It seems straightforward: consume fewer calories than you expend. So why is weight loss such a challenging endeavour?
If you've made numerous attempts but still struggle to fit into your clothes, it might be time to identify the obstacles preventing you from reaching your ideal weight.
I've observed that people face various genuine challenges hindering their progress, many of which can be improved with identification of the barriers, problem solving and support. Whether your weight loss hurdles are physical or psychological, you have the ability to conquer them and embark on a journey towards a healthier version of yourself.
So, where do you begin?
It all starts in your mind. Weight loss is impossible until you have the right mindset. When we mention "willpower" and "focus," we are referring to your mental attitude. The harsh reality is that before achieving physical health, you must attain mental wellbeing.
What mental barriers are impeding your weight loss progress?
1. Negative Body Image: A poor self-image can hinder your commitment to weight loss. If you lack self-confidence, you're more likely to give up before reaching your goal. Enhance your body image by focusing on your strengths, practicing self-care, and showing kindness to yourself.
2. Emotional Eating: Seeking solace in food during tough times can lead to weight gain, creating a vicious cycle. To combat emotional eating, seek alternative sources of support such as friends, family, or professionals. It's essential to address the underlying emotions triggering these eating habits to establish a healthier relationship with food and yourself.
3. Comparison: Comparing yourself to others often leads to negative outcomes. Focus on your own journey and avoid detrimental self-comparisons. Weight loss is a personal journey that should be tailored to your individual needs and goals. Celebrate your progress and milestones without measuring them against others.
4. Neglecting Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being before helping others. Take care of yourself first to be more effective in your roles and relationships. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it is a necessary practice to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health. Incorporate self-care activities into your routine to recharge and rejuvenate.
5. Lack of Confidence: If you doubt your ability to lose weight, you're more likely to make excuses and neglect healthy habits. Trust in yourself is crucial for successful weight loss. Build confidence by setting realistic goals, tracking your progress, and celebrating small achievements along the way. Positive affirmations and self-motivation can help boost your confidence levels.
Ultimately, it all boils down to self-love. Embracing self-love means accepting yourself unconditionally, flaws and all. To overcome your mental barriers, cultivate self-love by understanding and nurturing yourself as you would a loved one. Practice self-compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude to foster a positive self-image and mindset that supports your weight loss journey.
If you struggle with an eating disorder then consider checking out:
B.E.A.T. (UK based)
NEDA (USA based)
Project Heal (USA based)
...or search for a similar organisation in your country.
If you struggle with poor mental health and need information, resources or professional support then here are a few suggestions of organisations that may be useful to look up (many resources and information available) or contact:
Mind (UK based)
Rethink Mental Illness (UK based)
Mental Health America (USA based)
SANE (Australia based) Mental Health Foundation Australia (Australia based)
...or search for a similar organisation in your country if you need country specific resources / advice
.
For more urgent support with mental health, one of the organisations below may be a useful place to start:
Find A Helpline (worldwide)
Please note: This article is intended to be for educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or replace professional assessment or personalised advice.
I do not hold responsibility for the information on any links to external websites within this article and information within these links/websites may change at any time or no longer be accessible. Any website pages/links added are also for education purposes only.
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