IN my last blog I was so excited about Slimpod and myself making our TV debut on Channel 4’s How To Lose Weight Well and I explained how believing in myself and my goals was the critical part in making that happen.
Over the many years that I’ve been a weight loss specialist, I’ve noticed that people who’ve struggled with their weight for a long time, lose the belief that they CAN lose weight.
Then for many, it affects their self-esteem in general. They’ve been so focussed on the scales and have literally allowed that contraption to control how they feel and believe about themselves as a person.
And that’s when things go very wrong, because even though you’re acting as if you want to lose weight, your heart isn’t in it because you don’t believe you can do it.
Then you give up.
To achieve lasting weight loss you have to take back control and believe in yourself!
This involves a daily habit-changing process because when you change your daily behaviour this begins to filter through and has a big influence in the way you think about yourself and your beliefs about what you can achieve.
If you’re making a habit of noticing daily improvements to your behaviour and to the way you feel, magical things happen because seeing is believing!
And trust me, the change can be truly dramatic.
For starters, it has an amazing effect on consistency because you’re focusing on the daily wins rather than the results (ie the number on the scales).
This process of daily actions and wins builds your belief and belief helps to build resilience. It’s resilience and consistency that gets you to your goal!
The psychology of self-belief is process I teach to our Slimpod community and those who choose to adopt the advice get great results.
In Summer 2018 we ran a challenge in Slimpod Club which involved members recording their daily wins in a very short video on their phone and uploading it into our private group every day.
It really worked well and helped people to focus on the daily process, which in turn helped their self-belief.
The nurses who had taken part in the How To Lose Weight Well programme said it really helped them believe in themselves and their goal too.
They really got into the habit of doing their daily video because it helped them to reflect on the positive things in the day and they got a huge sense of achievement. Crucially, they heard themselves speaking the positives out loud and this has a dramatic effect because it makes it real.
But one of the best things is that it helps with motivation. As you know, it’s the repetition of small daily actions which creates the results and when you get in the habit of focusing on the daily process, it becomes very motivational.
You get the opportunity to give yourself a big high five and it’s a huge vote for the person you want to become.
And finally, it’s truly inspiring for other people watching and creates a lovely positive and motivational effect all round! Everyone gets to experience Nature’s happy drugs!
One of the people who took part in the challenge last year popped up in a video in Slimpod Club last week and it was SO lovely to see her.
I asked Christina McKay if I could share her message because it was such a powerful one.
Whether you’re a member of Slimpod Club or not, please do spare a few minutes of your time to watch the video because it’s truly inspirational.
Thanks so much Christina for allowing me to share this and inspire people via my blog.
I’m about to kick off another video challenge in the private group, so if you’re in our Slimpod Club community watch out for it!
If you’re not in the group, it’s no problem. You can easily record a very quick video at the end of the day or any time you have a ‘Wow’ moment.
You could buddy up with a friend and help them to believe in themselves more by taking some daily action too! Do scroll down and let me know if you struggle with your belief in your ability to lose weight.
It’s one of the most important things to get right and we cover it in the programme. But I can also create a special vlog next week to help you if I know it’s something you’d like more of.
Let me know by leaving a comment below. I love reading them all!
54 thoughts on “Be honest now, do you really BELIEVE you can lose weight?”
I am 70 now and have dipped out and in to listen to my Slimpod when I feel a little bit overweight and it just puts me back on track to eating healthily and enjoying life,
Fab Maureen! Well done you!
I could hardly believe my eyes!.. Maureen is my age and, like me, dips in and out of listening. I hadn’t listened for several weeks but 2 days ago decided I needed to get back on track. Well, what a difference.. I suddenly find I don’t want to sit around, eating all the wrong things. The power of Slimpod is amazing! Must get on…lots of jobs to do!
I have dieted constantly over the years. Weight watchers 4 times. Slimming world twice. Herbalife once. Cabbage soup once. Sureslim once. Slim fast twice. Slimming tea once. Lighter life once. Anytime I lost weight as soon as I went “back to normal” I regained all of it. I want this to work so bad, I will keep listening I will keep reading emails and watching the videos and I will keep the faith.
