The United States weight loss industry is quoted at a value of 72 billion dollars. Of course, it’s no wonder it would have some repeat customers along the way! While our bodies continue to change throughout our entire lives, for some adults, weight can be a more constantly varying part of these changes. While it can seem like you are going in circles some years with your body, know there are mindsets and habits to take inventory of that may make all the difference. Here are a few tips to consider as you work to both accept and improve the season of life your body is in.
Stop comparing where you are now to where you were last time.
If you knew all the answers to losing weight and staying healthy the last time around, you wouldn’t be where you are now. Celebrate that you didn’t learn everything last time around because that means this time around there are still things to learn! It’s so easy to compare your current body shape or weight to where you were during a previous time in your life, but remember, you’re working towards a new goal and that’s ok. You have so many resources at your fingertips during this part of your journey that possibly wouldn’t have been the right fit for you the last time. Embrace your new goals and the things you’re excited to improve on, and take it one day at a time without comparing each day to an old one.
Start unpacking the why behind the weight gain.
Sometimes it’s small choices that add up or big choices you weren’t even aware had been made. Regardless, our bodies fluctuate in pounds for many different reasons. It’s when that shift begins to go in a direction that isn’t aligned with your best health that it becomes a problem. So what’s your why? When is the last time you dove into the reasons behind your weight gain? When you gain weight repetitively over the years, it can seem as though the cards are simply stacked against you. The reality is that diving into your lifestyle, nutrition choices, behavior patterns, and emotional triggers can all reveal different answers. While it can be scary, taking time to unpack the possible reasons can be the exact answer you’ve been searching for.
Continue fighting for the healthy lifestyle you know is possible.
It may not always be easy to see the positive side to trying to lose weight yet again, but there is something very important to acknowledge and appreciate. While you are facing the challenge, the fact is that you are facing it. You decided you want to be healthier and even though you’ve been given a weight loss journey with ups and downs that seem to repeat themselves, you are determined to seek out change. You aren’t going to let anything stop you, and you stay focused on being a healthier version of yourself. (Even when it means learning new things and pushing yourself.)
Remember, the scale shows you a number, not your value.
Lighter or heavier, when you place both your feet on top of that scale, you should stand just as tall in who you are, regardless. Battling your weight can be a lifelong challenge for some; why make it even harder by allowing your self-worth and self-love rise and fall with it? It’s much easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that your value can be found in so many different aspects of who you are and the life you lead. It has nothing to do with what dress size you wear or the number on the scale. If it makes you happy, pursue that ideal healthy weight but also be vigilant in the pursuit of loving yourself.
