5 Thoughts That Keep Your Weight Loss Stuck
Have you tried a dozen different strategies to release weight, but nothing’s worked?
Or did you release pounds last spring that managed to find their way back this past summer?
Are you frustrated as to why you can’t seem to permanently release those pounds?
If you’re unhappy about your current weight, chances are it’s less about what you’re doing and more about what you’re thinking.
That’s because your thoughts direct your actions. For example, when you tell yourself, “It’s hopeless. I’ll never lose weight,” you’re more likely to eat that second helping, grab fast food fries or binge eat a bag of chocolate chip cookies.
But keeping your thoughts strong and positive helps you feel strong and positive and helps you change your most ingrained habits. To change your habits so they support the lasting weight-loss you desire, start with looking at how you’re thinking.
When you become mindful of your thoughts, you’re helping yourself change your behavior. It’s like giving a power boost to any eating or exercise program you’re following. Even a simple reframe or slight shift in your thinking can make a huge difference by allowing you to take better care of yourself.
Focus on your mind and your plate.
To release weight successfully and permanently, be as mindful about what you’re thinking as you are about what you’re eating—and you’ll begin to rewire your thoughts so you can start achieving the results you want.
To illustrate how this works, here are five of the most common self-limiting thoughts I hear from my clients—I bet you can relate—and some strategies for how to change them, mindfully.
1. “I’m afraid I’ll never be able to lose weight.”
When you’ve struggled with your weight for much of your life, it’s easy to feel demoralized at times. The key is to not linger too long in that low-energy space. Otherwise, you’ll feel helpless to take any step forward. Unless you have a physical condition or are taking medication that inhibits weight loss (in which case, speak with your healthcare provider for support), remind yourself that there is nothing in your way other than your own thoughts and beliefs and becoming thinner is possible.
Turnaround:
When this limiting thought enters your mind, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your courageous side. Pause. Take a deep breath. Simply notice the thought with detachment and say:
“There you are again. That’s okay. I won’t give you my power and I won’t let fear get in my way. Thank you for reminding me to be courageous and take good care of my body today.”
2. “Even when I lose weight, I always gain it back. What’s the use?” (more…)