CONSTANT CRAVINGS
Everyone occasionally struggles with temptation, but you can learn how to stay strong—and happy
We are lucky enough to live in a society with an abundance of delicious, nutritious and downright indulgent foods. And while this is a blessing, it can also be a curse for those trying to take charge of their diet and keep control of their cravings. Most diets dictate what is on the good and bad list, but don’t explain how to deal with the urges and temptations that lead to that extra helping, the whole packet of biscuits or the 3 PM blow-out. In her book How to Be Thin in a World of Chocolate, author Michele Connolly has drawn on her psychology experience to outline her anti-misery, anti-fad mindset strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Along with diet and exercise, Connolly says if you want to lose weight, you need to get your mind working for you. Try these tips to “release the psychological handbrake.”
FIND TRUE MOTIVATION
The best motivation for getting through tough times is internal motivation — the desire to do it for you.
CHOOSE PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION
Progress makes you feel successful and motivates you to do more. It’s an upward spiral. Progress is achievable. It feels so much better than the recurrent disappointment of perfectionism. And best of all, it gets you to your goal.
DON’T PLAY THE MARTYR GAME
Martyrs put everyone and everything before themselves. It makes losing weight almost impossible. Martyrdom gives you the perfect excuse to dodge exercise. You can say, “I’m going to make myself the priority, I’m going to make the time, I’m going to do this for myself and the people I care about.”