What If We're Thinking About Weight Loss All Wrong?

There are certain practical facts that come to weight loss, which is why sticking to a few dedicated programs can be worthwhile. For example, the CICO method (calories in, calories out) is simply part of how thermodynamics works, if you burn more calories than you use in a given day (including the “maintenance calories” your body needs by just being alive), then you will generally lose weight. Of course, there are exceptions and some people have thyroid issues or other health considerations to keep in mind, but those are comparatively rare.

Yet such a basic and obvious requirement still doesn’t seem enough for many of us to get to our healthy weight, not easily at least. That’s because we’re not beings of rational thought alone, we have many other influences into our schedule that might be impeding our health goals.

But what if we’re thinking about the process of losing weight all wrong? What if these facts can persist, but on top of that we can focus on what’s good for us, and overcome the constant psychological battles that come with changing habits? Let’s explore that, below:

Exercise Is Easier When You Find Physical Activity You Love

Trying to force yourself into a fitness routine you hate never really works for long, and it’s astonishing how many people think they need to just force themselves to like it. Sure, it might stick for a few weeks, but if it feels like a punishment, it’s only a matter of time before you talk yourself out of it. You can learn to love things you didn’t once enjoy, such as running (which only really becomes enjoyable after you get used to its process). 

But instead of chasing the “perfect” plan, it can help to think about movement more openly in a consistent way, such as heading to a fun and silly dance class with our friends, playing a sport with a calming local class, walking in nature with a podcast on or going for long walks with your dog, it all counts.

What matters is how your body feels afterward. If you feel clearer, steadier, or a little more in tune with yourself, you’re on the right track. That relationship with exercise grows best when it’s more natural to you. You have tastes, so why not use them?

Challenges Feel Doable When You’re With People

The hardest parts of changing habits come down to feeling like you’re doing it all on your own and that you have to endure it until you’re finished. That isolation can drain your energy before you’ve even started, but when you surround yourself with people who want to make a positive change it can feel like an exciting new era in life, not just a chore. It’s also good to be with people on different journeys, such as if one person is taking weight loss injections or if anyone oe just wants to enjoy better flexibility with age.

Of course, don’t waste any energy in comparing journeys. Learning that you can show up, say how you’re feeling, and be met with understanding is lovely and might have been what you’re missing for so long. An abundance mindset often work this way and help you realize that you don’t have to turn to comfort food to find that. Some days, you might even be the one encouraging others, which can feel even better, and may help you find elements of your personality you didn’t even know were there.

Simplifying Your Life & Being Heartfelt Can Help Unhook Bad Habits

Do you ever assume that you overthink or engage in bad habits too often? It can be nice to have a “come back to basics/see what really matters” moment that helps you really start shedding a lot of the harm you hold with you in life. That’s why it’s okay to strip things back a little, such as letting of the idea that every meal needs to be perfect, that you have to binge or reset from nothing every time you make a mistake, and many more poor habits people have.

How else might this be expressed? Well, simplifying your schedule and focusing on sleeping well for a week could be your first step. Or you might just open yourself up to kindness for yourself, especially. Self-criticism tends to tangle you up in shame, so maybe you just need to focus on your kindest mindset to actually make progress and treat yourself like a friend.

Weight Loss Isn’t A Binary Achievement, But Comprised Of Many Little Victories

It’s tempting to view weight loss as a simple “before and after,” which is how people tend to show their progress, but the in-between bits are where most of the good happens. That could be feeling more comfortable in your clothes, cooking your own meals more often, or realising you don’t feel as winded going upstairs anymore. 

Maybe you’re actually fine going to the beach in that bathing suit, or perhaps you just feel better and are getting more in-depth sleep. There are many little improvements that come from getting in shape and making healthy choices.

You Are Capable Of Matching Your Goals & More

A healthier lifestyle doesn’t need to feel like it’s miles outside your reach, either, because you really can do it. As in, really really, that’s something you could achieve with confidence and learn something from the process, changing as you go. Often, it’s more about giving yourself the time and space to move toward it in your own way which means more than any other deadline you might put in your path. 

The important thing is to back yourself on this journey even when you slip, and even when it’s slow. That trust builds over time, and eventually, you’ll notice that belief showing up not just in what you do, but in how you talk to yourself, too.

With this advice, you’ll be certain to think of weight loss as somewhat spring cleaning your life and being free of many of the assumptions and worries you’ve had to deal with so far. It can be nice to reset our mindset and use it as a means of pursuing health, no longer chained by the habits we’ve been held down by.

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