Do you believe you'll be overweight because your mom or dad is? Do you believe food is a reward for "good" behavior? Do you believe you're not a healthy eater? If you answered "yes" to any of these Qs, you actually have a higher chance of being overweight, new research finds. The good news? You can change a belief ... and your weight along with it! Here, 3 ways to think your way thinner starting today, after the jump!
1. Forget the family tree. People who believe obesity is caused by genes--and not lifestyle--are less likely to have exercised in the past week, finds a study presented last week at an obesity conference in D.C.
Flip Your Thinking: If you believe that you have control over your weight, you will be more likely to take the steps to eat and live healthfully! So don't play the blame game--instead, take our Weight Fate quiz to find out which behaviors you can change today for a slim and healthy tomorrow.
2. Don't give chocolate cake so much power. Women who believe that food is should be used as a reward eat more than women who don't believe this, finds a new study in Appetite.
Flip Your Thinking: Sure, food is pleasurable, but you shouldn't think of it as the grand prize waiting for you at the finish line of a work project or an exercise session. Take back the power by eating to nourish your body--and reward yourself with a good book or a movie instead.
Related: 30 foods that fight fat!
3. Think of yourself as a healthy eater. Women who describe themselves as healthy eaters end up eating more fruits and veggies and fewer unhealthy foods, finds a study from the Journal of Health Psychology.
Flip Your Thinking: "But I'm NOT a healthy eater," you might say to yourself. You will be after following one of these one-day healthy menus! Once you label yourself as healthy eater, you'll be more likely to behave like one. What a difference a day makes!
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3 Ways to Think Yourself Thinner Right Now!
By Healthy Bites, SELF Magazine | Work + Money – Fri, Nov 6, 2009 6:15 PM EST
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