How Weight Watchers Can Use Positive Self Talk to Stay on Track

Confession: I Talk to Myself A LOT to Stay on Track

Do you engage in a lot of internal self-talk? I often think that if people could monitor my inner dialogue they would probably lock me up and throw away the key!

I talk to myself A LOT.

Please, tell me I’m not alone here!

I’m pretty sure that I’m not alone when it comes to the challenges of inner chatter (Do you remember the television show Herman’s Head? There’s a video clip at the bottom of the post if you’re curious.) but am always comforted to learn that I’m not as crazy as I sometimes feel.

As we all know, the wrong kind of self-talk, where you are constantly beating yourself up, can can be debilitating. But I believe that the right kind of self-talk can be very helpful. 

Yoga introduced me to the concept of mantras, words or phrases that you can use to keep your thoughts from spinning out of control and that can be used to pull you back into the here and now. You will often find me saying, “This too shall pass” or reciting the serenity prayer.

I’m also a big fan of affirmations for weight loss (affiliate link). For decades I wrote and repeated, “I’m easily and effortlessly maintaining my ideal weight”, until one day it dawned on me that it had become my new reality!

Related Content: My Favorite Affirmations for Lasting Weight Loss Success

How Weight Watchers Can Use Positive Self Talk to Stay on Track

Positive self-talk can be a powerful tool for Weight Watchers to stay on track and maintain motivation. Here are some strategies Weight Watchers can use to incorporate positive self-talk into their journey:

1. Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of being harsh or critical of yourself when faced with challenges or setbacks, cultivate self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend. Remind yourself that setbacks are a normal part of the process and that you have the resilience to keep going. (Why Self Love, Kindness and Compassion are Necessary for Weight Loss Success)
2. Use Affirmations: Create positive affirmations related to your weight loss goals and repeat them regularly. These affirmations can be simple statements like “I am capable of reaching my weight loss goals” or “I am making progress every day.” Repeat them to yourself in moments of doubt or when you need a boost of motivation. (My Favorite Weight Loss Affirmations)
3. Focus on Non-Scale Victories: Instead of solely relying on the number on the scale, celebrate non-scale victories. Acknowledge and celebrate other positive changes such as increased energy levels, improved fitness, better sleep, or feeling more confident in your clothes. Remind yourself of these achievements to stay motivated and reinforce your progress.
4. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts or self-doubt arise, challenge them with positive and realistic counter-statements. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never reach my goal weight,” reframe it to something like, “I am taking steps towards my goal, and every effort counts.” By reframing negative thoughts, you can maintain a positive mindset and stay focused on your progress. (7 Steps to a Winning Weight Loss Mindset)
5. Visualize Success: Use the power of visualization to imagine yourself achieving your weight loss goals. Create a vivid mental image of how you will feel, look, and live once you’ve reached your desired weight. Visualize yourself making healthy choices, being active, and enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle. This visualization can help reinforce your determination and keep you motivated on your weight loss journey.
6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Seek out a supportive community or enlist the help of friends and family who can provide encouragement and positive reinforcement. Share your goals and progress with them, and allow their support to uplift you during challenging times. Having a strong support system can significantly impact your self-talk and help you stay on track. (Discover the Magic of Weight Loss Support for Lasting Success)

Remember, positive self-talk is a skill that takes practice. Be patient with yourself as you develop this habit and make it a regular part of your weight loss journey. By cultivating positive self-talk, you can boost your confidence, stay motivated, and maintain a healthy mindset throughout your weight loss process.

Self Talk I Engage In To Keep Me On Track 

As a person with a long history of eating too much to cope with anxiety and comfort herself, I still find it helpful to engage in self-talk when presented with eating challenges.  Here are some of the things that I often say to myself to keep me on track:

• “Are you still hungry?”
• “Are you full?”
• “Have you had enough?”
• “Step away from the refrigerator right now.”
• “Put the cookie down.”
• “How will you feel after you eat this?”
• “If you are going to eat, put it on a plate and take a seat.”
• “This isn’t your last meal; You’ll eat again soon.”
• “It’s okay to feel a little hungry.”
• “You can eat again as soon as you’re hungry.”
• “You can have ice cream after dinner if you still want it.”
• “Is that what you really want?”
• “Is that what you really need?”
• “Are you hungry or just bored?”
• “Does that taste good?”
• “Is this worth the calories?”
• “Slow down, breathe, and chew.”
• “You deserve delicious, high quality food.”
• “Remember to put down your fork between bites.”
• “Nothing tastes as good as being slim feels.”
• “The first taste is the best.”
• “Is this the best choice for you right now?”
• “What would be a better choice?”
• “Trust yourself.”
• “One bite tastes just like the rest.”
• “You can have whatever you want, just not all today.”
• “Tomorrow is another day.”
• “Slow down and savor it.”
• “If it doesn’t taste good, don’t eat it.”
• “Remember to stop when you’re no longer hungry.”
• “It’s okay to throw it away.”
• “Order the small size.”
• “You deserve to enjoy your food.”
• “Make every bite count.”
• “You can have the ________now if you’re willing to skip __________later.”

So, there you have it. A peak inside my head, into the thoughts that help me stay in balance. I hope it hasn’t scared you!

What kinds of things do you say to yourself to help you stick with your goals?

Here’s a fun introduction video to the chaotic, crowded world of Herman’s Head:

More Weight Loss Articles for Weight Watchers

• An Essential Weight Loss Ingredient
• Why I Do Yoga
• French Weight Loss Secrets
• Weekly Weight Loss Devotional: Breathe
• Weekly Devotional: Positive Self Talk Matters