Starting a weight loss journey is a transformative adventure that requires determination, commitment, and resilience. Along the way, you may encounter various obstacles that can hinder your progress. By being aware of these common challenges and having strategies to overcome them, you can be confident that your weight loss journey will have long-term success. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common obstacles people face during their weight loss journey and provide a few tips to overcome them.
Emotional Eating
Emotional eating is a common obstacle that many encounter on their weight loss journey. It involves using food as a way to cope with emotions, such as stress, boredom, or sadness. Stress eating is something I really struggle with. What makes you feel better than something sweet, right?
To combat this, I am going to start with trying practice purposeful eating. That means planning what you will eat and eating what you plan. There are a number of dietary strategies out there such as Keto, Low Carb, Weight Watchers, etc…each with their own sets of pros and cons. What’s important is to find one that works for you and put the plan to use.
Each time you reach for something to eat, ask yourself “Is this part of my planned meals for the day?” If the answer is yes, then you’re good. If the answer is no, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Ask if there’s a reason you’re deviating from the plan. Did your friend just get a long awaited promotion and want to go celebrate? Are you visiting another city on vacation and just find a “Must try” restaurant and don’t plan to return to that city anytime soon? In those cases, go for it! Just keep it in moderation.
On the other hand, did you just receive bad news and need a pick-me-up? Just turn on your favorite t.v. show? Just spot a “Limited Edition” flavor of your favorite candy bar? Those are instances where we need to reconsider how we handle those situations. These could be triggers for emotional eating. Start to make a list of things that fall in these categories…knowing them will be key!
Once you’ve identified what your triggers are, the next step is to find a replacement. Find a better way to manage your emotions, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in a hobby, or seeking support from loved ones. Building a healthy relationship with food and finding healthier coping mechanisms will help you overcome emotional eating and stay on track with your weight loss goals.
Lack of Motivation
Maintaining motivation throughout your weight loss journey can be challenging, especially when progress slows down, life gets busy, or things get hard.
To overcome a lack of motivation, it’s Important that you have that vision of where you’re trying to go on your journey and weekly S.M.A.R.T. goals (See How To Start Your Weight Loss Journey post). Visualize the end goal and how it will positively impact your life. Set those smaller goals to celebrate along the way. Those small wins will help with staying motivated.
Finally, find sources of inspiration and support. It can be joining a community focused on fitness or healthy living. It could be reading success stories of those who have had a similar story to yours. Maybe it’s working with a coach or having an accountability partner. Find what works for you! Remember, motivation may fluctuate, but discipline and consistency will ultimately lead to success.
Unrealistic Expectations
Setting unrealistic expectations is a common mistake that can lead to disappointment and frustration. It’s important to understand that a healthy lifestyle takes time and progress varies from person to person.
Start with S.M.A.R.T. goals that align with your overall vision for your journey.
Avoid comparing your progress to others and focus on your own journey. Use S.M.A.R.T. goals that are based on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. Celebrate non-scale victories, such as increased energy levels, improved sleep, or feeling more confident in your body.
By setting realistic expectations, you’ll maintain a positive mindset and be more likely to achieve long-lasting results.
Final Thoughts
On the path to weight loss, it’s important to anticipate and address common obstacles that can derail your progress. By being aware of emotional eating triggers, maintaining motivation, and setting realistic expectations, you can overcome these obstacles and stay focused on your weight loss journey. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!