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By Dr. Fit, Sidney E. Reeves, CFT
It seems a little strange that losing weight can entice
feelings of fear. Fear doesn’t seem to have a place in such a
constructive process. Usually weight loss is associated with
both positive and negative feelings. The positive feelings are
more obvious and understandable. You’re feeling better, have
more energy, look better, fit in nicer clothes, etc. However,
are you aware that negative feelings about your life changing
process are also normal?
Weight gain happens for a reason and it’s not all about that
familiar hand to mouth motion. It’s not just about food it’s
about what is behind the overeating. Smaller weight gains can
usually be attributed to just poor eating and exercise habits.
However, large weight gain is almost always associated with
something much deeper. Gaining weight is camouflage. It allows
you to disappear in society, which in turn can make you feel
safer. The key is to understand what you were hiding from? Was
there a trauma in you life that needs to be addressed?
Conversely, as you begin to understand why you gained the
weight, you also need to address your feelings as you succeed
at your weight loss efforts. This is a journey that will
require time and patience. You may stall and have to restart.
You may lose motivation and need assistance to get back on
track. You may not fall off the wagon; you may execute a
premeditated jump off the wagon. These actions can all be
associated with fear.
If this sounds all too familiar, take the time to address
these
volatile emotions before they take you down. The following
pro-active steps can ease the fears and keep you on track.
· Find A Support System. This can be a personal trainer who
understands your struggle and is willing to push to keep you
on
track. The trainer may use motivational techniques or tactics
that help you face your fears head on and eliminate the need
to
self-sabotage your forward motion. Personal Trainers are NOT
just for movie stars any more! They are available to the
general public. Call your local gym for a referral.
If a personal trainer is not an option, team up with a friend
who has succeeded with weight loss and is willing to help you
stay on track by exercising with you daily. Share food
journals. You will learn as much from your friend’s food
journal and your friend will be necessary accountability to
keep your eating habits in check.
· Daily Journal Writing. Emotions locked in your mind become
bigger and bigger over time which then become nearly
impossible
to control. Everything starts with a thought! Once you learn
to
train and manage your thinking you will be able to change your
life. Write out your feelings and fears. The mere act of
writing helps you to understand why you feel what you feel and
releases the negative energy.
· Follow Up With Affirmations. After releasing the negative
emotions, follow up with affirmations. It is important to fill
the space with a positive turn around. Give your brain
something good to dwell on now.
· Take Quiet Time. Often our lives are so busy we don’t have
time to breath, much less think. Give yourself 15 minutes a
day
to sit and let go of the mental stress. This takes more effort
than you may think. During these 15 minutes consciously let go
of any thoughts that are occupying your mind. Vacuum the
mental
clutter and empty your mind of all thought. Let your system
rest
for 15 minutes and you will find that you are more in control
of
more of your day.
Fear is a normal part of any major life change. Once you
understand this you can begin to address this emotion and push
past it. Keep that forward motion by challenging any feelings
that cause you to sabotage your positive growth.
About The Author: Dr. Fit, Sidney E. Reeves, CFT is a
nationally recognized personal fitness trainer. Dr. Fit has
been helping overweight America understand and change their
self-defeating habits while learning the important elements of
good nutrition, exercise and positive change. He has launched
a
website to compliment his daily fitness show at
www.WritingForWeightloss.com where members receive all
the tools to lose weight permanently. Join Dr. Fit as your
fitness trainer today at WritingForWeightLoss.com
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