Each Saturday I share a BLOG that I’ve read earlier in the week and wonder if many of you might be encouraged by it as well. This week’s Saturday Share is from Kayla Reynolds, MS. Like many of you, I battle my weight every single day. Hopefully, “5 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Weight Loss (and how to stop!)” will be the encouragement to you that it was for me. Please let me know what you think, by shooting me a quick email.
Enjoy Today, AChuck
It’s easy to blame the bakery next to your house for your lack of progress, but sometimes we need to take a look in the mirror. Here are 5 ways you might be sabotaging your weight loss (and how to stop!).
1. You wait until Monday…
“I’ll start next Monday,” said every person, ever! This is the all-too-typical “diet” mentality. But to make a lasting change in your health, you need to shake this way of thinking. Today is as good as any day to make a change. If you’re committed to changing your habits and achieving long-term weight loss, start this very second. Okay, maybe after reading this article…
2. You’re looking for a quick fix.
Ever wonder why 80% of people who lose weight gain it all back within a year? While you may be able to eliminate carbs for a week or drink green juice for three days straight, you can’t keep this up forever. While these extreme measures can help you lose weight right now, you’ll join the 80% of chronic dieters whose weight will likely fluctuate for the rest of their lives.
3. You’re too strict!
Are you always feeling hungry? Are you constantly thinking about all the foods you “can’t” eat? Are you overindulging in sugary treats or salty snacks when you do get your hands on them? These can all be signs that you’re being too strict with your habits. What to do? Loosen up the reigns. Instead of labeling foods as “good” and “bad” or “healthy” and “off-limits,” don’t completely restrict your favorite foods. Instead, allow yourself small treats in moderation. When you treat yourself regularly, you won’t feel the need to help yourself to several servings.
4. You’re not holding yourself accountable.
Staying accountable can mean different things for different people. For some, simply logging their meals is a great way to keep their nutrition in check. For others, having the support and guidance of a health coach helps hold them accountable throughout their journey. Whether you’re reporting to yourself or a professional, finding a way to hold yourself accountable is a huge piece of the puzzle.
5. You fall into the “all-or-nothing” trap.
Ups and downs are a normal part of any journey! It’s how you look at setbacks that matter. What differentiates people who stay on track from those who fall off the bandwagon is how they think about the lows. People who are successful at losing weight see a few days of overindulging as a temporary setback in their journey. Those who encounter this setback and think “I’ll never be able to lose weight” or “I am a complete failure” are sabotaging their own progress. To avoid the “all-or-nothing” trap, think about the bigger picture. In actuality, a few “off” days are nothing in the context of a journey of a lifetime. Taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s a cha-cha (and dancing’s exercise, right?!).
Are you done with quick fixes? Are you looking to stay more accountable? Are you ready to change your thoughts? Sign up for our healthy weight course today