499: The healthiest way to lose weight long-term | Cognitive behavioral therapist Joanna Grover, LCSW

“You have to have an emotional connection to your goal," says Joanna Grover, LCSW. Joanna, a cognitive behavioral therapist, joins us to discuss the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to successful, healthy weight loss, plus: - Joanna’s background & health journey (~00:11) - How gratitude transformed Joanna’s health outcome (~04:13) - What is functional imagery training? (~05:41) - How to overcome unhealthy food cravings (~07:24) - The difference between functional imagery training & visualization (~11:20) - How to reduce emotional eating (~13:42) - Why we often fail at nutrition & weight goals (~18:08) - How to become more self-aware about your cravings (~22:34) - The power of asking yourself questions (~24:47) - How to convince your friends & family to live healthier lives (~29:21) - Research on functional imagery training vs. rigid diets (~33:21) - How to use functional imagery training for anxiety (~37:19) - What to imagine when you feel overwhelmed (~39:42) - A breath work exercise for anxiety (~40:57) - The dangers of bed rotting (~43:00) - How to raise confident kids (~46:28) - How to tap into your natural ability to persevere (~57:13) - How to identify your true values (~58:53) - How to start functional imagery training today (~01:02:02) - How imagination can save your life (~01:03:40) Referenced in the episode: - Joanna's book, The Choice Point . - mbg Podcast episode #493 , with Gretchen Rubin. - mbg Podcast episode #482 , with Jillian Michaels. - Learn more about functional imagery training at the University of Plymouth . - A study comparing functional imagery training to weight management programs . We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube ! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices