Written by: Rossella Tocco, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Losing weight with the mind is an approach that recognizes the importance of our mental state in achieving and maintaining a proper weight.
The power of the group can have a significant impact on weight loss
Let's see how:
1. Lose weight in a group:
Participating in weight loss groups can be beneficial. Online communities, specialized centers, and associations offer support and sharing.
The famous Weight Watchers method promoted the idea of dieting together with others and feeling "watched".
However, it is important to be careful with online groups. Some may focus obsessively on the numerical weight figure, while others may propose dangerous "weight races".
The evolution of group therapies in the real world has led to concrete initiatives, such as initiating physical activity that you would not undertake on your own.
2. Groups on facebook:
Some formerly obese people have set up Facebook groups to share specific recipes for those who have undergone weight loss surgeries.
3. Benefits and risks:
Groups offer emotional support and motivation.
However, it is important to avoid groups without moderators and those that focus only on the numerical weight data.
Individual responsibility can be diluted in a group.
Here are some strategies that can help you on this journey:
1. Introduction to mental weight loss:
Mental weight loss is based on the idea that our mind can significantly influence our body and behavior.
Through mindfulness and control of our thoughts, we can direct our actions toward healthier choices and develop a more balanced relationship with food.
2. Principles of weight control:
Intrinsic motivation (based on the desire to feel good and healthy) is often more sustainable over time than extrinsic motivation (the desire to look a certain way).
Understanding the mechanisms of deferred gratification, resilience in the face of temptation, and the ability to set realistic goals are key.
3. Visualization techniques for weight reduction:
Using visualization techniques involves imagining yourself while achieving weight loss goals and maintaining new and useful habits.
Visualizing yourself eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, or reaching your desired weight can create a strong mental connection that supports change in actual behavior.
4. The importance of self-discipline in the weight loss process:
Self-discipline is overrated to resist temptation and keep efforts constant over time.
It's about developing the ability to get instant gratification in favor of long-term benefits.
5. Strategies for managing emotional hunger:
Emotional hunger, or the desire to eat in response to emotional states rather than physical hunger, is a common obstacle in the weight loss journey.
Cognitive strategies such as mindfulness (coaching and mindfulness) can help recognize the body's signals and distinguish physical hunger from mental hunger.
6. Implementing a customized action plan:
Create an action plan that considers the principles, visualization techniques, and our habitual part.
Tracking progress, adjusting the plan, and staying motivated are crucial.
Remember that the balance between mind and body is crucial to achieving and maintaining the weight you want.
Group or individual coaching offers different opportunities, depending on your personal goals and learning style. Let's see the differences:
1. One-on-one coaching:
One-to-one meetings: This type of coaching occurs in private sessions between the coach and the client. It is a personalized path, tailored to individual goals.
Trust and personalized goals: From the very beginning, a relationship of mutual trust is built. You define specific goals and work on them.
Time and intensity: The duration of the sessions varies, but it is a more concentrated path.
2. Group coaching:
Group cycles: It takes place in cycles with a set number of sessions. For example, a course might last eight weeks with group meetings.
Sharing and exchange: The group discusses common goals, and everyone contributes their own experience. It is enriched through the exchange of ideas and points of view.
Shared goals: Unlike one-on-one coaching, here goals are shared among participants. Growing together can be enlightening.
3. Personal choice:
One-on-one coaching: If you have specific personal goals and prefer a tailor-made path.
Group coaching: If you enjoy socializing, sharing experiences, and learning from others with similar goals to yours.
The choice depends on where you are in your life and what changes you want to experience.
Rossella Tocco, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
After graduating in law, Rossella continued to deal with people and practiced as a civil lawyer for 13 years. She attended postgraduate specialization courses in Coaching at the International University Center of Arezzo, she became a Practitioner, Master and NLP Trainer, also working internationally as a Coach and Trainer. She is accredited by ICF as a Master Certified Coach.
.jpg)