Month: November 2020

Losing weight can be scary. The same reasons you may have gained weight may be the same reasons you are scared to lose weight. If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know that it isn’t particularly easy. You may fear that you won’t be able to lose the weight or that you don’t deserve to lose the weight. 

The psychology of weight loss

Losing weight can be an overwhelmingly emotional process even before it begins, as body image is closely tied to self-confidence. It can a psychological process, as individuals analyze what made them gain weight in the first place. This analysis forces individuals to consider what is holding them back: their fears. Delving into your fears can be emotional.

The unknown

Individuals may fear what they will look like when they lose weight and how they will feel. They may worry about having loose skin or scars. Not knowing is uncomfortable, and people don’t always deal with discomfort well. They may feel as if it’s easier to stay the same, even if they aren’t living a healthy lifestyle. Change is scary, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Relationships 

You’ve seen it happen countless times when an overweight celebrity loses a significant amount of weight. They receive harsh criticism from some, while others who never liked them before praise them. Whether we always realize it or not, we fit into a specific role in friendships based on our appearance and sense of self. If that changes based on weight loss, it can cause some to fear losing weight in the first place. Just as individuals fear the unknown because it causes discomfort, individuals may fear weight loss because it will cause them to step outside of their comfort zone to embrace new experiences, like dating. Holding onto excess weight can feel like a protective barrier, and losing weight can welcome unwanted attention for women. 

Failure

While many fear they won’t be able to lose weight, or at the very least, maintain the weight loss, others fear that losing weight won’t provide them with the outcome they so desire. How many times have you heard someone say that they’ll be happy once they lose weight or that they’ll go after that promotion once they lose weight? This puts a lot of pressure on weight loss. People may fear that, even if they do lose a significant amount of weight, they still won’t be happy. That’s enough to make many people not even start the weight-loss journey.

Overcoming your fear

Before you start your weight-loss journey, take stock of your fears. What is holding you back? Keep a journal with a list of your fears, and monitor your feelings to help uncover some unconscious (and potentially unhealthy) habits. 

Weight-loss goals are great, but start with small, attainable goals. A huge goal can be intimidating, to the point where you may be too scared to even start. Think of small goals as small steps that will go far in a long journey. This will also help you make long-term goals. Far too often people lose weight, but don’t think about maintaining weight loss. They may search for a quick fix, rather than establishing long-term healthy habits. 

Finding a support system can help you overcome your fears as well. Learn more about finding a support system and how it can benefit you: https://www.www.lapband.com/the-importance-of-a-weight-loss-support-system/

November is officially here! That means Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are right around the corner! With the holidays nearly here—no matter which ones you celebrate—cravings and temptations abound. Whether you’re a sucker for a sweet holiday drink from a coffee shop or you can’t resist a second helping of pie, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, it can be difficult to remember your health and wellness goals during the holidays. 

Goals

Making huge weight-loss goals during the holidays may or may not be realistic for you this season. Instead, try for a different goal that doesn’t focus on the number on the scale. Perhaps focus on eating a clean diet or cutting down on your sugar intake. Strict, lofty goals can make you feel guilty and trapped, which will add unnecessary stress on top of holiday stress. 

Choose what to enjoy 

Pace yourself. It’s okay to indulge in some of your favorite treats this holiday season, but be sure not to overdo it. Instead of indulging in half a dozen of your favorite holiday cookies, limit yourself to one or two. Rather than enjoying all the holiday treats you’re offered, only choose the one you enjoy the most. 

Lean in to your support system

Accomplishing your goals is a whole lot easier when you have people on your side. Partner up with those around you that are driven by their health and wellness goals this holiday season. They’ll be able to hold you accountable, and vice versa. They’ll also be a great resource to discuss frustrations and triumphs, and you can recruit them to safely join you for brisk walks and healthy dinners.  

Come prepared for parties

While large family gatherings aren’t recommended this year due to COVID-19, you may still be attending some small gatherings with close family that you’ve already been in close contact with. If you are heading to holiday parties, go prepared with effective strategies for overcoming temptations, including bringing your own healthy dishes. Limit your alcohol intake, drink plenty of water, and fill up on veggies before eating other foods. Don’t go to any gatherings starving, as this may make you prone to overindulge. (It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t go to the grocery store hungry, either.) Bring your walking shoes, and plan to go for a brisk walk following the meal, instead of lingering by the table and grazing on leftovers. 

If you are struggling this season, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Lap-Band® Specialist for support.