Books/blogs on changing behavior - recommendations?

MidModJenn
MidModJenn Posts: 216 Member
edited November 19 in Health and Weight Loss
What books or blogs have you read that have motivated you to really change how you approach losing weight?

After my 3,795th failed attempt to lose about 100 extra pounds, I've decided to approach this from a different angle. Instead of seeking out reading materials on fad diets and exercise regimens, I've downloaded a couple of psychology books so that I can focus on the *why* behind my eating habits. I want this to be permanent, and am fine with this being a long-term journey instead of trying to starve myself over just a few months. So far there are two that have really stuck with me:

- Rewire: Change Your Brain to Break Bad Habits
This book gets to the reasons why you might be holding on to unhealthy behaviors (overeating, smoking, compulsive shopping, procrastination, whatever). It breaks down many different deep-seated issues -- fear, guilt, feeling out of control, etc -- and gives advice on how to work on them so that your new (healthier) behavior is automatic. I found some good recommendations in here that are specific to my particular behavior issues... but I think I need to read it again to get more "pearls" out of it.

- Stick With It: A Scientifically Proven Process for Changing Your Life - for Good
I'm a few chapters in on this one, and really enjoying it. This book outlines the factors that are necessary to create lasting change in your life -- things like focusing on tiny achievable goals instead of one big overwhelming long-term one... and using community (such as these message boards, a club, or your FB friends) to keep you motivated.

Right now I'm using a combination of these two books to make an assessment of my habits and start making lasting changes... but I'm always open to other things to read! Have any that you can share with other MFP-ers? :)

Replies

  • dragon_girl26
    dragon_girl26 Posts: 2,187 Member
    edited July 2017
    I'm a fan of The Beck Diet Solution by Judith S Beck. It isn't a diet plan, but a book of daily exercises that help you rethink how you approach food. It is kind of more like a therapy book to get you to view diet and exercise in a healthy way.
  • Old_Cat_Lady
    Old_Cat_Lady Posts: 1,193 Member
    Some insurance companies may pay for counseling for obesity patients if the obesity is causing other severe health problems such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or high cholesterol. Call the insurance company first and see what benefits they could offer. They may just offer a nutritionist, but any bit helps.
  • Hello_its_Dan
    Hello_its_Dan Posts: 406 Member
    Become a member of Habitry.com

    Read up on Self Determination Theory.
    It's helpful.

    Read Stephan Guyenet The Hungry Brain

    Switch by Chip and Dan Heath

    Motivational Interviewing for Fitness and Health
  • Hello_its_Dan
    Hello_its_Dan Posts: 406 Member
    Also, is exercise a good way to lose weight?
    https://www.vox.com/2016/4/28/11518804/weight-loss-exercise-myth-burn-calories
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    The Power of Habit - by Charles Duhigg
  • inertiastrength
    inertiastrength Posts: 2,343 Member
    I am waiting for The Hungry Brain to show up at my door on the recommendation of my physician friend. Following
  • BrettWithPKU
    BrettWithPKU Posts: 575 Member
    Hello_its_Dan wrote: »
    Switch by Chip and Dan Heath
    Djproulx wrote: »
    The Power of Habit - by Charles Duhigg

    I have read both of these books and personally recommend them both.
  • Hello_its_Dan
    Hello_its_Dan Posts: 406 Member
    mrsnattybulking wrote: »
    I am waiting for The Hungry Brain to show up at my door on the recommendation of my physician friend. Following

    Definitely pulls the blinders way off.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    dragon_girl26 wrote: »
    I'm a fan of The Beck Diet Solution by Judith S Beck. It isn't a diet plan, but a book of daily exercises that help you rethink how you approach food. It is kind of more like a therapy book to get you to view diet and exercise in a healthy way.
    Djproulx wrote: »
    The Power of Habit - by Charles Duhigg

    These are both good.

    I haven't read the Hungry Brain yet, but I've listened to a number of podcasts with Guyenet (the recent Sigma Nutrition one is one I'd recommend) and think it's helpful in understanding why you may have trouble controlling your impulses for certain foods.
  • MidModJenn
    MidModJenn Posts: 216 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »

    I haven't read the Hungry Brain yet, but I've listened to a number of podcasts with Guyenet (the recent Sigma Nutrition one is one I'd recommend) and think it's helpful in understanding why you may have trouble controlling your impulses for certain foods.

    Ooh, thanks for the podcast recommendation! I've been looking for new ones to subscribe to.
  • MidModJenn
    MidModJenn Posts: 216 Member
    Djproulx wrote: »
    The Power of Habit - by Charles Duhigg

    I actually downloaded this to my Kindle years ago, totally forgot I had it! That'll be next on my list. Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories