You’ve probably heard by now how writing can contribute to your weight loss goals. But what you haven’t heard is that different types of writing – not just logging your daily food choices and calories – can make you slimmer.
A study in the journal Psychological Science found that jotting down thoughts on something you really care about, whether it’s a bond with a family member or your passion for a hobby, can actually make you happier and slimmer. The study revealed that when women who were dissatisfied with their weight completed a one-time exercise of writing about an important personal issue for just 15 minutes, they lost 3.4 founds over the next few months. Those who wrote about an unimportant topic GAINED three pounds.
“Reflecting on your values – even just once – can buffer against the stress and doubt that lead to emotional eating,” says co-author Christine Logel, a psychologist at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.
Maybe it’s time to dig up that old journal!?
