Athletes use visualization to help them mentally rehearse and prepare for competition. Now “if you see it, you can achieve it” might be the mantra when it comes to weight loss as well.
WHY VISUALIZATION WORKS
Visualization has been shown to be effective for improving goal-related behavior. If people utilize the powers of visualization, it can help translate their intentions — such as taking smaller portions at dinner — into action, ultimately leading to weight loss.
If you want to give visualization a stab, try these three strategies:
For example, as you visualize taking that morning walk, how do the different muscles in your body feel? What noises do you hear? What do you see as you go along your block? Can you smell the morning dew or wet leaves?
Imagine yourself at your goal weight. Visualize how your muscles are defined and what you can accomplish — whether that’s running your first 5K or building up to a half-marathon. See yourself in your favorite pair of jeans that fit again or the dress you want to wear to a friend’s wedding. Picturing clear, vivid images helps positively influence your mind so you can achieve the goals you see.
This boosts your confidence that you are someone who can succeed and keep the momentum going, says Andrade. For example, imagining how good you felt when you logged food and exercised to meet your daily calorie goal can help incentivize you to have more days where you do that again.
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