Are You Using Both Sides of Your Brain for Weight Loss?

If you aren't, you should be. Of course, we all use both sides of our brain, but almost everyone uses one side more than the other. You've probably heard of the terms "right-brained" and "left-brained." They refer to the tendency almost every person has for using one side of their brain more than the other.

If you're left-brained, you may be more logical. You probably pay attention to details, make lists and stick to schedules. You think sequentially, so you usually excel at language or math. You also like to deal with reality-just the facts. If you're already a Positive Changes client, you have probably hear Mr. Spock of Star Trek described as the poster child of left-brained thinking.

If you're right-brained, you're probably more intuitive, sometimes arriving at the right answer without knowing how you got there. You see the big picture. You probably don't like to prioritize, and you tend to think schedules are approximate. You may be very good at art, music or poetry. You love to be creative and use your imagination.

Both are perfectly good and natural ways to be. Knowing which side of your brain you use more helps you understand yourself, your learning style and your preferences. It can also show you where your strengths and weaknesses lie-even in the area weight loss. For instance, left-brained people tend to eat by the clock, whether they're hungry or not. Right-brained people, on the other hand, tend to eat whenever they feel hungry, even if they've just eaten.

The trick is to approach weight loss-and life-in a whole-brained manner. Remember, you do have the ability to use both sides of your brain; you only have to teach yourself how.

If you're a left-brainer, you might have the tendency to reject new ideas, especially if they go against what you've been taught. Try using your creative side to open yourself to new ideas and possibilities. Stretch yourself by thinking of creative ways to work fitness and nutrition into your day. If you tend to watch the clock, try drinking a glass of water every time you look at the clock.

If you're right-brained, you might find yourself stuck in emotional eating. Try using your logical side by asking yourself, "Am I really hungry or am I eating out of emotion?" If emotion is the controlling factor, make a list of more logical solutions, like going for a walk or calling a friend when you get the urge to munch.

By using both sides of your brain, you'll be able to come up with new responses to a situation, rather than relying on habits that my have brought you to the problem in the first place. Think about it: you have a whole brain. There's nothing wrong with your brain or with you. You've just learned to look at life from a certain angle. By bringing both sides of your brain into play, you'll be able to use all your resources to make even more positive change!