I really do believe that we can be our own worst critics, especially when it comes to our weight loss journey. Sabotaging your weight loss efforts involves much more than simply cheating on your diet. It happens when you set unrealistic goals you can’t meet and most importantly, when you refuse to give yourself the praise you deserve. It’s time to tell that darn voice inside your head to shut up! Here are 5 common negative thoughts that are sabotaging your weight loss journey.
“I’m not feeling motivated”
When you are experiencing this negative thought, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your journey as a whole. What have been some of your wins along the way? Say them out loud or write them down if you have to and then focus on the feeling that those wins give you. You will begin to find that you feel more inspired when you focus on how far you have come, rather than what you’re not doing right.
“I ate so much bad food this weekend… what’s the point in starting again?”
We all have weekends where we eat some bad food but let’s not forget… healthy eating is a lifestyle, not a life sentence! One bad weekend is not going to ruin all of your hard work or progress, nor will one good weekend create your dream body. Remind yourself that you are human and you are allowed to enjoy yourself. You don’t have to always be so hard on yourself.
“My friends and family are making this so hard for me. It would just be easier if I ate like them”
We understand that going out with friends and family can be difficult when you are trying to better your eating habits. How about instead of focusing on what you can’t control, focus on what you can. Make a note to maintain your water intake, limit you to one or two alcoholic drinks or opt for the meal you want with no alcohol on the side. Choose that one thing and go for it. It will feel a lot less overwhelming this way.
“The scale went back up, why do I even bother?”
I am sure we have all said this at some point in time. The important thing to note here is that a number does not define our success. In fact, on any given day, our weight can fluctuate up and down up to 3kg. There are other ways to notice your progress such as your energy, clearer skin, and clothes feeling less snug and overall feeling better in your own skin. Focus on these aspects rather then the number on the scales.
“I’m so much bigger than my friends. I will never get to that size”
I cannot stress this enough. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS. You are so beautiful in your own right, stop trying to be someone else. How boring would the world be if we all looked exactly the same? If you want to lose weight to feel confident in your own skin and better your health then go for it. Don’t undertake a weight loss journey because you are trying to be someone you aren’t. We also don’t know how others truly feel or see themselves. Everyone has aspects they want to change about themselves, so don’t be fooled. You are running your own race. Focus on yourself. That is all that matters.
Check here to learn how to stay motivated during your Thinco journey.