Taking the right steps to lose weight can be challenging, and it is essential that you have the right mind set in order to achieve your weight loss goals. But help can be found by understanding the psychology of weight management. By having the right frame of mind, you can ensure that you lose weight in the long term, rather than wasting energy and becoming demotivated with numerous short-term fixes.
1. Record what you are eating and how you are feeling
By keeping a food and mood diary, you are far more likely to make conscious choices about how much you eat, and how frequently you snack. A written record is far easier for the brain to process and understand, and is therefore more likely to make you think twice about extra servings
2. Avoid opaque containers
Our brains are also highly visual, and vision is our most used sense. As such, we should rely on visual clues about how much we have eaten to help us know when to stop. By using clear containers, or pouring your servings into open bowls, you will constantly be receiving visual feedback on how much you have eaten, helping you to know when to stop.
3. Stop using fad diets
Not only do fad diets often not work in the long term, but they also have severe psychological effects. Firstly, a fad diet often limits what you can eat, which affects your ability to think about food positively. A healthy diet is one that is balanced, not restrictive, and greater choice helps to encourage people to try new foods and make healthier decisions.
Equally, fad diets often result in people putting the weight back on in the long term, leaving users depressed and lacking in motivation to get their weight under control.
