3 Steps to Powering Up Your Thoughts

Step #1: Stop ​the negative thought as soon as you recognize it. Simply say to yourself, “Stop right there!

Step #2: Challenge​ the negative thought.

Step #3: Ask yourself, “Will this thought help me lose weight and keep it off?

If you answer “No,” c​hoose a ​different thought. One that is more helpful.

10 Common Thoughts That Get Us in Trouble

All or Nothing

Placing people and things in one of two extreme categories: good or bad, with no shades of grey. If one solution fails, all will fail.

All or Nothing Thought: “​I just had one cookie. I’ve failed. It’s hopeless. I might as well pig out.”

Powered Up Replacement: “​I had one and enjoyed it. I don't need any more.

Overgeneralization

Taking one example and assuming that all other similar events will turn out the same way. These thoughts include words like “always” and “never.”

Example: ​“​I always overeat.”
Powered Up Thought:​“T​hat wasn’t the best thing to do. I’ll be very careful not to overeat at my next meal.”

Magnifying the Negatives and Minimizing the Positives

Blowing negatives out of proportion or downplaying the good things that happen.

Example: “​Two pounds? I only lost two pounds this week!”

Powered Up Thought: “​One to two pounds a week is a healthy rate for weight loss. This has been a great week!”

Mind Reading

Thinking you’re able to know what people think.

Example: “​She’ll think I’m rude if I don’t try the brownies she baked.”

Powered Up Thought: “​I really don't know what she’ll think. With all the people here she may not even notice. And, even if she does, it’s not likely to be that big a deal.

Fortune Telling

Attempting to predict the future without any evidence.

Example: “​I gave in to my sweet tooth yesterday so I’ll do it again and again – I just know it.”

Powered Up Thought:​ “I gave in today, but I can do better tomorrow.”

Emotional Reasoning

Making decisions purely on how you feel at the moment instead of facts and logic.

Example: “​I’m sad. So I need to eat to make me feel better.”
Powered Up Thought:​“​Eating something won’t make my sadness go away. It will only make me feel worse. Instead, I’ll call a friend.

Making Demands

Placing absolute demands on yourself, others or situations. These thoughts often include words like “should,” “must” and “ought.”

Example: “​My husband has to support me or I’ll never lose weight.”
Powered Up Thought: “​I’ll take what support he can give me and thank him for

that. But ultimately this is about me. I’m going to do this!

Labeling

Condemning yourself or others.

Example: “​He’s such an insensitive jerk for eating that cupcake in front of me.

Powered Up Thought: “​I don’t like that he’s eating that cupcake in front of me, but I’m going to focus on our conversation rather than the cupcake.

Blaming

Giving total blame to yourself or to others for your problem.

Example: “​It’s my family’s fault that I’m overweight.

Powered Up Thought: “​There are many reasons why I’m overweight. Blaming anyone is not really helpful. I’m going to focus on what I can do right now to take control of my weight.

Rationalization

Making excuses or justifying behaviors you know won’t help you lose weight and keep it off.

Example: “​This is a special occasion, so I’’ll eat as much as I want.

Powered Up Thought: “​This is a special occasion and I may not be able to stick with a 75/25 plate. But I can still have a 50/50 plate and have smaller portions of the special treats.

 

Now It’s Your Turn

Try Powering Up the following negative thoughts that interfere with weight loss.

 

Negative Thought: “It’s not fair that other people can eat anything they want and not gain weight.”

Powered Up Thought:

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Negative Thought: “These cravings are horrible. I can’t stand them anymore.”

Powered Up Thought:

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Negative Thought: “It feels good to eat. I need to eat to cope with the stress in my life.”