Weight Loss - It's All in the Mind

Often when we gain a few additional pounds we find ourselves stuck in a rut. Being overweight can damage our self esteem hugely. We might feel that we are not good enough to have fun or thin enough to wear nice clothes. This insecurity can prevent us from enjoying activities that we usually take part in, making us feel like we are worth no more than the figures on the scale.

From this sad frame of mind the thought of losing weight can be a daunting one. We only consider how much restriction will be involved and the tough journey that we will have to take to reach our ideal weight. From this dark place it is hard to remember that you are worth the effort. You can achieve a healthy happy body! It is really not going to be such a battle. You can enjoy a healthy lifestyle that involves trying new foods, getting active and meeting new people. 

You may not realise it, but your negativity could be sabotaging your weight loss goals. Consider the following five points that could be holding you back psychologically from reaching your weight loss goals.

Many people have that voice in their head that tells them that they are not good enough. It can force you to doubt yourself and does not let you believe that you deserve to be either happy or healthy.

Try to realise that this voice is natural and normal. It is actually trying to protect you, because if you actually lost weight and still felt unhappy….what would happen then?

Recognise your voice as the scared child that it is. She is insecure and needs to be put in her place. You do not need to believe everything that she says. Your true voice is also in there if you just take time to hear it. This one knows that you are incredibly valuable and can achieve anything that your heart desires.

This happens when we get stuck in a diet that deprives us of what we need. It often involves a cycle of binging, guilt and restriction. Throughout this process the body is not receiving the nutrition that it requires, we will invariably feel hungry!

Choose to nourish your body with whole foods when you are hungry. Stop when you are satisfied. It sounds simple and it really is. Remain mindful while eating and do not allow yourself to feel guilty for choices that you make.

You are perfectly imperfect! You may well stray from the path of clean eating occasionally. You may miss a session at the gym. Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend in this situation. There is no need to beat yourself up, you have not failed. You are still on the same path, a small detour does not change your destination.

When we are following an overly restrictive regime, with a negative critical and bossy voice shouting from inside our heads it is no surprise that we have an occasional urge to ‘shut it up’ and rebel with a huge blow out binge.

To overcome this you need to accept that you are the way you are right now through choices that you have made. There is no need to feel resentment or anger. Simply taking one step at a time in the healthy direction will enable you to move forward.

There is no place for negative judgement of yourself. Forgive yourself and anyone that has made a comment about your weight in the past. You do not need to prove yourself to anyone, least of all you. Therefore what do you have to rebel against?

This is the toughest one. Consider that your hunger is not actually a calling for food. Maybe you are really looking for love. To be comforted. You have an urge for security and happiness. Take time in solitude to feel what it is that is missing in your life. Are your basic needs being fulfilled? Maybe you will see that it is not food that you are craving after all.

It can be difficult to look at yourself objectively and see that you might be responsible for holding yourself back all these years. The trick here is to stop any judgement of that in its track. You are learning and growing all of the time. Maybe now is the perfect time for you to evolve into the radiant, healthy and happy being that you want to be.

Be gentle with yourself and take one step at a time. You are worth it!