It’s natural to feel a bit down when things don’t go as planned on your weight loss journey. Do you take a break, or do you gather the motivation to keep going? Here’s a little advice to help you get back on track if you find yourself struggling.
Tip # 1: Keep an eye on your thoughts. Does any of these sound familiar?, “I have been working hard, and the scale isn’t decreasing. I should give up.”, “I deserve to go on vacation and eat whatever I want.”, “It’s not fair that my partner can give in to any craving and not gain weight.”, “I blew it today at lunch AND dinner, and now I am off-track. I don’t have what it takes to stick with this new eating plan.”
Early warning signs that you are losing momentum often include a change in how you think about your eating plan. These thoughts help us feel safe and comfortable and shelter us from disappointment. Unfortunately, they also prevent us from finding creative ways to change our behavior and learn from our mistakes. Try mindfulness meditation, journaling, positive affirmations, and set small goals. Expect setbacks, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Tip #2: Are you giving your goals the attention they deserve?
Spending too much time on other people’s problems can leave you with less time and energy to focus on your own well-being. If you’re losing sleep, skipping workouts, or missing meals to help others, it might be time to rethink your priorities. Taking good care of yourself means making time for activities you love, ensuring you get enough rest, fitting in some exercise, and generally looking after YOU!
Tip #3: Employ positive coping techniques when under stress
Discovering healthy ways to manage stress can keep your diet and exercise plans on track. Try exploring different stress-relief methods other than reaching for food or drinks when you need to relax. For instance, many folks find that yoga, deep breathing, or taking a stroll in nature can be refreshing and healthy ways to handle stress.
Tip #4: Take a look at how you’re doing on the scale
Do you often skip the scale when your eating plan goes off course? It’s totally normal to shy away from weighing yourself if you’re expecting a number you won’t like. But guess what? Studies show that stepping on the scale regularly can really help you keep your weight on track in the long run.