This is TOTALLY different to anything else and really all you need to do is listen to a relaxing voice for 9 mins a day. Stick with it and you’ll change things!
I really believe that Thanks. Somehow I am sure it’s real and is going to end my struggle.
I would love to lose 2 stone for my daughter’s wedding in November.
Money is very tight ..is there a weekly payment scheme?
Not a weekly payment scheme, Mary, but we do have a monthly payment plan. Three payments of £39.99.
Yes please Sandra, bring on another video challenge.
Last summer video were fun and also a challenge for me. My commitment to do them, really helped my confidence and self discipline. I’m looking forward to the next one.
So lovely to see Christina McKay. A truely inspiring, happy and thoughtful lady.
I’m still using slimpod and noticing the great health benefits, choices and positives that come from listening regularly.
Slimpod has cured me of sugar binges, since June last year. I’m still winning .
Best wishes everyone.
Amazing! Hey Helen – SO lovely to hear from you. I’m so happy you’re not bingeing anymore! That’s such fab news. We’ll start a new challenge this week so join in and enjoy!
I believe I can lose weight, as I’ve done it many times.. In fact I have lost more than 5st three times in my life. However I have very little belief I can keep it off long term. I always regain. I’m new to Slimpod and for me that will be the true test of this programme for me. Sustainable weight loss always eludes me.
So it makes sense that you don’t believe yet that you can lose weight long term. The thing with this programme is that it’s totally different. Your eating habits change so healthy eating becomes automatic. You have to give that process time. Let me know how you get on!
Hi, this is a great video. I’m into my second week of Slimpod and having done my “big shop” this morning, I am already choosing healthier options – for example, no cakes, no chocolate in the trolley, but lots of fresh fruit which I enjoy anyway. After lunch today I actually looked forward to having an apple instead of two or three chocolate biscuits as before. I look forward to more of your videos – inspiration !
Fab – well done you!
Only been using Slimpod for two weeks now and already feel focused. Can honestly say I can look at sweet foods and and treats and not have the desire to eat them. I bake and help in my daughters tearoom so there is always temptation at hand but don’t feel the need to sample the produce .
Amazing – well done!
That’s an absolutely amazing idea be also a good way to watch your face shape slowly change from week 1 to 12
Yes indeed! Great idea to track your face. I look forward to your feedback!
Hi Sandra, I wish I’d found you years ago. So enthusiastic and I only started 4 days ago. I’ve listened to the pods numerous occasions, got a journal, taken photos noted stats, but what is astonishing, the effect has been immediate. Along with the pods, I’ve been chewing food at least 20 x bite, not been able to finish any meal, and eating healthily. I had joined WW (again )the week before, and had lost 7lbs in my first week, I have another 13 stone to go, but believe I can really do it this time, for the first time ever. I used to be an athlete, water skier, trampolinist, etc, just turned 58, I want to get back to water skiing and all sorts of activities, and most importantly, I’m borderline diabetic, and my joints, especially knees are so painful. I am filled with hope and a belief that we can do it this time. I lost my husband 3 years ago, and life has been dark to say the least, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am you invented this programme, it is literally a life saver, thank you. Aileen
Hey Aileen! Welcome! Please do keep me informed of your progress. I’m guessing you’re an emotional eater. When did the weight pile on? Was it because you had to stop doing sport?
Hi Sandra, thank you for your personal reply, much appreciated.
I was always a small child and teenager, but you’re right after I gave up sport the weight piled on year after year. I’m now a size 28 and can’t believe I allowed that to happen to me. I saw a tv show where people were stuck in their houses because of their weight and it gave me such a shock, I-knew I had to do something before it got to that stage. The weird thing is that I don’t feel a big girl, but always get a shock with photos! Is that usual? I was in pharmaceutical sales, so I had to have a confident front if not always behind. I lost Adi my hubby 3 years ago, then my 3 collies shortly after and no family to support me. I came through the worst years of my life so I figure getting through that in 1 piece I can do anything. So I feel excited to start a new journey with hope and new tools, to make the most of the rest of my life. Thank you for your amazing programme again, and the support being shown, much appreciated cx
Hello Aileen. I’m also 58 and have just started Slimpod. I went to the doctor because my knees are very painful and he did my height and weight and told me I’m obese. Not just overweight but obese! I was shocked. He told me I need to lose at least 24kg. When I look in the mirror I think I look OK. I’ve never been sporty, so I’ve decided to start slowly with exercise and I go to yoga classes twice a week.
