Weight loss takes time, and it’s all too easy to lose focus. From fast food restaurants on every corner to junk food snacking coworkers, it may feel like the universe is out to derail your diet at every turn. Fortunately, you can maintain focus. You can stay motivated to achieve your weight loss goals –and a daily affirmation can help.
An affirmation is a short, powerful statement that allows you to take conscious control of your thoughts. Affirmations can keep your focus on the goal you are trying to reach. They are inherently positive, and you can use them to combat the negative thoughts that make many of us feel worthless or powerless every day.
According to scientific research, the average human has between 45,000 to 51,000 thoughts every day. That’s equal to 150 to 300 thoughts a minute. For most people, 80 percent of those thoughts are negative. They may be thoughts such as, “I’m never going to reach my goal weight,” or “I know I’m going to fail at this diet.” They may even be subconscious, meaning you’re not even aware of them.
This is where an affirmation comes in. Because you are consciously stating that you have already achieved your goal, you take the power away from subconscious negative thoughts. And the more times you repeat the affirmation, and really feel it, the easier it is to believe. The easier it is to believe, the easier it is to achieve.
Writing Your Affirmation
Before you write your affirmation statement, gather your details. What is your goal weight? Why do you want to lose the weight? How will you feel when you’ve lost the weight?
Now begin writing your affirmation as though you have already achieved the goal. For example, “I am at my ideal weight of 120 pounds. My cholesterol and blood sugars are normal. I feel fantastic and I look amazing!”
Say your affirmation several times each day. It may be helpful to do so in the morning, when you first get out of bed, as well as at night, before you turn off your light. Repeat your affirmation whenever you feel negative thoughts creeping in, or when you need a little boost of motivation.
Using affirmations to combat negative thoughts is a form of behavior modification. If you’d like to learn more about lifestyle and behavioral changes that can assist you on your weight loss journey, give us a call at Atlanta MD Weight Loss. Our medically managed program will teach you new ways to approach food, nutrition, exercise and life.
