Weight Loss Solution: Stop Overthinking!

Overthinking is thinking too much, needlessly, aimlessly, endlessly and is painfully unproductive. Just the process of losing weight BREEDS overthinking, simply by the massive amount of information available and little decisions to make! Weight loss is a collective obsession!

OMG -- What should I eat? I shouldn't have that! I have to stop eating . . . why did I do that? . . . These jeans are so tight . . . I'm so out of control . . . I'll never lose weight . . . I'm going to be 500 lb! Oh, the heck with it . . . I'll start tomorrow . . . that looks so good . . . I'm so fat!

If anyone else could HEAR our self-talk . . . oh my!

I decided that I had better things to think about. That's 1 of the BIG benefits of losing weight without dieting. When I developed my own strategies, ALL of that excessive self talk dropped away. For once, it was QUIET in my head. What a relief! I no longer had to worry and fuss over what to eat.

Overthinking is bad for you and there are a host of reasons to avoid it . . .

Overthinking keeps you stuck, makes you feel sad and anxious, interferes with problem solving and zaps your motivation. Obsessing over the whys and hows and what ifs is NOT in your best interest. It makes you feel more pessimistic and powerless, and reduces positive action.

Overthinking when you are in a negative mood state is a particularly toxic combination, which increases helpless feelings and self-criticism. You can easily spiral into a depressive cycle.

If you are inclined to ruminate, it's likely to take a significant toll on you over time. Remember, one of the best ways to avoid overeating is to stay positive. In the next post, I will give you 3 strategies to help you stop overthinking. I'd love to hear your strategies too. Feel free to use the comment box below to suggest them.

Comments

[Kim]

I liked the audio version.

[Susan]

I prefer to read it, english is not my natural languaje so it's easy read than listen.

[Cheryle]

Somtimes it helps to say to myself I will do that later, (icecream, biscuits, cake) not just at this moment. Then do something I like to do - read, take the dog for a walk ring a friend.

[Carol Solomon]

Cheryle, I think that is a great strategy! Especially since you are not making a big drama out of it. Sometimes I just say to myself "I don't need it . . ." in a very casual way. Often the craving will just go away.