Ever wonder why certain people find it easier to embark on a healthier lifestyle than others? Do they have a tactic that better prepares them for change, or is there something they already do that just makes changing habits, such as starting a new diet plan, easier for them?
Well there is…
They focus more on how and less on why.
It’s called “directed thinking” and it sounds simple, right? But, like many things that are obvious, it’s something that not enough of us effectively put to use, especially when pursuing the idea of a healthy weight loss diet.
Simply put, directed thinking is about asking a person certain questions regarding a subject they’re familiar with, and wording the questions in a way that naturally and subtly encourages action. It’s a tactic teachers regularly use with students to involve them in the process of learning, but it’s also been tested on adults as a way to encourage healthy lifestyle changes, and it’s shown results:
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61 college students who did not exercise or exercised inconsistently were divided into two groups. Over a period of two months, each group was asked a series of questions about increasing exercise
performance. One group was given questions falling into the “reasons” category, and the other was given questions falling into the “actions” category. The group who had to list actions during the eight week period, naturally increased their level of physical activity without any other prompting. The other group directing their thoughts to “why” did not improve their exercise habits at all.
This study speaks volumes about the power of suggestion, and how nudging your thoughts toward action can prompt your feet to follow along…
Here’s some sample questions to get you started:
When starting a new diet plan or simply trying to live healthier, ask yourself questions like these throughout the day. You‘ll be surprised at how much easier weight loss and healthy living is when you focus more on the how’s and less on the why‘s:
How can I fit exercise into my busy work-week?
How can I add more physical activity into my weekend?
- power walking to the corner-store instead of driving
- go swimming with the kids instead of watching tv
Instead of my usual breakfast, what are a few healthier choices that I would like to try?
How can I add more vegetables and fruit to my diet?
- try juicing
- try a new fruit or vegetable each week to keep things interesting
How will I cut calories without suffering?
- Drink more water (try flavoring your own water, naturally)
- slowly cut back portion sizes
- opt for whole wheat pasta or no-carb pasta
What are some other questions you can add to this list?
How about some suggestions?
Share them with the rest of us by posting in the comments…
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It’s my pleasure that I went through your site. Information above is very interesting and looks natural. I would like to tell you that i really liked your weight loss techniques and your awareness about the weight loss. Finally i got the easy way to loos my weight
Julia Barretes last blog post..Excerpts from the “Four Pillars of Marriage Course” by Pete
cut out the soda. there is no minimum daily requirement for refined sugar.
In fact, for most people, lifestyle change is a very difficult task. However, it is the most important thing.
Annes last blog post..Health industry spells out cost saving to Obama
Great information, change to the right habits and we will able to lose weight permanently, not trapped in the yo-yo diet
Foods that speed up your metabolisms last blog post..Foods that Speed Up your Metabolism
I agree that you should set your mind first before having a diet plan. You should learn to prepare your mind and body so that when you start to do your diet plan everything will be smooth.
This is really interesting, as it may show that action thoughts simply encourage new thought and action, while thinking about why may just keep you… thinking. And questions make you answer your own way in a way that applies to your particular situation or preferences. Exercise has so many benefits including better moods, better and younger looking skin, anti aging effects on the heart and body and mind, reduced risk of Alzheimers, better mental clarity, and above all just makes you feel good. When you do your best in anti aging, you will see results.
It is easy to write down your diet plan in a piece of paper but the most important thing you need to do is setting your mind about the goal you want to achieve. This means i am totally agree with you.
I am very thankful that I visited your website because it helps me to learn about a new diet plan.
Some other ideas to add to the list are how to choose a lower fat option when eating out. Not saying that you can’t eat out at all and therefore punishing yourself, still do the things you did before, go the same places but make healthier food choice options when you are there. If you choose healthier foods than you normally would have then you are already improving things?
Cheers
Steve
Steve´s last blog ..Super Slim Slimming Clubs
Just adding some new recipes to your diet–one at a time–can build new habits. Really just changing one thing at a time such as adding a new vegetable recipe can eventually change thinking and habits around eating.
Some good information in this post.
Judy Kelly´s last blog ..How to Start the Mediterranean Recipes Diet
Absolutely! I know that could really help me. Thanks!
Informative! I love to do some of the information you provided. I am actually interested. Thanks for letting me know.