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Have you ever tried to lose weight and felt like it was just too hard? Maybe you felt like giving up because it seemed like a never-ending journey. Trust me, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with weight loss, and it can feel like there’s no end in sight. But what if I told you there’s no finish line? Losing weight isn’t just about reaching a number on the scale. It’s about changing how you think, finding what works for you, and learning to love yourself along the way. Today, I want to share eight simple mindsets that helped me lose 125 pounds and keep it off for three years. I hope they help you too!
What’s Holding You Back?
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of trying to lose weight but never really getting anywhere? It’s like there’s always something in the way, right? Maybe you feel like you’re too tired to exercise, or you think eating healthy is just too hard. Maybe you’re worried that you’ll just gain the weight back anyway, so why bother? These thoughts are normal, but they can hold you back from reaching your goals.
For me, one of the biggest challenges was burnout. I would start a new diet or workout plan, go all in, and then burn out after a few weeks because it was just too hard to keep up. I learned that to avoid burnout, I needed to make changes that I was willing to stick with for a long time—like 10 years! It’s not about doing something perfectly for a short time. It’s about finding what you can do consistently.
Another barrier was thinking I needed to follow strict rules or do things the "right way" to lose weight. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. The best way to get moving and eat better is to find what works for you. It’s okay if your plan looks different from someone else’s. What matters is that it works for you and that you feel good about it.
Finding Your Way Forward
So, how do you start finding what works for you? First, try to focus on making small changes that you can stick with. If something feels too hard or like you can’t see yourself doing it for years, it might not be the right change for you. Remember, 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing. It’s better to start small and build from there than to go all in and burn out.
Think about adding movement to your day that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be a hard workout at the gym. It could be a walk in the park, dancing in your living room, or even just moving around more while doing chores. The key is to find ways to stay active that don’t feel like a chore.
Another important mindset shift is to stop thinking in terms of "right" and "wrong" when it comes to food and exercise. Instead, think about what’s helpful or unhelpful for reaching your goals. Is eating that piece of cake going to help you feel good and stay on track, or is it going to make you feel bad and set you back? It’s not about judging yourself; it’s about making choices that help you feel your best.
Simple Steps to Start Today
Ready to start making changes today? Here are some simple steps to get you going:
Start Small: Pick one small change you can make today that feels doable. Maybe it’s drinking more water, taking a short walk, or adding a veggie to your dinner. Start small, and build from there.
Move in Ways You Enjoy: Find ways to move your body that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be a hard workout. It could be dancing, gardening, or playing with your kids. Just get moving!
Focus on Helpful Choices: Before eating or making a decision about exercise, ask yourself, “Is this helpful for my goals?” If it is, great! If not, think about what a more helpful choice might be.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay. What matters is that you’re trying and learning as you go.
Set Realistic Goals: Set goals that feel realistic and achievable. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for progress.
Enjoy Your Favorite Foods in Moderation: You don’t have to give up your favorite foods to lose weight. It’s all about balance. Enjoy a little bit of what you love, and don’t feel guilty about it.
Find Your Emotional Triggers: Pay attention to when and why you might eat emotionally. Are you stressed, bored, or sad? Once you know your triggers, you can find other ways to cope that don’t involve food.
Reduce Stress: Find ways to reduce stress in your life, whether it’s through meditation, talking to a friend, or taking time for yourself. Less stress can lead to better choices and more balanced eating.
By taking these steps, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier you. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress.
Igniting Your Motivation
Staying motivated can be one of the hardest parts of a wellness journey. It’s easy to feel excited at the start, but what happens when things get tough? The key is to remember why you started and to find joy in the journey. Think about how good it feels to take care of yourself, to feel strong, and to see progress.
Think about the story of someone who lost weight and kept it off by focusing on the small, everyday choices they made. They didn’t do anything drastic; they just kept making little changes, one day at a time. And over time, those small changes added up to big results.
Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward your goals. Don’t get discouraged if you have a setback. Instead, use it as a learning opportunity. What can you do differently next time? How can you keep moving forward? You’ve got this!
Insights from Dr. Peter Gagliardo
Dr. Peter Gagliardo, a respected holistic health coach, understands the challenges of weight loss and personal growth. "The journey to wellness is a marathon, not a sprint," he says. "It’s about making sustainable changes that you can live with for the long term."
Dr. Gagliardo encourages his clients to focus on creating habits that support their goals. "It’s not about following a strict diet or punishing yourself with exercise," he explains. "It’s about finding what works for you and sticking with it. Small changes add up over time."
He also stresses the importance of self-love and forgiveness. "You deserve to love yourself right now, exactly as you are," he says. "Don’t wait until you’ve lost the weight or reached your goal to start loving yourself. The journey is just as important as the destination."
Take Your Next Step Toward Wellness
Are you ready to take the next step on your wellness journey? Don’t wait—start today! Why not schedule a free discovery call with us to explore how we can support you? Click here to book your call. During this call, we’ll discuss your goals, challenges, and how we can work together to create a plan that works for you.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way, just like a friend cheering you on. Take that first step today and see how much you can grow!
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