Alexa Altman, the show psychologist on the popular television show “The Biggest Loser” shares her ideas for keeping emotionally fit by discussing five factors to keep you emotionally fit in her “Feeling Good” column. She mentions that that are many psychological similarities among the shows successful contestants, who have lost weight and are taking a sort of ‘personal inventory’ to keep it off in the long term. She also adds that it is important that it is helpful to acknowledge an area of strength and how it has helped you in attaining a healthy body and mind; on the flip side, she says it is very helpful to take into account the area(s) where you feel you are having trouble and how they may be limiting your success in losing weight and keeping it off.

The five psychological factors she explains include staying connected to personal goals. To reach your goal, she says, you have to know wat it is you’re trying to achieve, how to go about achieving it, and what it will look or feel like once you do. She says that one’s goals should be realistic, clear, and measurable.

The second goal is to create and expand support. This refers to having a social support system, such as friends and family, who will be there for you through the good times and the bad.

The third goal is what she refers to as “gray thinking”. This involves the tendency we as human beings have of thinking in terms of black and white-or good and bad. By processing information and ‘filing’ it away into little categories of ‘good’ and ‘bad’, you set yourself up for failure because one small mistake becomes monumental when one is in this mindset.

The fourth goal is to utilize resources. These are “anything that contributes to your weight loss success and well being”. These resources are typically similar with those that are attempting to lose weight in the long-term Support from loved ones, a personal trainer, a food journal…whatever you feel you need on your “journey”, do not hesitate to establish these resources and use them whenever you feel it is necessary to do so. The last goal is to identify problems early. In order to successfully lose weight, you must identify and address whatever it is that is getting in your way and keeping you from feeling healthy and happy. Stress, a bad relationship, emotional eating…each person has his or her own “roadblocks” to success. By being honest with yourself and doing your best to achieve these goals, you can begin acknowledging and practicing completely what has contributed to your success and celebrate the positive gains you’ve made!