DO YOU HAVE A “Fattitude” or “Fittitude”?
by Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Kim Feinstein, RM Behavioral Weight Loss Specialist
What is a “Fattitude?”
A “fattitude” is a negative attitude and pessimistic outlook that discourages you from taking the necessary actions to lose weight and increase exercise. It's otherwise known as a thought habit; an old way of thinking that leads to self-defeating behavior about weight loss and management.
If you have a “fattitude,” you likely experience an internal war of competing goals and motivations, which leads to yo-yo dieting, emotional eating, guilt, shame, and weight management failure.
Do You Have a ”Fattitude”?
• You feel like weight loss/maintenance is “too hard.”
• You place greater value on work, family, and/or relaxing than on your health.
• You often feel victimized by your slow metabolism.
• You frequently make excuses for why you can’t lose weight or exercise.
What is a ”Fittitude?”
A “fittitude" is a winning attitude about weight management. In order to be successful it is crucial that you identify and recognize your attitudes and values about weight loss and maintenance.
Do You Have a “Fittitude”?
• You believe that you are capable of making lasting changes.
• You accept ownership of your behaviors.
• You are willing to accept temporary discomfort.
The 3 C’s to Developing a "Fittitude"
Use the Catch it, Check it, Change it method to develop a winning weight loss attitude once and for all!
Catch it
Notice or "catch" your "fattitude" in action. Use your emotions as cues and take not when you feel unmotivated and pessimistic about your weight loss journey.
Ask yourself:
• What am I thinking?
• Could those thoughts be making me engage in self-sabotage?
Check it
Examine your thoughts more closely. Consider whether they are helpful or harmful.
Ask yourself:
• What am I telling myself that is making me feel this way?
• Is it an extreme or distorted thought?
• What is the evidence to confirm that my judgment is accurate?
• Is this thinking helpful or harmful?
Change it
If you have identified a harmful thought, it is time to work towards developing a stronger “fittitude”.
Ask yourself:
• What inspiring and motivating thought could replace my harmful thought?
• What will encourage me?
Remember, it’s time to get “thinspired!” If you stop and purposefully initiate alternate thoughts and positive self-talk you can have a significant impact on your weight loss behaviors.