Weight loss, similarly to other difficulties, is not only a biological process but a psychological process as well. The psychological factors must be addressed to succeed long term. Not doing so can lead to relapse and failure.
Denial, as in other addictive behaviors, is the first obstacle to success. We must recognize and accept the fact that there are negative consequences to overeating and that we need to change. Denying that there is a problem, minimizing it saying that it is not that bad, or rationalizing it by giving excuses are barriers to change. By accepting our problem we are able to receive direction and help to change.
We may have failed other diets or methods previously. We may feel ashamed, angry at ourselves or feel as if we are a failure. Not true. Failure just means that we have lessons to learn and changes to make in order to succeed the next time. We may need help or support, whether it be Overeaters Anonymous, the support of friends or family, treatment from a therapist, Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis or any combination of these. If we were lost driving on our way somewhere and couldn't find our way we might try for a while, but eventually we would ask for directions. Help, information and support from others can be enlightening and motivating.
We need to recognize progress, and not require perfection of ourselves. We need to approach this as one day at a time. We work towards eating healthy and taking care of ourselves, but if we slip on one day all is not lost. We may allow ourselves that luxury (and not make a habit of it) or learn from it and develop ways to avoid or reduce it in the future. Instead of being black and white we see the grey. If we have lost weight for a period of time and slip we need to remember that we have lost, that we will lose as we get back on track and that perfection is not realistic nor necessarily ideal. For example, if I ate more than I usually would at a holiday meal I can recognize that I have dieted for a period of time, and will do so in the future and that all is not lost.
To lose or remain at a weight our method must be sustainable. If I am using a method that is difficult or one in which I feel deprived, I may lose the weight but will put it back on again. If I stay focused and eat healthy with a very occasional lapse, I can reduce or stay at weight without feeling deprived. Because I don't want to gain I can choose not to eat binge or fattening foods most of the time. It is a matter of choice, whether it is worth the consequences.
We must also be aware of the subconscious factors. We may have learned to associate food with love. We may have learned to eat all the food on our plate. We need to become aware of these factors and reprogram ourselves. Hypnosis is a good tool for this, especially with a licensed therapist that also is certified in hypnosis. We may need to learn how to deal with anger, depression or loneliness, boredom or anxiety. We may have been through one or more traumatic events. Again, a therapist with hypnosis certification can be valuable.
We may need to create a family culture of health. Having the family work together to eliminate at-risk or bing foods can help prevent relapse and for them to be slimmer and healthier. Instead of family members bringing fattening foods home to give to one another other foods, or less fattening versions of them can be purchased.
As with other blogs please feel free to comment or ask for other topics including Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis for Weight Loss. Take care.
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