Losing weight is something many of us aspire to, especially when swimsuit season comes around or when those pesky holiday photos resurface on social media. We all know the drill: eat less, move more. But, trust me, there's so much more to it than just numbers and calories. As a university grad and a self-proclaimed diet dabbler who's tried everything from the cabbage soup diet to the ridiculous juice cleanses, I've realized that our mindsets often stand as formidable gatekeepers to our weight loss goals. Oh, the stories I could tell! But I digress...
One primary mindset that seems to put the brakes on shedding those pesky pounds is the "I'll start tomorrow" mentality. We've all been there. You wake up on a Monday morning, all pumped to begin your healthy eating regime, only to get invited to a last-minute pizza party. You think to yourself, "I'll just start tomorrow." Spoiler alert: tomorrow never comes. It's now 2024, and that diet you planned three years ago? Yep, still on hold.
When we talk about weight loss, we can't ignore the impact of stress. Between work deadlines, family commitments, and the latest episode of our favorite reality TV show (don’t judge), stress sneaks in like an uninvited party crasher. And, isn't it frustrating how stress makes that chocolate cake we’ve been avoiding suddenly irresistible? Ah, the betrayal!
Now, let's dive into another mind-boggling mindset: the "All or Nothing" approach. You know, the idea that if you deviate from your diet even slightly, you've failed and should just abandon ship altogether? Yeah, that one has sabotaged more diets than I can count. Having a tiny cookie does not mean you've ruined everything—okay, unless you eat the whole pack. More about tackling this pesky mentality in our All or Nothing Mindset section.
Another fun one is comparing ourselves to others. Thanks to social media, we're bombarded with images of so-called perfect bodies. It's an easy trap to fall into, but every body is unique. Genetics, lifestyle, and even luck come into play. For more on this, check out our deep dive into Perfection and Comparison.
And, let's not forget the diet hopping. If you're constantly switching between keto, paleo, and whatever else the latest food guru preaches, you're unlikely to find what really works for you. Stick to something sustainable. More on this in the Consistency section, coming right up!
We'll uncover why some well-meaning mindsets might be tripping you up more than that rogue lego you stepped on last night.
So buckle up, because we're going to dissect these mindsets, laugh at them, and better yet, overcome them. All while keeping it light-hearted. Because hey, who said talking about losing weight couldn't be fun?
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Always Wishing
If you are always wishing to lose weight, to be thinner, or to be fitter, then you most likely won’t make any progress. You can’t keep wishing; you also have to do something about your situation. You have to eat better and exercise regularly. Wishes don’t come true by themselves. It is up to you to fulfill them.
Negative Thinking
A friend once told me, “You create what you think”. If you always have negative thoughts regarding your weight loss, then you will definitely have a hard time sticking to your weight loss plan. You can’t wake up each day fearing your food choices, your workout, and even giving up your vices. I think you would end up getting tired from the negative thinking and eventually giving up on your attempt to lose weight. You have to wake up with hope and optimism despite the setbacks and the hard choices you have to make.
Wanted: Fast Results
Losing weight and becoming healthier isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time and effort, as well as an unshakeable will to continue despite many disappointments. And you need that unshakeable will if you always want fast results because for sure, you will end up disappointed most of the time. If you keep your expectations and goals realistic, you are more likely to achieve them than if you expect superhuman objectives from yourself.
Procrastinating
“I will exercise tomorrow.” “I will eat better after this party.” “I will drink more water once I buy a bottle.” If you’ve uttered statements similar to the examples, then you are most likely procrastinating. You won’t get anywhere if you keep putting off your weight loss plans. Today is the day to start your weight loss endeavor. Make better food choices today. Exercise today. Drink water right now. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Unwilling to do the Dirty Work
Weight loss is by no means easy. It involves exercise, sweating, and eating food you are not used to. When you choose to lose weight, you should be ready to go out of your comfort zone. If you are not ready for these things, then you won’t lose the pounds that weight your body down.
Related Videos about
Deprived and Missing out
What comes to mind when you think about losing weight? Is it: no more sweets, no more drinking, no more smoking, no more regular night outs, or no more processed food? It really doesn’t help if you constantly think that you are depriving yourself or missing out on the fun things in life. The longer it takes you to accept that you need to give up certain things, the longer it will be for you to start losing weight. When you lose weight and become healthier, you don’t miss out on life; you get to experience life in a whole new light.
Constant Dieting
Dieting is not the long term solution to weight loss. If you don’t agree with me, then you are on a road to self-destruction. You will most likely end up experiencing yo-yo weight, gaining back water weight, and feeling sorry for yourself. If you want to lose and keep off the weight, you should accept that you need to make a lifelong change and commitment to have better eating habits.
Finite or Unsustainable Reasons
Your reasons for losing weight serve as motivation in times when the going gets tough. That is why you need to have a reason that you will find absolutely important. Your reason should be something that will last a lifetime, not just for a certain season or event or for someone else. Because once that person is gone or the season or event has passed, you will be tempted to go back to your old habits. You might end up gaining back the weight you lost.
Excuses and Complaints
Indeed, trying to lose weight is hard for most people. And I believe that making excuses and spewing complaints does not make it any easier for anyone. In fact, excuses make it harder for you to be honest about your situation. Complaints just make you appear like you don’t want to take responsibility for your own wellbeing. Maybe it’s time that you rethink your strategy and mentality if all you hear from yourself are complaints and excuses.
The mind is a very powerful thing. We often underestimate its power to mold our lives and to dictate our actions. If we cannot harness the power of positive and powerful thoughts then we will find it hard to be successful in losing weight, as well as in achieving a healthy and happy life. Try to look within yourself and your approach to weight loss. What mindset makes losing weight hard for you?
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge