We’re discussing the weight loss mindset today – how to properly prepare yourself, and think about, the weight loss process.
Weight loss is a marathon, not a race. (FIT Couple, several times this year)
We’re going to structure this into 3 main points, easy to follow. So sit down, grab some tea, and learn up.
Table of Contents
1. Visualizing
Literally seeing yourself at the weight or shape you want to be; reach your goal in your mind and you’ll be closer to that bikini bod (or whatever you’re trying to achieve). We’re going to to give you some tips here:
Weight loss goals
Get a dress, or some piece of clothing you absolutely love… but in the size you want to be, okay ?
So you’ll always have a way to measure your progress by how easily or how much you fit into it, and also you get a great incentive.
You’re seeing that thing every day, putting it against you, looking in the mirror. Keep at it until you can try it on and it actually fits !
Future anchor
Think about the person you’ll be 1 year from now. Habits, how you look, what you eat, the level of energy.
Get yourself EXCITED !
You’re fit, you’re full of life, and were just about to go for a 6 am jog. Who is this person and what have they done with you ? What did this person need to become this ? The skills, the discipline, the food, the habits, the friends, etc.
Think of everything future-you has and work your way towards that. Hold onto that future anchor, and trace your steps to the future.
3 years from now
This friend you haven’t seen in 3 years bumps into your on the street. What do they immediately notice ?
That you’ve lost some weight, got into shape, actually you’re looking pretty good. How would you need to go about that, how can you get that result ? Write down a whole list if you must.
2. Never giving up
Also never letting down. We’re not sorry.
The first thing you need to know is that if you reach a weight loss plateau, it’s okay. It happens to the best of us. That’s no reason to give up the diet or workout plan you have. It is however a reason to change up your routine, add something new, or upgrade it.
Remember that you can get past a plateau, and for example intermittent fasting will help you there because it resets your metabolism. Also, switching to HIIT (High Intensity) workouts will help, especially cardio.
If you’re looking for long term weight loss, you need to understand that plateaus come and go, progress slows down every now and then, but you must stay focused. Think of your end goal, and use the visualization points above. Your weight loss mindset is supposed to help you get past the plateaus.
If you stay consistent and don’t give up, you’ll create awesome weight loss habits, which are very hard to break if you keep at them, day in and day out.
So just work your butt (or gut) off, it’ll be worth it.
3. Proper weight loss mindset = long term weight loss
Enjoy the process, because this is going to be a long road. Remember the whole marathon thing ? If you were to run a marathon right this very second, would you expect it to be over in half an hour ? No, because you know it takes a while and it’s a long run.
What’s the difference with weight loss, then ? Just as long, just as much patience required. Just as painful at times; you’ll get tired, you’ll get past that point, and all you can do is enjoy the scenery.
If you’re looking for rapid weight loss, know that you can in fact reach it, but the more weight you have to lose, the longer it takes. And most importantly, if you want to keep that weight off, you need to understand that it’s a long term commitment.
Relearn eating habits, workout habits, shift your mindset and you’ll see the results.
A relapse is completely possible if you’re not careful and don’t plant good habits (all part of a healthy weight loss mindset). For some people a cheat day can turn into several or even a binge, and you’re undoing your hard work. Some other people are okay with cheat days.
Conversely, some people might respond well to working out 3 times per week, and some better if they work out every day and don’t skip any days.
It all comes down to you and how you’re most efficient. Know yourself, and the plan that works best for you. But be consistent about it.
Weight loss support
That’s the most important, we think. We’ve lost weight and exercised as a couple for some time now, and we know we work best as a team. But not everyone is in our position.
Get yourself a workout or dieting buddy if you have to, but keep yourself accountable.
Whatever you decide to do, stay healthy !
You might also like…
Intermittent fasting for fat loss – actual fat, not just weight
How to lose 20 pounds – and some discipline tricks
Losing weight as a couple – advice and insights
