by Pamela Gentry

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

The key to getting the size that you want to be is to love yourself as you already are. Right now, look at yourself in the mirror. Even if you don't yet believe it, tell yourself how beautiful that you are. You truly are, because you are a unique and wonderful creation. No one else is exactly like you.

What do you like about the way that you look? Focus on that, to begin feeling better about the things that you want to change. Maybe you have beautiful eyes. Maybe you have great hair, or a keen sense of style. Appreciate what positive qualities are already there.

Changing the way that you think about yourself is critical when you decide that you want to be a different size than you already are. Always remember how powerful that your thoughts are. If you are constantly telling yourself how fat and unattractive you are, it is unlikely that you will be able to achieve the results that you want. Why is this true?

Have you ever heard of the Law of Attraction? The Law of Attraction simply states that like attracts like. This means that whatever type of negative thinking you are involved in, that this will create negative results in your life. Ultimately, by thinking about what you don't want, you will create just that.

According to The Law of Attraction, in order for you to get what you want, you have to feel as if you have already received it. It may seem silly to you at first, but try repeating these statements out loud to yourself on a regular basis. They will help you stop sabotaging your own efforts by helping to reprogram your subconscious mind.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

"I AM on the road to fitness."

"I AM losing weight NOW."

"I love the food that is making me thin."

"Losing weight is effortless."

"Any minute NOW, I am going to fit into a smaller size."

Now that you have your mind in tune with your body, let's identify five healthy lifestyle choices which will help get you where you want to be.

1. Drink plenty of water. Water helps flush out fat and toxins, and will help you to feel full. Many times when you feel hungry, your body just needs water.

2. Begin exercising now, any way that you can. You don't have to jump around and do aerobics. Just getting up on your feet and walking around outside a little every day will make a big difference in the way you feel, and in the way you look over time.

3. Reduce your portion sizes. A good way to do this is to use a smaller-sized plate when eating. Think quality, not quantity.

4. Eat more lean protein and reduce your carbohydrate and fat intake.

5. Allow yourself a little reward now and then. If you completely deny yourself of the foods that you love, you are more likely to quit altogether so that you can eat the foods that you enjoy again.

Remember this: You have the power to choose the thoughts which will bring you success. When applied action follows thought, true success will become within your reach.

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