When you talk about your weight-loss plan, do you tell your buddies that you're dieting while groaning and grumbling? Do you find yourself saying, “I can’t have that—I'm on a _diet_.”? Or… do you say something like, “I’m not going to eat that right now, because I didn’t plan for it today.”?
The first statement is old-school dieting, which tends to translate as “I have to deprive myself of foods I like and eat a bunch of foods I don’t especially like, until I reach a certain number on the scale.” The second statement shows how Weight Watchers SmartPoints® plan busts that myth! You’re not on a diet, you’re on the journey of a lifetime: eating what you want while losing weight—and maintaining your weight loss.
Weight-loss myths abound—about “good” and “bad” foods, the “best” exercises to do, the “right” time of day to eat. But you might also hold beliefs about your personal journey that hold you back as well. Do you think your life must be on hold until and unless you lose weight? Do you feel guilty about eating foods you enjoy? You might subscribe to common and unhelpful misconceptions about weight that make being overweight feel isolating and weight loss seem like punishment.
To break out of the “diet” trap, change how you think and talk about your weight-loss efforts. That can positively change how you feel and ultimately how you act. Check these typical attitudes—do any sound familiar?—and see how you can shift from the diet mindset into the healthy, happy life mindset.
| Short-term diet | Long-term healthy living |
|---|---|
| “I cheated this week.” | “I indulged in some foods and enjoyed them, but now I'm going to balance that out with healthier options the rest of the week.” |
| “I hate tracking my food, but I force myself to do it.” | “I'll turn tracking my food into a game and reward myself with a non-food item for doing it.” |
| “I don't like water, but I force myself to drink it.” | “I'll make an effort to meet my daily water requirements and add flavored mix-ins or a fruit slice to make it taste better.” |
| “I can't eat pizza and lose weight.” | “I can have any food I want, as long as I fit it into my plan.” |
| “I don't like exercising.” | “I'm going to try to walk for 10 minutes three times this week.” |
| “I'll never be able to do this forever.” | “I'm gonna make this work! If I need a little help, I'll ask my Leader, fellow members, family and friends.” |
Flipping the “bad” into the good—lessons learned, bright spots identified, and livable alternatives—can help see you to success on and off the scale!