Posted By:Dr. Frank Provenzano, PhD.
Posted On:July, 02nd 2008
Category: Weight Loss
By: Dr. Frank Provenzano, Nutrition Solutions Behavioral Counselor It probably comes as no surprise to you that what you thing and believe influences your behavior. If you believe a certain toothpaste will fight cavities, you will purchase it. If you think you will be a success, you will try harder to be successful. We encourage you when you start the program to think positively to help you in your efforts. What is most interesting though, is that your behavior also influences your attitude. For example, when people drove 30 miles for counseling appointments, compared to people who drove 10 miles, the peopled who drove farther reported doing better and improving faster. It seems that when we work for something or expend more effort we value it more. Another example: college students who were asked to stuff envelopes for a political candidate reported more positive attitudes about the candidate after the work than before. Why the discussion of attitude and behavior? Its important to know that a positive attitude will carry you only so far. You need to engage in the behaviors that will help sustain and strengthen the positive attitude. The most important of these behaviors is compliance with your meal plan. When you are compliant, your attitude is more positive which makes compliance easier. When you are non-compliant, you create negative attitudes not just slowed weight loss. You have all been educated as to the medical reasons for strict adherence to the meal plan. Now you know the psychological reason. When you are compliant, you build the attitude that you are worth it and that you will be a success. It may not be easy, but the work is worth it, mentally as well as physically.