Ditch Your Diet Mindset and Lose Weight on Yahoo! Health

We all have days when it's almost impossible to manage a single positive word about our body, much less our weight. Rather than "Wow, what strong legs I have!" it's "Ugh, my calves are so chunky." Or instead of "I love the curve of my hips," we mutter, "My butt is out of control." And finally, when we step on the scale (stripped of rings, watches, ponytail holders and all), the number always seems too heavy, not just right.
Why do we measure our success in pounds rather than promotions earned, pilates classes taken or pals who love us?

Imagine if we could take all the energy we expend worrying about our weight and apply it to other, more valuable ventures, such as reconnecting with friends, writing a novel, traveling the world? In a Self.com poll, 54 percent of women say the scale has a major impact on their confidence. To help snap out of your "diet" mind-set and get into a positive place, try the easy strategies below. Bonus: When you stop hating and start loving your looks right now, you'll take better care of yourself—and probably lose a few pounds without even trying!

DITCH IT: I really need a beach vacation, but I don't want to be seen in a bathing suit. Once I drop 10 pounds, I will have the incentive to treat myself to a tropical getaway.
DECLARE IT: Postpone a trip to palm trees and warm sand? Nooo! I won't put it off just because I gained a few pounds. I'll tie on a pretty sarong and treat myself to a much-deserved break!

DITCH IT: I'm so hungry, I could eat my hand! That must mean my juice fast is working. I've got to keep going—no pain, no gain (oops, I mean, loss)!
DECLARE IT: My stomach is growling, so I should eat something healthy and regenerating for my body. That way, I won't get ravenous and binge later; plus, healthy food tastes good to me. Bonus? If I take care of my body, it will take care of me.

DITCH IT: I was so good at breakfast, but then I pigged out with two plates of pasta at lunch. The day is shot, so I might as well polish off that chocolate pie.
DECLARE IT: OK, so I indulged with a second helping of tortellini (and I enjoyed every bite!). One meal won't make me heavy—I'm not just going to throw in the towel on healthy eating because of a single slip-up. I will have a light dinner tonight and start fresh tomorrow.

DITCH IT: Angelina Jolie had twins less than a year ago and she's so trim! I'm always on a diet, yet I couldn't get one leg into her jeans. If only I could get down to a size 2, I would like myself so much better and live the life I want.
DECLARE IT: Hollywood stars do not have normal demands on their time. Looking great is part of their job, and those Tinseltown standards are totally unrealistic. I can't compare myself to some airbrushed photo of a celebrity.

DITCH IT: My butt looks 10 times bigger than it did last night. It probably grew while I slept, and it's all because of those cookies and ice cream I ate before bed.
DECLARE IT: I know my butt is the same size as it was last night. Maybe I am feeling down on myself because things are tense at work. Time for a night out with the BFFs!

DITCH IT: It doesn't matter how many diets I try, I cannot shoehorn myself into the old favorite jeans I wore in college. It's as though my body wants me to stay fat forever.
DECLARE IT: The fact that I can't get down to my sophomore weight is probably my body's way of saying that weight isn't right for me. My meals back then weren't exactly square (does light beer count?).