Most of us decide we are going to lose weight with the best intentions. We want to be stronger and healthier while feeling better about ourselves. Sometimes, however, things can take a turn. Weight loss can go from being a healthy choice to an obsession. When you’re addicted to losing weight, you may feel unfulfilled even after reaching major goals or find yourself moving toward riskier behaviors to lose weight faster. Read on to learn about steps you can take to ensure that your weight loss journey is a healthy, productive one.
Consider the reasons why you want to lose weight. Even if you will end up being healthier as a result of losing weight, your reasons for doing so can be unhealthy. For example, going on a weight loss journey with the goal of becoming more lovable or closer to perfection could set you up for failure, even if you lose the weight. Focus on internal validation, not external validation when deciding on your weight loss motivators. Work toward being healthier, stronger and the best possible version of yourself.
Make sure the goals you are setting for yourself are realistic. No matter how hard you work at it, there are some things your body will simply never do. When setting a goal weight, think of a weight you have actually achieved in the past, and if you reach it and feel like there’s farther to go, set a new goal. If you’re starting out sedentary, base your fitness goals around getting up and moving, then grow them from there. Setting sustainable, achievable goals will help you measure your progress, while unrealistic goals will lead to obsession and doing more than you should to reach them.
One way people become addicted to weight loss is to make dieting and exercising into a compulsion. Rather than thinking of working out as an obligation, think of ways you can make it enjoyable and be present for the experience. When you eat meals that are healthier and smaller than you may be used to, take a moment to appreciate the nourishment you are giving yourself. Observe how each movement feels, and savor every bite. This will make living a healthier lifestyle feel more enjoyable and less task-oriented.
When you think of your weight loss journey as something you’re doing on your own, it can be easy to get caught up in it, turning your healthy habits into unhealthy, obsessive ones. Find trusted friends, family and professionals to bring along for the ride. Keep them updated as you grow closer to reaching your goals, and seek their help if you begin to feel concerned. Making major changes is hard, and having a healthy support system makes all the difference.
Even if you don’t love the way your body looks, there’s always something you can appreciate about your body. Consider the things your body does for you each day, like getting you places and allowing you to experience life. As you become healthier and stronger, thank your body for its hard work. Accepting your body for how it is now will help you focus on optimizing it for what it can be, rather than obsessing over unreachable goals.
Making a major change in your life is hard to do. When you have a pattern of unhealthy habits, it can be hard to break, even when you have the best intentions. However, the best way to reach your weight loss goals is to work at them in a healthy, measured manner. If you need advice on slowing down or staying consistent, you can always give me a call!