Very thought provoking and such a lot of good messages in there
Thanks Pat.
This is a really good idea. It’s not for me but I absolutely see the value of it.
Do it privately Helen. No need to share. Just really useful to enhance and track your progress.
Thank you Sandra for your response. I don’t think I can at the moment, I’d feel too silly. I’ll keep it in mind for the future though.
Thank you Christine for being so helpful & honest! Being new to Slimpod & very enthusiastic at the moment as it’s helping so much after only a week with cravings disappearing & happy now to just eat what’s needed until I’m full but still part of me has concerns with so many years of being good at losing 3 stone & then putting it all back on again. It’s reassuring hearing from someone who has been using Slimpod for a year and is just so honest about all the positives with it, not the usual wow look at me success stories which are also helpful but someone real whose on their journey and you can really relate too as this being about a programme for life finally not just until you reach goal weight. It’s so refreshing!!
Thanks for posting. I will pass on your messages to Christina.
I really enjoyed Christina’s video of her journey so far. I am still struggling with eating sugary sweet items. After reading your blog I realise I find it hard to believe I can stop eating these things and stick to that plan. Is this because I have been trying to loose weight over the last 40 odd years. I am feeling disappointed in myself.
Hey Carol. Sweet stuff is addictive and you really can’t help it – your brain is programmed to like pleasure! Please don’t be disappointed in yourself. Follow the programme and it will help you believe in yourself because you’ll gently lose the desire for so much sweet stuff.
This is really interesting. I spoke to a psychologist a while back about hypnotherapy and he said that YOU have to want to lose weight and not do it because you feel you should or because someone has told you to.
Hi Ian, Firstly this isn’t traditional hypnotherapy. We use it as part of the process but there’s much more involved in the system. Of course it really helps if you want to lose weight but we have lots of people who listen to it in bed and their partners start behaving differently towards food too. One man has lost his sweet tooth completely as a result of his wife’s programme! Our system is largely based on ‘Nudge’ which is behavioural science. Hope that helps.
Fabulous!
wow how inspirational to hear Christina talk .I am so so excited to be starting my journey and for the first time ever I am starting to believe I CAN do this
I am someone who has dieted on and off for years. Got the mug and the t-shirt. Taken weight off and put it all back with interest. I am finding it very hard to trust myself around food at the moment, especially as diets are so regimented and say what you can or cant have on them. Now I have chucked the scales and can eat without restriction I find myself panicking that I may be having the wrong things despite making better choices and trying hard. Help!
Do what ever you need to do to stop yourself from panicking Shirley. Some people have WW or SW as a safety net. If the scale is your emotional crutch to keep yourself on top of things then you really need to keep them in place until you do start trusting yourself to go it alone. That might be sooner than you think but do not put yourself under any pressure. Hope that helps.
Hi Sandra, I would like a vlog on self-belief. I am just over two weeks in and have felt very positive and have noticed differences in my behaviour. But yesterday I had I little wobble and thought, but what if I can’t? I don’t know where it came from? Maybe after years of losing weight then only losing so much and sticking at a unhealthy weight the last time I joined an online diet club — I have allowed a little doubt to creep in. I need to stop comparing! Some pointers in a vlog would be helpful I feel.
Christina’s video is very inspiring, and Insightful, thank you to you both.
Will definitely do it. Be gentle with yourself and have no expectations. This is really important. We do a lot of resilience training here and it’s crucial! Keep going!
It was like reading about myself as I have given up any hope of losing the weight
No no! There’s ALWAYS hope! Stick with me and you’ll get lots of hope! 🙂
Hi, I’ve just started with Slimpod. I’m really encouraged by the videos and comments on Facebook but, yes, after trying to lose weight for 45years I am worried that it won’t work for me. A vlog would be very useful. Thank you. Karen
Hey Karen, Belief is something that will come. The only thing you need to do is follow the programme! Keep in touch!
