Phase four of the no diet diet is all about targeting key areas of the way I actually think, since the way I think is directly linked to the way I behave. For this week each day I must focus on a specific thought-dimension. I am to behave differently towards a person and react differently to a situation in respect of the thought-dimension of the day. My computer access has been limited so this week instead of documenting my actions every day I offer a summary of my reflections upon each thought dimension and the role it plays in my life specifically in relation to weight loss and improved health.
The thought-dimension for day 22 was self-responsibility.
When it comes to weight it is easy to push responsibility away, be it onto hormones, genetics, environment or whatever. I honestly believe that all of those things play a role in either helping us to gain weight in the first place or in keeping us fat once we’re here. But a large part of the responsibility for my current weight is mine. I’m the one who made less than optimal nutritional choices (including past attempts at dieting) and neglected my exercise regime. I accept that, have learnt from it and am ready to move on.
The thought-dimension for day 23 was awareness.
It is very easy to drift through the days without really noticing what is happening around us. I live very close to the beach, something I take for granted, but occasionally I will actually notice the ocean while I’m sitting at a traffic light, its colour, the height of the waves and the transformation in my perception is surprising. In relation to diet I would agree that quite often I eat without really paying attention to what it is I’m eating-flavour, texture and volume-and that lack of awareness has certainly pushed my weight up over time. I can definitely see how increasing my awareness in general, and in relation to diet in particular, could result in weight loss.
The thought-dimension for day 24 was balance.
When it comes to my fitness goals lack of balance has been a major contributor to my lack of success. And I don’t just mean the all or nothing attitude that is so easy to slip into, especially in the early days of attempting to establish a new lifestyle but the imbalance in effort to desire. How much do I really want to achieve my fitness goals? Does my behaviour reflect that level of desire? If I really want to achieve I must be willing to put in the required effort. And if that effort is more than I thought necessary I must consciously choose to either try harder or lower my expectations. Desire-effort-results must be balanced.
The thought-dimension for day 25 was fearlessness.
I recognise that this is a big one for me in all areas of my life. What if I try my best and still don’t achieve the results I want? At least if I’m not giving it my all I can’t be too upset if I don’t have the success I might like. In relation to fitness perhaps I need to push myself a little more in the area of exercise. So what if my efforts look a little foolish, eventually I’ll succeed to some extent: the c25k taught me that.
The thought-dimension for day 26 was conscience.
The idea here is to listen to my conscience in all contexts regardless of its convenience. I must not compromise my ideals for short-term gain. This is a tricky one to apply to diet and exercise. I’m going to assume in this context it means not to try to fool myself into believing I’m doing more than I am. I know if I’m not exercising at my best or if my diet is less than nutritious and I should question myself as to why I’m doing (or not doing) that and if it’s in line with my greatest good.
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