5 Thoughts That Stop You From Losing Weight

September 1, 2011.

This was an article that was forwarded to me by someone else who went on a weight loss journey and successfully lost 50lbs over a few year. Congrats to her! It is a long process.

The article can be found in full here: http://caloriecount.about.com/5-thoughts-stop-you-losing-weight-b528768?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_20110901&utm_term=continue1

Here are my thoughts on it...

My first thought before even reading a word of this article is that thoughts are always at the centre of stopping me from losing weight. It has nothing to do with my ability to do the workouts or my time available to go to the gym or my knowledge about diet and exercise (although I do like to blame these things frequently). It has everything to do with my mindset and my choice to not go, not workout, not eat healthy, etc. If I had even half of my husband's determination and mindset I would be shedding the pounds as fast as he did (40lbs in one summer I believe).

Limiting Thought #1: "I'm afraid I'll never be able to lose weight."
I have never agreed with this thought. I know I can lose weight. I know that up until this point I have chosen not to try and that at this point I am trying a little, but certainly not as much as I could. Everyone can lose weight - if this statement comes out of your mouth followed by any kind of reasoning I will smile and nod, but inside think that you are looking for excuses. The statement I do err in making is "I know I can lose a lot weight, but I will never reach my ideal body weight."

Limiting Thought #2: "Even when I lose weight, I always gain it back. What's the use?"
I have totally said this. My weight goes up and down like a yo-yo right now. I find it frustrating. I do see the use of losing the weight though as overall my weight is still down, my measurements are improving, and I feel better - the latter point being the key. I have never used this statement though in terms of losing lots of weight then gaining it all back, losing and gaining again in a viscious cycle. I lost 40lbs once by going to the gym every day years ago. It took me two years to gain it back, but I gained it back because I didn't do anything active and I ate junk. When I lose weight this go around I intend to keep it off. I gained weight every year of post-secondary school and lost it the year I worked full-time between college and university. I am not going back to school so I am not regaining the weight.


Limiting Thought #3: "I've tried everything to lose weight and nothing seems to work"
If you've tried everything and it is not working then the problem is partially what you are trying, but mostly the problem is you. I've heard friends talk about so many diets, pills, workouts, etc. that they have tried unsuccessfully. I will never take anything to enhance/substitute my diet or increase my metabolism, etc. I will eat good, healthy foods. If I eliminated junk food I would see more of a difference, but I'm not willing to do so at this point in time. If your workout is not working then you are not working hard enough - you should finished soaked in sweat. You are also not tackling a workout that is challenging you.

Limiting Thought #4: "I hate my body."
This has not been an issue for me since I was 16. Perhaps that is why I have allowed myself to gain so much weight. I still think I look hot. I still love to look at myself in the mirror and admire my curves. When I was 16 and weighed 150lbs I had a tiny pouch of a tummy that I hated and wanted to lose. I competed to be Millbrook Fair Ambassador because a friend begged me when they were short participants and I agreed because I would have to give a speech and I was currently practicing my public speaking (to later use as a teacher). The girls I admired for their beauty that were stick thin complained in the change room about their looks and how fat they were. I thought if they don't think their perfect then I will never be able to obtain perfection by losing weight either so enough of that. I developed a high sense of confidence right then and beat all my idols by placing first runner up to a girl from out of town - she deserved it.

Limiting Thought #5: "It's taking too long. Nothing's changing."
Losing weight takes forever. I hate that I am gaining weight (muscle) to lose weight (fat). It makes it confusing. I feel the difference though. Muscles are popping up under my skin - you can't see them through the fat yet, but I feel them there. At 1-2lbs a week of healthy weight loss I thought this process would take me forever. At only 5lbs in 12 weeks roughly it is taking an eternity. Things are changing though...I like to focus on those. Good thing I'm patient (most of the time).

Interesting article sent my way. Thank you for it. It helped me bring some thoughts together. Now to create a plan of action based on it so my thought help me lose weight instead of stop me.