Weight loss isn’t an easy journey for most people, and oftentimes, the things that stop us from making progress come from inside our own heads. Here are seven of those psychological barriers that may be hindering your weight loss.
#1 You’re thinking “all or nothing”
Most people who start a weight loss journey quit everything “bad” cold turkey and start doing all the things they feel are good for them. That’s great, but you can’t take on an all or nothing mentality that will cause you to give up the second you slip.
Everyone faces setbacks and bad days on their weight loss journey. But, the wrong mentality can stop you from reacting to this bad day with the right attitude. You aren’t perfect. You might overeat or skip a workout. The important thing is to get right back on the bandwagon and keep moving forward.
#2 You’re staring at the scale
Your weight is always fluctuating, and those fluctuations have a lot more to do with uncontrollable water weight than they have to do with fat loss or gain.
Even if you were to weigh yourself first thing in the morning and then go straight back to bed, when you got up again, you’d find that the number on the scale is different–sometimes slightly and sometimes drastically.
You’re better off using measuring tape and progress photos to determine how you’re doing.
#3 You’re not looking in the mirror
So many people who are striving to lose weigh have a very poor self-image. That’s a bad place to be. You should love yourself and work towards a healthy lifestyle, not just a “slim” body. You should be looking to lose weight for your health and happiness, not so you fit an ideal body type that you have stuck in your head.
#4 You’re depressed
Most people regain the weight they have lost because of depression. Most people don’t realize when they are experiencing it. If you thought weight loss would fix all of your problems, this can contribute to depression and weight regain.
#5 You’re comparing yourself
The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.
#6 You’re letting your emotions control you
Most people eat when they get sad, stressed, or even happy. Don’t allow emotional eating to be a part of your life.
#7 You’re overeating
Don’t just think that you can eyeball everything. Read the labels and always count calories so you know exactly what you are eating. Make healthy food choices.