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Stop the sabotage, shed your weight now

After the year-end binge, chances are you’d like to knock off the excess baggage you’ve collected. But when do you plan to begin? Watch out for these thinking processes that do nothing but sabotage your own self.

Updated on: Jan 7, 2012, 18:47:44 IST
Hindustan Times | By
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After the year-end binge, chances are you’d like to knock off the excess baggage you’ve collected. But when do you plan to begin? Watch out for these thinking processes that do nothing but sabotage your own self.

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HT Image

When to start
Sabotaging belief system: The toughest part of any weight loss plan is the inertia in initiating it. We often tell ourselves that:

I will begin after a friend’s birthday.
I will begin after my child’s winter vacation.
I will begin after my cook returns from his holiday.
I will begin from Monday (next Monday, that is.)

Article image

The sabotaging belief system underlying this thought is that a weight loss plan should be followed perfectly and therefore, "I will only begin when the environment is more conducive to supporting my weight loss regime."

Make the change
Being a perfectionist can be self-damaging. A better belief system is this “I will give it my best and do things with sincerity.” Unhealthy food is an intrinsic part of our environment and the only way you can follow a health plan is by realising that minor indiscretions will happen and make those part of the plan.

No time to exercise
Sabotaging belief system: “I need a minimum of a one-hour intense workout to get results, or else there is no point doing it.”

Make the change
For years we have heard that we should work out for an hour daily. How we perceive it is, if we don’t work out properly for an hour, there is no point doing anything at all. But the reality is that every little action counts.

Every small positive thing we do in our life is like lifting weights begin small and keep increasing the load. Initially we need to do this consciously but later, it becomes effortless and very enjoyable.

weightLose five kilos in one month

Sabotaging belief systems:

You believe:
1. That a weight loss regime is unpleasant.
2. You can change the state of your health fast.

Make the change
There is no instant gratification with health. It must be made a habit. Plus, working out actually makes people feel good.
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