How a more positive outlook helped me lose weight
One of my most successful tactics was to reading books about “positive thinking.” At first it was Dr. Wayne Dyer books and now Buddhism. These help a lot.
I had lived with Multiple Sclerosis and mental health problems for over thirty years, and, I was overweight—270 lbs. But, in the last year and a half I’ve lost a significant amount of weight—almost eighty pounds. Such a positive thing! Here’s my secret.
I deal with my Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as best as I can but my new found weight loss has a lot to do with time spent at my local YMCA. There, I meditate for 30 minutes a day and practice mindfulness, I also spend time reading books like Wayne Dyer and Buddhist authors such as the Dalai Lama who believe everything is about a well-balanced mind. I’ve learned so much… mostly about how to deal with my thoughts and my emotions.
Medications and loss of self esteem
For as long as I can remember, I have been overweight. I was a slim teenager and young adult but since I was diagnosed with MS., probably partly because of my meds and loss of self-esteem my weight increased. You don’t always feel good about yourself when you’re disabled. Why me? What is wrong with me? In my case, I suffer from depression, anxiety and MS as well.
At 58 years old, I knew obesity wasn’t good for my health and I was at risk of a heart condition or even diabetes as my sugar levels increased. But, there was nothing more satisfying than a snickers bar, Doritos chips or poutine at A &W. I think my metabolism wasn’t healthy because of my medication as well.
How did this miracle happen?
Then last year, I was able to drop almost eighty pounds. ( I’m still trying to lose 20 more to get to 150—a healthy weight for my age and height.) One important impact has been my Buddhism practice. It’s a healthy positive thought movement. Buddhists believe that everyone has their level of suffering and baggage so to speak. If you find the source of your suffering, they believe you can end it and find inner peace. Simply put, you can heal yourself by dealing with your repressed emotions.
What I came to realize is that when you are disabled you have mental baggage and suffering. Just the social stigma is hard, leave alone all the other things. Buddhism has helped me deal with my emotions, and through meditation, I have left my suffering behind.
This work has helped with losing weight over the past two years. By spring 2025, I will probably have lost all my extra weight naturally, without taking pills. That will be 95 pounds. I am grateful for the financial assistance I got from the “Y”—I pay only $15.00 a month and on my own I managed to:
• Stop eating potatoes and dessert and switched to fruit and vegetables.
• Had oranges for my evening snack.
• Worked out at the “Y” 4 times a week: Upper and lower body exercises, 40 laps of the pool twice a week, exercise bike (60 minutes) and yoga.
Positive thinking is really powerful
I feel so amazing now, both mentally and physically. Everyone I know comments of my weight loss.
People tell me I m really disciplined and that they are proud of me and my suffering is gone.
My message…. I think anyone can actually lose weight by practicing mindfulness and self-discipline.
I feel so happy and peaceful. Hope you can too.
Lise Elsliger lives with MS and is a Moncton based freelance writer.
Image: iStock
