Think. Feel. Do.

What's your most powerful weight-loss tool? Your mind. Beyond making healthy eating choices and moving in ways that make you feel good, what you think is a key piece of the weight-loss success formula. That's because what you think in reaction to an event or situation determines how you feel, and how you feel determines what you do. If your thought is a positive, productive one, you'll feel good and your behaviour will reflect that positive, helpful mental/emotional stance.

The thing is, as your Weekly points out, that we often reflexively fall back on certain styles of thinking that are anything but helpful, especially in the immediate aftermath of a not-so-great event. Let's say you went over your daily SmartPoints® Target by 10 SmartPoints®.

You might think, "Ugh, I blew it. I'll never lose weight." (Thinking style: All or None).

Or you might think, "I tracked all week, exercised, and stayed on plan—until today. That cancels out everything good I did this week." (Thinking style: Negative Lens).

Or you might think, "I went over my Target today; I always seem to do that." (Thinking style: Overgeneralization.)

You might even think, "Oh well, who cares. I'm sure I'll be back on track soon." (Thinking style: Don't worry, be happy.)

None of those thoughts will help you move the ball down the field, to use a timely football metaphor.

It's helpful to learn how to identify these thinking styles; the more familiar you become with them, the better you'll get at changing them so you can make solid progress on your weight-loss goals. Knowing how to "name that thought" will get you to a more productive mindset faster.

Roll It!

There's something so appealing about meatballs—those tender round morsels of flavour that just beg to be popped in your mouth. Top off pasta, mix into rice dishes, or just eat as is—it's all good.