We hear it everywhere: “Think positive and you can achieve anything!” 

This advice makes sense, but not all types of positive thinking help you lose weight. Some forms of daydreaming can hinder your progress.

Let’s explore what this means based on a study by researchers Gabriele Oettingen and Thomas Wadden, and how it relates to your ProGen weight loss journey.

Expectation vs. Fantasy: Two Forms of Positive Thinking

First, let’s clarify the difference between expectation and fantasy.

Expectation  

This is your realistic belief in your ability to succeed.  

For example: “I know I can lose 10 kilos if I stick to my ProGen plan and stay disciplined.”

Fantasy  

This is daydreaming or wishing about life once you’ve achieved your goal without considering the effort required.  

For example: “I picture myself thin and everyone envying me at a party,” without thinking daily about why we eat what we eat, discipline, social challenges, or cravings.

What Did The Study Find?  

In this study, 25 women enrolled in a year-long weight loss program. Before starting, researchers asked them:

•  How confident are you in reaching your weight loss goal? (Expectation)  
• What do you imagine or daydream about when thinking of losing weight? (Fantasy)  

Here is what happened after a year:

 Women with a strong sense of expectation lost more weight.  

 Women who spent more time daydreaming about life after weight loss lost less weight.

Why Fantasy Holds You Back

At first glance, this seems confusing. Isn’t it inspiring to picture your fit self?  

The reality is that fantasy can trick your brain into thinking you have already succeeded. It feels good now, but it doesn’t prepare you for:

• Resisting comfort foods.
• Saying no at parties.
• Staying disciplined with meals and supplements.
• Dealing with setbacks without giving up.

When you only fantasize about being thin without planning how to tackle everyday challenges, you’re less prepared for the actual work involved.

How Expectation Helps You Succeed – having positive expectations means:

•  You believe in yourself.
•  You understand the effort needed.
•  You plan ahead.
•  You stay motivated, even when progress is slow.

That’s why, in ProGen Weight Management, we encourage you to not only picture your goal but also to plan your daily actions:

•  Reporting your weight daily keeps you focused.
•  Sticking to your meals and supplements ensures your metabolism changes.
•  Drinking enough water supports ketosis and fat loss.
• Weighing and tracking regularly shows your real progress, boosting your confidence.

Using Positive Thinking The Right Way with ProGen 

Here’s how you can apply this research-backed approach to your ProGen routine:

1. Believe You Can Do It
   Confidence leads to success. Remind yourself:

• If I stick to my ProGen regimen, I will lose weight.
• I have completed difficult tasks before; I can do this too.

When you truly believe you can succeed, you tackle every day with energy and purpose.

2. Don’t Just Daydream, Plan for Challenges

Instead of just imagining yourself looking great at an event:

•  Think about the foods that might tempt you there.
•  Decide how you will handle them, for example, eating your planned meal before going, or bringing your snack and water.
•  Picture yourself politely declining food offers.

Preparing for real challenges builds your willpower much more than just imagining the outcome.

3. Visualize the Process, Not Just the Outcome 

In ProGen, focusing on the process is essential. Try this daily:

Morning Visualization: 

I will drink my multivitamin water throughout the day, include my Group A veggies with lunch and dinner, and take my sodium and DHA on schedule.

Evening Reflection:

I did well today. Tomorrow, I’ll prepare my vegetables in advance to save time.

This focus on the process boosts your consistency and strengthens your self-discipline.

4. Remember: It’s Not Easy  But It’s Worth It

Sometimes, people get so caught up in dreaming about quick results that they feel discouraged when changes are slow or when they face social difficulties. Keep in mind:

•  Weight loss is not always steady.  
•  The body releases fat at its own pace.  
•  Daily weight varies due to water retention, hormones, sleep, and stress.  
• Consistency matters more than having daily drops.

5. Combine Optimism with Realism 

Studies show that top performers have a mix of optimism and realism. They:

•  Trust in their goals.  
•  Stay positive about the results.  
•  Anticipate challenges and plan for them calmly.

How ProGen Supports You Beyond Fantasy

At ProGen, we want you to do more than just dream of losing weight; we want to make it a reality grounded in science.  

Our plan includes:

•  Tailored meal programs with medically designed supplements  
•  Regular consultations and monitoring  
•  Coaching for mindset, discipline, and motivation  
•  Educational support to maintain your goal weight  

This strategy creates your belief in success through education, support, and real results, not just dreams.

Key Takeaway: Think Positive, But Think Smart  

This research shows us important lessons about weight loss and reaching life goals:

•  Confidence helps you.
•  Daydreaming without a plan can slow you down.
• Visualize challenges and prepare ahead.

When you channel your belief into action and make daily plans to face obstacles, you turn wishful thinking into real, lasting success.

Your Action Step Today

Write down one challenge you face in your ProGen journey this week (for example, a night out, social pressure, or cravings).  

Then, write down one practical solution to handle it confidently.  

This simple exercise moves you from dreaming to preparing the key to real weight loss success.  

At ProGen, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who is struggling with their weight loss goals  because genuine support and clear thinking lead to real results.

Turn Your Weight Loss Dreams into Reality – Book Your Free Consultation Today 

If you often find yourself daydreaming about your weight loss goals but struggling to turn them into reality, contact us today. Our team at ProGen will guide you with structured plans, mindset coaching, and continuous support to make your goals achievable and sustainable.

💬 Your first consultation session is absolutely free.

References 

• Oettingen, G., & Wadden, T. A. (1991). Expectation, fantasy, and weight loss: Is the impact of positive thinking always positive? Cognitive Therapy and Research, 15(2), 167-175. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173499
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226807199_Expectation_fantasy_and_weight_loss_Is_the_impact_of_positive_thinking_always_positive
• https://progenmethod.com/are-you-really-hungry-or-just-eating-for-pleasure/ 

https://progenmethod.com/a-complete-guide-to-the-progen-method