Think Thin and be Thin

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could think ourselves thin? Scientists say it can be done, and many people have proven it. It is the psychology of permanent weight loss and it works. We can do it by changing the way we talk to ourselves about food. We can learn to recognize our self defeating thoughts and behavior about food and change them.

We all know it is hard to resist temptation but each time you do so it becomes easier to do it the next time. Here are the rules to start this new way of thinking about weight and food. Follow this plan for a week and it will already begin the imprint of good food decisions that will become easier day by day, and will soon become a habit so you will never have to think diet again. It is a plan for no weight gain for life and it works.

On the first day write a list of all the reasons you want to lose weight. Your list might begin with, health, looking better, buy more stylish clothes. Whatever your reasons, write them down, and list how important each reason is to you. You will read that list twice a day for a very long time to imprint them on your mind.

Learn to recognize every self defeating thought and replace it with an emphatic encouraging thought. Such as, I am going to be thin and healthy. I will eat a healthy diet. I will eat correct portions. I will look good in my clothes. I will have energy to do everything I want to do. I am an intelligent human being. I control my own body.

You are never to eat standing up. The reason being, the food we eat standing up is usually unplanned. We fill up on snacks at parties, grocery store samples, and nibbles while cooking. That is a big no no. If you are tempted by a doughnut, you can say, I want that doughnut but I had rather be, healthy, active, and wear a size 10.

It is important to distinguish between craving and hunger. If you eat a healthy meal and 2 hours later you want a snack. It couldn't possible be hunger. Distract your self by going for a walk, calling a friend, reading a book or anything you enjoy doing, not concerning food.

Allow yourself a bedtime snack to keep from feeling deprived, 150 to 300 calories. It's easy to think a few bites wont matter but it does matter, and every time you resist it is easier, and easier to resist next time.

Eat mindfully, so to speak. Eat slowly and pay attention to what you eat. When you eat slowly, your brain has more time to register being full. Also when you slow down and enjoy every mouthful you will feel more satisfied. Never eat while watching TV or reading. Savor every mouthful and fully enjoy your food.

Eat 5 vegetables every day usually 1/2 cup portions. Eat 4 portions fruit usualy1/4 to 1/2 cup. Eat cooked or whole grain cereals. A small serving of chicken or fish. Dried beans and nuts or soy products have as much protein as meat. Eat very small portions of startchy foods such as corn, potatoes and pasta, and eat lots of green leafy foods such as mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens. Eat whole wheat bread. Be sure it says 100% whole wheat on the label.

Don't use fats and sugar. Use a little olive oil and canola oil. Limit eggs to no more than 3 a week, and never fry them, In fact never fry any of your food. Simmer in a little water or fast sauté in a spray of olive oil. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. If you like, you can find a healthy diet plan you want to follow, or just use your common sense, eat healthy foods and limit your portions.

Walk and get plenty of exercise every day. If you have time, money and the desire, you can go to a gym but if not, you can walk and do your weights in your own living room and fare just as well.

Remember to read your list twice every day to reinforce your good habits, and if you have any negative thoughts promptly replace them with a positive one. You can do it. Just stick to your plan and there is no way you can fail.