If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably tried a few diets or gone through phases of wanting to lose weight. Did you ever stop to ask yourself why?
When starting a “weight-loss” diet or phase, we often have a short-term goal in mind. If you’re just trying to lose 10 pounds so you can look great in that bridesmaids dress next month, what happens after the wedding? If your weight loss aspirations stem from wanting to impress someone else – what happens if they don’t notice or don’t seem to care? Wanting to lose weight for others means the weight loss probably won’t stick.
I’d like you to consider what it would mean if no one else noticed you lost 10 pounds. Would you still feel successful? You still lost the weight, but allowing others to be your tool of validation might often leave you dissatisfied.
Instead, find an internal motivator that relates more to your overall health. Do you physically feel better when you eat an apple versus a rice crispy treat? Probably so! Does going on a long walk during the day help you fall asleep and rest more deeply? It does for me! Does having more muscle in your arms help you feel more confident in a sleeveless dress? You always look stunning! See how many internal motivators you can find for yourself.
The bottom line is that weight is not a valid indicator of health status. And if you base your perception of health on a number on a scale, you’re likely missing other very important health factors. If a restrictive diet causes weight loss, exercise may be overlooked. But exercise, and not weight loss, is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health – especially your heart. In fact, one study found that the top four behaviors that led to longer lifespans had nothing to do with weight, but instead were: regular exercise, eating 5+ servings of fruit and veggies a day, moderating alcohol intake, and not smoking cigarettes. (Matheson, 2012)
Your body is a sacred place, and it’s true that you only get one. Let’s be as gentle and compassionate with ourselves as we can. Consider your health and your long-term happiness in favor of short-term gains when it comes to health and you’ll see your mentality shift away from just shedding a few pounds and over to living a lifestyle that supports your body and mind’s healthful wellbeing.
Sources:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2018-01-21/set-aside-losing-weight-focus-on-healthy-behaviours/9345648
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