A Behavioral Therapist's 3 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Weight Long Term

What is the most effective way to maintain a healthy weight long term? Let us declare, it isn't a specific diet, detox, or exercise plan—it may be all about mindset. 

According to cognitive behavioral therapist Joanna Grover, LCSW, author of The Choice Point, visualization is the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to successful weight management. In fact, the power of functional imagery training (aka, the science of using visualization to stay motivated) has been studied by the University of Plymouth for two decades, Grover explains on this episode of the mindbodygreen podcast. So why aren't more people talking about it? 

For the sake of this article, let's assume you want to visualize eating healthier. The first step, says Grover, is to create an "immersive imagery experience" whenever you're met with temptation. Meaning, really imagine how that plays on each of your senses. 

"I'm thinking of the last time I had a [cookie] and the weight of it in my hand. I can smell it. I can anticipate taking a big bite of it and how good that's going to feel," she shares.

From there, you create what she calls an "elaborative intrusion," where you shift those images to focus on your goal (or your "why," as we often say in the health and well-being space). For example, let's say you're hoping to eat healthier to increase longevity. Can you imagine playing with your grandchildren? Can you hear them chatting and laughing? What does it feel like to pick them up? 

The next step is to select your cues, Grover says. "You can have cues throughout your day," she explains. For instance, "A cue might be the refrigerator door handle. Imagine the touch and the temperature of the refrigerator door. How it moves, how you open it, what you see," she adds. 

Finally, "I always start my sessions with breathwork," says Grover. "The breath reveals so much about us, [so] I always start with measuring people's breath." 

Specifically, she recommends counting the number of breaths you have in a minute. "If you're breathing at a rate of 22 breaths or higher, you're really in an anxious state, and you're going to be easily triggered," she adds.

Ideally, you'll want to bring the number down to four breaths per minute—it really will make a huge difference. After all, when you're breathing with intention, you're more likely to make more intentional choices.