Self Talk for a Healthy Lifestyle Change

by Valecia Weeks
Special to the NNPA from the Houston Forward Times

It’s a common saying, “Losing weight is easy…keeping it off is the hard part”. Well, ladies, I come to tell you that I strongly disagree with this statement. In my opinion, losing weight is hard and keeping it off is even harder!! Permanent weight loss requires a lot of physical and mental change. We have to get out of our comfort level. And if you are like me, change can be very difficult, mentally and physically. For permanent weight loss, not only do you have to change what you eat, but you also have to change how much you eat. Your activity and exercise habits also have to change. That can be a lot for a lifetime!

Although we have to make several physical changes to be successful at weight loss, the most important change is how you think. Ladies, if our mindset is not changed, there is an awful good chance you won’t change your body. If you do make body changes without mindset changes, they will only be temporary and certainly not long term.

If you want to be a successful “loser”, listed below are some great attitude and mindset tips that we, as women, can follow:

• I’m telling my mind that I can do “that”: I am responsible for my goals and in control of them. I have made the commitment to reach them. I have great confidence that I can clearly attain my vision on how I want to live my life…healthy and vibrant. Regular exercise and healthy eating are not conveniences but rather a lifestyle. I will do them no matter what obstacles come up.
• I will plan rather than react to a situation: Every day, I will plan my meal and workout plan for the upcoming day. I will pack my gym bag and place it in the car the morning of so that I can go straight to the gym after work. When I anticipate a crazy work day, I will pack a healthy lunch and snacks from home so that I’m not eating unhealthy on the go. I will always have a “plan B” so that I can stay on track in case the unexpected happens.
• I will bounce back: I may fall down and stumble with my fitness regimen, but I will get back up again. When life throws curve balls, I’ll reevaluate and figure out a creative way to move on. I recognize that television and food won’t solve my problems. I will certainly deal with reality but will work extremely hard toward overcoming adversity.
• I will tell family and friends my plans and fitness goals: I recognize that my family and friends celebrate special occasions with foods that can be unhealthy. I will make them aware that I am taking good care of my health and offer no apology when I stand up for myself. I don’t mind asking the gang to choose a restaurant rather than a buffet for our monthly birthday celebrations. I am not embarrassed or apologetic for speaking up. I know that I can go to my supporters when I am feeling vulnerable and weak.

Mind over matter is definitely a requirement in order to sustain a weight loss goal. Ladies, to be successful, you have to look in the mirror and suddenly see a brand new “YOU”. In order to have permanent success it is REQUIRED that you “fake it til you make it”. Start thinking “thin” even before you get there. I know that change can be very hard. But hang in there ladies until a healthy lifestyle becomes part of your identity.