By Barbara Broggelwirth, RD, CDN

A vision board is a collection or collage of images, affirmations and dreams that make you happy.

The purpose of creating a vision board can be a good way for you to find inspiration, identify and shape your dreams, and keep you focused and motivated.  It is not a guarantee of specific outcomes but rather a way to channel your efforts towards long term goals.

Your vision board can be used to visualize the process, not the results; it is most effective when it is used to help keep track of steps (or non-scale victories) that help keep you motivated along the way.

How can a vision board be used to sustain long term weight loss?

Use it to display images of “non-scale victories” as a reminder to celebrate the results that can’t be encapsulated in a number on scale:

  • Your clothes are fitting looser – Include before and after pics
  • You are playing more with your kids – Include images of going to games / playing in the park
  • Your body inches are less – Include  images of a measurement tape
  • You notice that you are eating more vegetables and drinking more water than ever before – Include images of healthy dishes or pictures of fruits and vegetables.

Include pictures of ideas you would like to use as rewards for your accomplishments:

  • Pamper yourself: Include images of being pampered at a day spa
  • Going to the movies: Images of a movie theater logo or theater tickets
  • Bowling: Images of bowling ball  knocking down pins
  • New clothes: Images of your favorite brand names or shopping stores

How to start your vision board:

1) Reflect upon your goals—What do you want to accomplish in the short term

2) Break down your goals into smaller actions- If weight loss, exercise  or eating healthier

3) Choose your theme—Healthy lifestyle

4) Decide upon your format— Poster board, Cork-board

 Include powerful words that you want to describe you:

  • GRIT
  • STRENGTH / STRONG
  • COMPASSIONATE
  • SURVIVOR
  • LOVING
  • CONFIDENT

INCLUDE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

  • I am good at overcoming adversity
  • When I commit to something I follow through
  • I have a new found confidence in my new abilities
  • Routine and structure work for me

 

Barbara Broggelwirth, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is currently working with Bariatric and Medical Weight Management patients.  She works with patients to help them achieve their health and weight loss goals.