The Power of Affirmation

It is important that while you embark on your quest for better health you refrain from negative self-talk.

Eliminate thoughts of inadequacy, inability to lose weight, or even judgments about other people. Negative self-talk is toxic and you just don’t need it.

It is true that what we believe we will achieve!

Have you ever noticed that you can feel upset by just thinking about something? It doesn't matter whether it actually happened or not. Your brain triggers emotions, healing and strength by what YOU believe to be true.

When practicing affirmations verbalize and visualize what you desire. When done with intensity and repetition, your mind will treat it as reality. Positive affirmations are also ammunition against stress. The more positive your thoughts become the less the “little things” will bother you.

Putting it into practice

• Write your affirmations in a journal or diary each morning when you wake up and each night before you go to sleep. Repeat the affirmations to yourself at these times. Your affirmations should be the first thing you think of when you wake up and the last before you go to sleep.
• Leave reminder cards in various places. Use 3X5 index cards or sticky notes to write your affirmations (one per card). Make several cards for each affirmation, and then leave these cards where you will see them: place one where you sit at the kitchen table, tape one to your car's steering wheel, slip one inside your desk drawer, or stick one to your computer monitor, etc. Each time you see the card, read it and think about what it means.
• Carry your affirmations with you. Make a list of your affirmations and put it in your wallet or purse. If you need a pick-me-up, or if you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk or wavering from your goals, get out your affirmations and read them.
• Meditate on your affirmations. Close your eyes, shut out the rest of the world, and think about your affirmations. Say and repeat the words, but think about what the words mean to you; think about the future and try to feel the emotions that the affirmations evoke.

Symbols of Positive Affirmation:

Affirmations are usually verbal sayings that people draw positive energy and motivation from. However, motivation can be drawn for many non-verbal sources. These non-verbal affirmations may be pictures of family or fun events that make you laugh or smile; they may be prayers or positive quotations that get you back on track or they may be music or fragrances that lift your spirits. Think about what makes you feel good.

Positive Health Affirmations:

Healthy Eating-

• Controlling my appetite is easy for me.
• Eating healthy food makes me look and feel better.
• Every day I get closer to my ideal weight.
• Everything I eat help makes my body strong and healthy.
• Feelings of confidence and comfort come from my thoughts, not from food.
• Healthy foods help my brain think with greater clarity.

Lifestyle-

• I enjoy life by staying fit and working toward my ideal weight
• Every physical movement I make burns fat and helps me achieve my ideal weight
• I easily control my weight with a combination of exercise, stress control and healthy eating

Support-

• I am a loveable person
• I have people around me who support me with my goals
• Although I can do it by myself, it is so much easier with friends

Exercise-

• My fitness routine is enjoyable, energetic and easy
• My daily fitness routine gives me excellent results
• During my work-out routine, I feel healthier and healthier by the minute
• I enjoy exercising and my fitness routine gives me unfathomable results
• Every day I become more driven, motivated and ambitious
• I love to exercise because it makes my bones stronger 

Author: Kristen Ciuba
Kristen is a Nutritionist at Diet-to-Go, based in Lorton, VA. She tries to “practice what she preaches” by fitting in healthy foods and cooking, challenging exercise, and quality time with family and friends every day!