5 Ways You May Be Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Progress

For the longest time I thought being “healthy” meant only eating foods that fell into a certain category, exercising excessively, and trying to do all the things I thought I was supposed to be doing perfectly and all at the same time.

 I would either be trying to reach my weight loss goals or not.  And If I wasn’t, it was game on!  I would eat anything and everything, go out drinking, enjoy all the foods I thought I wasn’t supposed to have when I was trying to reach my weight loss goals and be “healthy” because I was going to start over on Monday anyway.

Sound familiar?!?

Many years later I finally realized being “healthy” doesn’t look the same for everyone and it actually means having a balance of foods that are more nourishing and foods that are less nourishing, finding exercise I enjoy doing and not to punish my body, and allowing myself to rest and recover when I need it.

 So I can have my cake and eat it too, but when I am choosing to have cake I am probably not also going to have fried chicken strips and french fries all in the same day.

See what I mean, being “healthy” is more of a give and take not an “all or nothing” situation.

 What it took me even longer to realize was that i was stuck in a cycle of striving for what I thought was "perfect" health. It felt like I was constantly chasing this elusive goal, one that was defined by strict rules about what I could eat and how much I should exercise. If I wasn't meticulously following these guidelines, I felt like I had failed.

But here's the thing: I eventually realized that my approach was what was actually flawed, and it wasn't just me. So many others fall into similar traps, sabotaging their own health and wellness goals without even realizing it. 

Let me share some insights I've gained along the way:

• Rigid Dietary Beliefs: 

Like me, perhaps you've bought into the idea that health is all about sticking to a rigid set of food rules. But this mindset often leads to feeling deprived, triggering episodes of overindulgence and guilt.

*Pro Tip* Practice Flexible Eating: Instead of labeling foods as "good" or "bad," focus on balance and moderation. Allow yourself to enjoy a variety of foods, including your favorites, in moderation. Remember, it's not about perfection but about making nourishing choices most of the time while still leaving room for treats.

• Extreme Exercise Regimens: 

I used to think that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve results. But in reality, this approach often leads to burnout and injury, setting us back rather than propelling us forward.

*Pro Tip* Embrace Variety and Rest: Rather than pushing yourself to the limit every day, incorporate a mix of activities you genuinely enjoy. Listen to your body's cues for rest and recovery, prioritizing quality sleep and relaxation to support overall well-being. Remember, rest is just as important as exercise for progress.

• Perfectionism & All-or-Nothing Thinking: 

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I've already messed up, so why bother trying," you're not alone. This all-or-nothing mentality can derail progress and prevent us from seeing the bigger picture.

*Pro Tip* Cultivate Self-Compassion: Instead of berating yourself for slip-ups, practice self-compassion and kindness. Treat yourself as you would a friend, acknowledging that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate small victories along the way.

• Lack of Balance & Self-Compassion: 

It took me a while to realize that true health isn't about perfection; it's about finding balance and showing ourselves kindness along the way. Ignoring our body's signals for rest and recovery only sets us up for failure in the long run.

*Pro Tip* Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's meditation, journaling, or spending time with loved ones, prioritize self-care to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for long-term health and happiness.

• Skipping Meals:

Skipping meals may seem like it would be helpful if you have fat loss goals but in the long run it will just result in you overeating later on and probably consuming more calories than you would have if you just ate the meal you skipped!

*Pro Tip* Schedule regular meal times and prep healthy snacks. This way, you'll never skip a meal, and your energy levels will stay stable throughout the day.

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So, if any of this sounds familiar, know that you're not alone. Recognizing these sabotage patterns is the first step toward breaking free from them and creating a healthier, more sustainable approach to wellness.

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