Do you find that even though you exercise, you find it difficult to lose the kilos? And that this could be because the more you exercise the more you want to eat?
Finally, the answer we’ve been looking for! To lose weight, you have to stop exercising and start having fun!
Ok, so it’s not that straight forward…but I’ll let you into the secret of how this can work for you.
Your brain spends its time either avoiding threat or seeking reward. That’s what it is designed to do, and these two activities ensure our survival as a species. Avoiding threat is our default system (run away from saber-toothed tigers…don’t fight that guy who is built like a brick wall)…and seeking reward keeps us going until the next threat comes along (eat food, procreate, do something that feels good).
Very recent research (2014) has found that
“Engaging in a physical activity seems to trigger the search for reward when individuals perceive it as exercise but not when they perceive it as fun.” (Werle et al., 2014).
In other words, when we think we have put in a big effort to do something we ‘have’ to or ‘should’ do, we feel a need to reward ourselves for that effort. When we are just doing something fun for ourselves, we are less likely to seek extreme or luxurious reward. Your brain non-consciously suggests to us our non-conscious behaviour based on the messages it is being given by you. “OK brain…I have to do this, so let’s make sure I get a bit of extra reward today!”
So it’s all about the mindset…if you consider exercise to be an effort, a ‘should do’ or ‘have to do’, there is a chance you will over-indulge afterward and eliminate the positive caloric effect of the activity. You have two choices, realise that this is the case and consciously make the decision NOT to seek that reward, or change your mindset (or fitness routine) so that it really is fun.
Don’t forget to sign up for the brainFIT boot camp….it starts Monday night!
Virtual brainFIT Boot CampHave a great day!
Michelle