A Road to Success

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think” Socrates

Achieving success in any weight-loss program takes more than just following nutritional information; it requires getting into the right state of mind. All of our actions are governed by our thoughts. If it is true that thoughts create reality, then it is imperative to create the environment that will support a successful meal plan.

To truly be successful with this Fat Burning and Weight Loss Program you must clear your mind of all media information and hype. This means not believing everything you hear from so-called health and nutrition experts on TV and radio and in magazines and books. Forget all the other diets that you’ve tried, and remember that this plan isn’t anything like those diets - it’s a program that will help you lose weight while improving your overall health. If old habits keep bringing you to the same place—overweight, unhealthy, and unhappy - then you must change your approach.

For this program to be successful, you must believe in yourself. You can change your habits. You can feel great. And you can change the state of your health and weight. Forget all those times you tried different diets. This is a new day and a new approach. This time, it’s about overall health.

When you begin to make any lifestyle change, you will encounter people who will try to sabotage your healthy habits in an effort to make themselves feel better. You know the people I’m talking about—the ones who say, “Oh, one won’t kill you” or “Eating like that is no way to live.” Well, feeling horrible each day, jeopardizing your health by carrying excess weight, not being able to keep up with your children or grandchildren, and avoiding certain activities because of your weight is no way to live. Truly believe in your new way of life and what you are doing for yourself, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Similarly, you need to free yourself from any negative thinking. If you’ve thought before, “What’s the use? I’ll only gain it back anyway,” stop right there. You’re through with the dieting game. Those negative thoughts are thoughts that the old you would have had, not the new, healthier you. From this point on, replace each negative thought with a positive one. The second you find yourself thinking, “I know I’m going to fail,” tell yourself, “I know I can successfully change my eating habits and my life.” If you repeat this statement at least five times a day, or simply use it to replace any negative thinking, I guarantee that you will begin to feel more positive and confident about your efforts to adopt a new lifestyle.

Think about your biggest accomplishment to date. What did it take for you to achieve that goal? Months of overtime making yourself eligible for a job promotion? Countless hours helping your child learn a new skill? Years of practice to become successful at a sport or hobby? Accomplishment requires a great deal of work, commitment, and dedication. Achieving your health and lifestyle goals will require work. But as you know from experience, the results are worth it.

Before you start the food and lifestyle changes outlined in this manual, choose three affirmations, which essentially are statements that will help you feel your best. Repeat these statements a minimum of five times per day - not out loud, but to yourself - maybe in the morning as you brush your hair, in the car as you drive to work, in the afternoon as you run shopping, and at night before you go to bed. The more often is the better. These statements will make you feel so good; you’ll be motivated to stick with your new eating habits. Imagine how great you’d feel if you said affirmations like these to yourself throughout the day:

The best way to choose your own affirmations is to choose three or more goals, and then turn them into positive statements. For example, if one of your goals is to find the time to exercise more often, then one of your positive affirmations might be, “I have enough time in my day to take care of my health.” Choose three important personal goals, and create three positive affirmations for yourself. After you have chosen your affirmations, write them on an index card, and carry the card with you everywhere you go.

My index card of affirmations is in my wallet. I choose not to show it to anybody, but if I have any negative thoughts during the day, I quickly pull it out and repeat my affirmations as many times as it takes to get me out of that negative mind-set. I also repeat my affirmations first thing in the morning and last thing at night. This way, I start and end my day feeling positive and inspired!

Make extra copies of your affirmations, and leave them in places where they will remind you to repeat them during the day (e.g., in the book you’re currently reading, in a desk drawer, in the kitchen). Believe me, when I tell you that without positive affirmations, my own journey to health would not have been possible. This single step has helped me achieve my weight loss and lifestyle goals.