The Mental Adjustments of Being Slim

 Reality check: You’ve lost weight, you’ve been successful in maintaining your weight loss, and people are complimenting you left and right. Your skin, your body shape just simple about your positive changes. But might it be too much?

On the one hand, you have experienced the physical reality of shedding pounds and clothing sizes, but this is not yet your mental reality. Deep inside, you  haven’t adjusted. You can’t quite believe that you are a thinner person once more, one who is attractive and who receives attention. It has happened more then once to my clients who have lost the weight. Surprisingly, with the weight loss comes the headache and worry as well. Is this really me? What happened to the armor (of extra pounds) that protected me like a shield? If it’s gone, what will protect me now?

A weight loss from 35 % or more down to 15% is a big change. All aspects (physical and psychological) of your life change. Think about activity levels: With less weight, it’s easier to move around. Your energy is higher:  Instead of the nighttime routine of sitting in front of the TV and snacking on fast food has changed to sitting at a table and having a conversation. And yes, I’m talking ALL activities. Your libido in the bedroom has improved. Your confidence is sky rocketing. Who would have known that weight loss could have all those benefits?

When it comes to weight loss, diet and exercise strategies should always be considered. At the same time, you really need to be prepared with mental strategies. Have you thought to put yourself into the situation in which you have achieved your goal? What would you do and how would it feel? How would you act? And then ask yourself: can you maintain this behavior or does it need training as well?

Recently, The Biggest Loser contestants spoke about their challenges after the season ended. Yes, staying on the schedule was one obstacle, but the mental adjustment was the larger one. A continuing support system is the success to any weight loss program. Are there exceptions? Yes, of course. Nothing is set in stone, but this is exactly the issue. There are many variables that need to be and can be adjusted. But here is my advice:

• Surround yourself with active people to help maintain a slender body image
• Pick a attainable silhouette from a fitness magazine and think about your goals and achievement to get there
• Speak with your friends about the changes to come and get them involved. Your friends and family need to change with you.

Stay focused and make your body your business.

Stefan

Stefan Aschan is a leading expert on lifestyle, health and fitness who has helped more than 30,000 people get fit through advice on nutrition, fitness and lifestyle changes. For your free “How to live 100 years in perfect health” report and the must read “updates and solution” newsletter on how to have 10 times more success, stay on top of your goals, and accomplish the change of body and appearance, click here for your FREE supscrition.