Use Your Willpower to Focus on Your Weight Loss Goals

Being overweight is a common problem in the United States and most people would prefer to shed those extra pounds. Unfortunately, most people find that they are unable to do so. Most of the time, it is the thought of food that convinces you to eat stuff that you shouldn't eat. Moreover, losing weight is just as much about controlling how you think, as it is about the foods you consume.

Although experts still argue the risks of yo-yo dieting, a recent study reported that repeatedly going through the starvation cycles required for dieting may cause your body to gain even more weight. Since dieting is often associated with a quick fix to drop a few pounds, calling any healthy lifestyle change a "diet" is demoralizing and can ultimately cause you to regain the pounds you lost.

• Seek Professional Help - Making tough decisions can drain your willpower. If you have a support system in place, the system can essentially take the decisions out of your hands.
• Visualize Your Goals - Everyday visualize the body you want and the person you want to be. With the picture of the new you in your mind, visualize how losing all that weight will change your life.
• Make a Commitment - A 100% commitment to your weight loss goals means there is no indecision about what you intend to accomplish and when.
• Shop Smart - Stock up on healthy foods that have an exciting taste and texture. Choose food items that are naturally crunchy, spicy, tangy, smooth and satisfying.
• Avoid Stress Eating - Listen to your body and only feed it when you are actually hungry and not just bored or thirsty. Conversely, it is equally as important to stop eating once you feel full.

Everyone has something that is more important to them, so figure out what's going to drive your motivation rather than waking up every morning and winging it. Spend a little time worrying about what comes next. Indeed, it would be easier at times to just head to the sofa with bags of junk food than it is to plan and prepare a healthy meal.

Distress over obesity is heightened when people perceive themselves to have poorer health because of obesity-related conditions such as chronic pain, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease. Using your willpower to overcome cravings and develop a better mental attitude about food can help you improve the way you eat and how you think about health and wellness.