't matter if you use a nutritionist, a weight loss program or you do it on your own. The one thing I do know for sure is that whatever avenue you decide to take won't work until you change your attitude.

The attitude you need to take to be successful consists of several important things. First, losing weight is a long process. You will have weeks that you lose 1 or 2 pounds, weeks you maintain and weeks you gain a half pound. A gain can mean anything from consuming too much sodium to being constipated to your body re-adjusting itself. You may have gained some weight and lost a few inches. Always keep the big picture in mind and don't give up.

Second, don't beat yourself up if you overindulge. Start the next day with a positive attitude, move on and forgive yourself for the previous day. I think overindulging is the reason most people give up. They binge on one occasion, feel extreme guilt and then convince themselves that can't do it. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. Learn from it and welcome the next day with positve thinking.

Third, make trade offs. For example, if you are eating out and indulge in a glass of wine, give up the small steak have grilled fish. Meal planning is essential. If there is something you really want, don't deny yourself. It's better to have a small slice of cake and give up the roll and baked potato than to feel like a martyr. Giving up everything you love sets you up for failure. Have what you want, keep the portion small and trade it for something else. Trade offs are key to staying on track.

Last but not least, reward yourself for milestones with things that aren't food related. If you have a large amount to lose, set small goals and when you reach a goal treat yourself with some type of reward. Never set a time limit and never compete with another person. We all lose weight at different speeds, even if we are doing the exact same thing. Set a goal, pick a reward and keep that "can do" attitude.

Keeping a positive attitude, cutting calories and exercising regularly will get you to your goal. Stick with it and remember that you didn't gain that weight overnight. With time and an "I can do this" approach you will get to your goal and be able to keep it off.