It happens to each of us at least once on our weight loss journey. We go on vacation and live a little only to come back and step on the scale. When we do, we’ve gained back some weight and are disappointed. Or, you could be an emotional eater who is going through a personal crisis that results in added pounds.
The next step is the most important one. The choice is between struggling to recover and continuing to slide back into old habits. Before the choice is made, we must realize something about ourselves. It’s okay to slip up. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Forgive yourself and forget that it ever happened.
Setbacks are a part of weight loss and any kind of goal we set in life. There has yet to be a time when everything in our life went according to plan. If it did happen for you, you need to write a book and let the rest of us off the hook. Assuming that it has not, it is something that we must learn to deal with or it will crush us to dust.
If you wisely choose to struggle and recover, try to discover what caused the setback in the first place. The answer will help you to not repeat the same pattern again. A common cause of setbacks in weight loss is emotional eating. Unfortunately, you don’t find out that you are an emotional eater until you get emotional and begin to eat.
Emotional eating is not normal eating. Emotional eaters eat to relieve stress. You don’t have to be hungry. The act of eating something that pleases you releases those same “feel good” endorphins as exercise. It’s a cruel joke, I know, but there it is. The trick is to pinpoint emotional eating before you’ve gained too much weight.
Struggling is not pleasant for anyone. As you battle back, your mind may tell you that you messed up. Learn to ignore it by replacing that negative feedback with positive words of encouragement. Accentuate the positive things about yourself. Are you a star on your job? Tell yourself how good you are at what you do. If you have kids, bask in the knowledge that you are a great mom or dad.
Take on a partner. This person can be trying to lose weight also. They will be in charge of telling you the truth and not just what you want to hear. You will do the same for them. By pointing out the good attributes of someone else, you will learn to do it for yourself.
Weight loss is a lifelong process. Even when you lose the weight, you must work to maintain that loss and continue to be healthy and fit. Don’t give up so early in the game. Learn to deal with setbacks and get on with working towards your weight loss goals.
October 12, 2008 at 8:15 pm |
Which diets work for the long term. No matter how hard I try and find one that isnt a scam I cant.
October 13, 2008 at 7:59 pm |
Most diets out there are scams. They may work for a short period, but they will never work for the long term. For long term results you need to find a healthy way of eating that you will be able to stick to for life.
For a general healthy diet try to focus on the following:
- Whole-grain and dark breads (I generally tell people to look for whole wheat or rye to be listed as the first ingredient).
- Whole-grain cereals, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
- Low fat dairy products such as low fat milk, yogurt, low fat cheese etc.
- Lean protein: chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, beans.
- Good fats: olive oil, peanut butter, nuts (walnuts and almonds are great), and flaxseed.
- and of course … lots of water!
Eat smaller portions, more often. I generally recommend people eat 5-6 meals each day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and then 2-3 small snacks in between.
A combination of a ‘clean’ diet, smaller portion sizes, and regular exercise will always work for the long term
December 2, 2008 at 8:11 pm |
Kristy you are absolutely right in all respects in your Blog. As a Coach, Athlete & Ath Dir for 35 years I have seen it all as it elates to what people are willing to try… Making a decision,and, as with anything be prepared for challenges which can be met by always moving forward. And when the momentum is great enough enlarge your support group or better said those whom want to be part of the same momentum themselves.
I work with a company called Foot Solutions and building momentum as well with our Nordic Walking Program that is introducing the Next Walking Wave tm which you will come to know as Balance Walking. With over 500 coaches and affiliates corporate entities whom are taking advantage, we might say we are moving towards a Tsunami.
Anyhow the best to your Blog and Fitness Successes
http://www.footsolutions.com
http://www.balancewalking.com
Terry
December 2, 2008 at 8:20 pm |
Terry, thank you so much for your post. I couldn’t agree with your more!
Your company sounds great and your website looks awesome also!
Kristy