If you're the sort of person who dreads the sweat and soreness of exercise and loathes the discipline diets, you'll be happy to hear that there's something you can do just by sitting and thinking which can speed you along to a svelte new physique. You've probably heard of the power of the mind over the body before, and some exciting new research has shown a correlation between imagining yourself as slim and healthy and actually reaching your fitness goals. Unfortunately, it can't totally take the place of diet and exercise. But if you harness the power of your mind your body won't have to work as hard.

Keep a Positive Attitude

When you feel discouraged and depressed about your weight, you're likely to decide your efforts are all in vain and that you might as well console yourself with a bag of chips. You'll wonder why you bother working out and choose to sleep in instead of heading to the gym. So stay positive! Picture yourself as thin, strong, active, and happy. Remind yourself that those Oreos might taste good for a few minutes but that you'll derive a lot more long-term pleasure from the confidence and energy that comes with being trim and healthy. Stress can make you gain weight, so avoid tension-inducing situations and make a conscious effort to think calmly, clearly, and above all, positively.

Wear Clothing That Makes You Feel Thin

Don't wait until you reach your goal weight to start dressing in stylish, well-fitted clothing. Loose baggy clothes make you look bigger than you really are. Dressing stylishly and taking pride in your appearance will make you feel better about your body, and that in turn will make you more likely to want to treat your body right with nourishing food and fun physical activity.

Set Goals

Setting concrete goals and keeping them at the forefront of your mind will help you to stay on track in your journey toward a healthier new you. Realistic, mini-milestones will do you the most good. If you're goal is to be a size 2 by next weekend you're only setting yourself up for disappointment. A healthy, attainable goal is to lose two pounds a week. As you start to reach your goals you'll find a positive, confident outlook on life becomes more and more automatic.

You might be thinking that these steps are too simple and painless to actually work. But they really can be hugely beneficial. If you imagine yourself as healthy and attractive, your thoughts will come to manifest themselves as reality.