To kick off the new series “Ten Top Tips to Weight Management”, we are going to take a look at the mental approach to diet. Our mental approach to diet is very important and plays a massive part in the success rate in achieving our goals.

Most people's approach to diet will usually end in disaster because of their mental attitude towards it. Statistics show that the majority give up after a couple of weeks. It is important to put yourself in the right frame of mind.

Self Discipline

Remember models in magazines are ideals that we all try to aspire to look like – and we have to remember that it has taken them a lot of self-discipline to achieve what they have achieved.

You have to make up your mind that you really do want to succeed, that you are prepared to make changes and compromises along the way. The most important point being, self discipline from the beginning.

We cannot just start a diet and think it's going to work simply because we have read it in a book or a magazine.

So I want you to stand in front of the mirror and visualize what you want to look like in a year from now. Talk to yourself about it and check that you are really prepared to commit 150% to achieving your goals.

Patience – Have Some!

Imagine in your mind that you are just starting a new exciting project. That is what it is. This is a project that is personal and is going to make you feel like a million dollars mentally as well as physically.

Learn to accept the fact that this will not happen over night. If you currently weigh 15 stone and your ideal weight is 10 stone, then do not expect to get there in a matter of weeks. It probably took you 10 years to put the weight on, and it will take you at least 1/3 of that time to take it off. Be realistic about what you can achieve and set short term goals.

DO NOT think negatively, think positively. Tell yourself “I am going to lose 10-20 or 30 pounds!” Go and find something in your wardrobe that is a bit too small. Visualise yourself fitting into it perfectly. Set a realistic goal for being able to do that – 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 10 weeks!

Knock it on the Head!

When we start a diet we must understand there are certain foods that we have to deny ourselves because they have made us fat in the first place.

I want you to visualise eating a bar of chocolate and knowing that it's not good for you. Whilst picturing this in your mind, tap yourself on the forehead firmly, with your index finger. It should hurt slightly. It may seem silly to you at first! If you do this each time you feel the urge to gorge on chocolate (or your favourite indulgence), it will embed a negative message in your brain and remind you to avoid it.

Practice this approach a few times a day and you will be tapping your forehead without realising and the message will get through. Please don't bruise your forehead!

Congratulations, you have taken the first step towards achieving your goal.

Watch out for the next in the series on Top Ten Tips for Weight Management

And my next feature - Dealing with Pain after exercise.

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