Guest Author - Jen Blackert

The power of visualization used during Yoga meditation and other mental practices can be used to help you achieve your weight loss goals, too.

This visualization, focus and ticklers were the tools that helped me to lose nearly ten pounds.

It's the lack of focus that causes us to regain them. Thankfully yoga is a tool to help with the focus, but it only works if you work it!

Here's how the visualization works:

Imagine yourself at your goal weight, close your eyes or see your face on your ideal body. That means cut out your dream body from a magazine and place your head on it. Now, ask yourself these questions, "How do my clothes feel, how does my body feel, how do my emotions feel at my goal weight. What is it exactly about this weight loss that will make you happy? What are you able to do? Who are you able to be? Whether it's playing with your kids, going for long hikes in the forest or twisting deeper in yoga, make the image as clear as possible. Maybe you see yourself wearing a gorgeous outfit. What would that look like? What would people say about it? What would people say about you?

Here are three tips that will help you stay focused on your goal:

1. You must do it daily! I used to weigh daily so that I always had a ritual that included a) the truth b) the future vision c) the peace of mind that my dream weight was coming.

2. If weighing daily isn't your cup of tea and you can't figure out how to not get emotionally involved in the scale number, try a tickler system. And email system that emails you are on regular basis. If you don't have one on your computer check out 43 things.

3. Drink a glass of water on the hour - every hours during your eight hour work day (if you have an eight hour work day that is). Everytime you start a new glass of water allow your dream image to flash on the screen of your mind. As it flash having the feelings of knowing that this vision is coming your way. Be present and at peace with the journey.

Happy Holidays & New Year,

Jen