Thanks Christina your video made a lot of sense to me. I have been doing slim pod for nearly two weeks now and I have already noticed a difference in my food choices. I have not been able to do any excercise as such as I am suffering from sciatica but I hope to start as soon as I am able.
I know when I am in the ‘zone’ I can lose weight. I have lost 3stone…. about six times in the past 17 years! And what does that tell you….. I just havent ever been able to keep it off. I’ve been a size 8 – 18 and back round all those times…. that’s the bit I get overwhelmed by and feel desperate about. In 2017 I lost 2st 10lbs (and I still had 1 more stone to go) In 2018 I put on 2 stone! So here I am again, in 2019 with 3 stone+ to lose…. ARGH!
#swearsrepeatedly
I am very new to this just one week. I remember many years ago attending hypnotherapy to stop smoking. After my session I told everyone it hadn’t worked and that it had been a waste of time but I didn’t have another cigarette to this day. I am feeling like that just now. I am not sure whether I am consciously avoiding snacking and eating more healthy foods or if because of this programme, I really don’t want to. Looking forward to what is to come over the next few weeks
I would welcome the video challenge! I’ve been on the program for nearly 3 weeks and have noticed changed in my eating habit – I’m still snacking but not to the extent I was. I am intrigued if I will lose the stone I want to lose and then maintain my target weight.
Lovely listening to you, like you I don’t do processed foods and found a certain diet company trying to force me to believe I needed to eat more!!! to lose weight and most of it was processed. I’m loving this steady process of retraining my brain, only 2 weeks in and I know I think differently already, not just about food but other aspects of my life which I had mental blocks about!
Hi,
I chose slimpod because I want to change my inner voice. Change how I see myself and love my body again. I have a very full life but also a very private one. I am uncomfortable about facebook communities as I have had really bad experiences in the past. I do not want to join the exposure is a frightening concept for me righf now.
I am in week 2 of this programme and am so excited for the rest. I need to share with others to keep me on track
I found Christina’s Video very encouraging. I started Slimpod Gold a couple of weeks ago, after watching the tv programme. However, I have been very ill for the last month with exacerbated asthma, have not been able to leave the house, or exercise , and been rushed into A and E twice. I was very good for the first few days, and was beginning to feel a lessening of desire for snacking on sweet things in the evening, and really enjoying listening to the pods, which are really helping me to relax more. Then, I was feeling so low, and having well meaning friends bring me in things to cheer me up, I am falling off the wagon! I will regain my resolve, but for a few days, i’m Trying not to be too hard on myself. I absolutely know this is going to work, and I so admire what you are doing. I’m finding the pods help me when I’m trying to go to sleep, and when I’m struggling with my breathing, which is a bonus, but I will persevere with Slimpod as the tool for which you designed it. This asthma came as a huge shock, with very few problems since I was diagnosed 17 years ago, and it looks like it’s going to be a bit of a long haul, but I am a strong and positive person, and I will beat this, and succeed with the Slimpod programme. This is only a minor glitch! Sorry to have rambled on, but I think it’s helped to unburden myself of my early failings, and I am so looking forward to being able to forge ahead now. Thank you for all your support and guidance, I so look forward to my journey. Sheila Halliday
I really struggle with belief in myself and constantly consider myself a failure. I think the years of dieting has left a really deep problem that is going to take some shifting
Hi everyone I’m new to slimpod only 1 week in. I dont have facebook so i thought i would use this blog. I cannot believe I am taking a dislike to chocolate and saying no thank you when offered any. I am feeling very optimistic about slimpod.
I must admit that I never broadcast the fact that I am trying to lose weight just in case I fail and so, yes, I lack self belief. Silly really because since listening to Trevor I always bypass the fresh cake counter, avoid the ice cream and only buy dark chocolate. If I do want one of the aforementioned then I have it with no guilty feelings! I don’t feel that I’ve lost weight but I don’t feel that I’ve put on any either which must be a good thing?