We’ve been talking about sabotaging thoughts and how they largely determine who succeeds with their weight loss and wellness intentions, and who doesn’t. The next sabotaging thought, or excuse for failing to exercise, or to become compliant with better dietary habits, sounds like this: “It’s beyond my control”.  “I really want to exercise, but it’s too hot outside”, or “it’s too cold this time of year”, or the humidity just exhausts me”, or “the air is too dry, I can’t exercise in these conditions”…”it’s beyond my control”.

Or when it comes to eating high-fat or sugary foods, I have heard people say this: “Well, you know, the only reason I keep eating this food is because it’s engineered to be addictive. It’s not my fault. They put something in these snacks that actually makes them addictive. It’s beyond my control really”. Or they say, “Well, you know I’m addicted to chocolate. It’s a real addiction. I can’t help myself. It’s beyond my control”. Or, “I can’t look after myself or eat properly as I travel all the time. It’s beyond my control”. Or “My kids take up all my time, I can’t possibly start a wellness or weight loss program. It’s beyond my control.”

As the legendary motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar would say, “That’s just a whole lot of stinkin’ thinkin’.” In order to succeed with weight loss and wellness, you have to be solution thinker, not a problem thinker or a fault finder. If it’s too hot outside, you have to make an arrangement or find a suitable facility so you can exercise inside. If it’s too cold this time of year, then you have to also make a plan to exercise indoors, somewhere. Get a home recumbent bike or join a local gym. You know what to do.

And there are no truly addictive foods. Certainly, cigarettes are addictive, but with food, we can have strong cravings. I get that. But, if you look for alternative foods that have less saturated fat or trans-fats and less sugar, you can find them. Alternative chippy-dippy snacks that are not deep-fried are also widely available. Find those solution-substitutions that can get you through the moment without destroying your whole wellness campaign. Focus on the solution and what you CAN have, not what you CAN’T have.

So, sabotage thought number 4 is, “I can’t succeed, it’s not my fault because such and such is beyond my control”. If you hear yourself thinking this or saying anything that sounds like it, just remember that other people with the same challenges as you have overcome them. Not by saying, “It’s not my fault, it’s beyond my control”, but by looking for and finding a solution that suits the nuances of their lives, so they can exercise even when they travel, and take care of themselves and their family members by planning some time for themselves. And there are no addictive foods. Find the lower fat, less sugary, solution-substitutions to get you through the moment. And lay off of the high animal foods, deep fried foods, creamy dressings, mayonnaise, butter, and related foods with too much fat, saturated fat and/or trans-fats – and eat only the amount of carbohydrates that is conducive to the calories you burn each day.

Here’s the good news: It’s all completely within your control.

Until we meet again, I encourage you to eat smart, live well and I know you’re going to look and feel great as a result!

Dr. James Meschino
DC,MS, ROHP