Change Your Mindset, and You May Change Your Life!

Mindset is defined as the established set of attitudes you hold. How do you view yourself? The world around you? The foods you choose to eat? The lifestyle you live? You may need to change your mindset around these things in order to make desired life changes. Perception is not always reality. Sometimes, we need to teach ourselves to think differently than we are programmed. 

We can start by improving our self-talk. That inner voice can either derail you or motivate you. When we live life with a positive or growth mindset, we can control the outcome of our life, reduce stress and improve our health. For example, a fixed mindset says: "It's too late for me. I have gained and lost weight my whole life." A growth mindset says: "I have the ability to learn new healthy eating skills, and embrace new challenges." 

How Do We Embrace a Growth Mindset?

• Think of yourself as a work in progress
• Embrace the fact that not every day will be perfect
• Take on new challenges, know your goals and reflect on where you have been so you can know where you’re headed

Finally, add this very small, but important word into your daily vocabulary: “yet”. This powerful word helps us realize that even though we may find something difficult it does not mean we can’t conquer it. For example: I can’t find time to exercise on the weekends…yet! I am not good at this…yet! “Yet” means that something you struggle with is still achievable. It may not come easy and it will take work, but it can be done. 

Start with a Plan for Each Day

Start each day with a plan. Perhaps it's a plan to drink 64 ounces of water; have a healthy snack; or get some exercise. Find one positive goal for each day and focus on completing that one healthy goal. Keep your goals realistic! 

Forward Food and Backward Food

Here is another great way to maintain a positive mindset. Think of foods as “forward” food or “backward” food. Aim to propel yourself forward, to reach your weight loss goals and healthy lifestyle. Forward foods move us forward and closer to our goals. Backward foods hold us back.   

Forward foods also provide us with better energy and focus for the day. These forward foods will meet our 5% rule for fat and carbohydrates. In case you need a reminder - every food you eat should be 5% or less in total fat and total carbohydrates.

Foods like colorful fresh vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean moist meats, seafood, whole grains, beans, lentils, seasonings, and spices will keep you moving forward in the right direction. 

Backward foods that do not meet the 5% rule include: items filled with preservatives, baked goods, high-fat meats, white bread, pasta, ice cream, high-fat dairy, or products made with cream and/or sugar. And remember - food selection is always based on stage-appropriate foods after surgery as advised by your Bryan Bariatric team.

Beginning each day on a positive note will keep you moving toward your health goals. You have the power to reach your goal weight and maintain it long term and to live your healthiest life!