The Emotional Effect of Weight Loss and The Stages of Readiness

Its been 2 weeks since my last post, and boy has it been busy! Simply due to how I have been feeling emotionally these past 2 weeks, I feel like I need to touch on the importance of actually being READY to make a change in your life. This not only applies to weight loss, but for anything you are "hoping" or wishing would happen in the future. There is a reason why we always hear, "no one can make you change, you have to want it for yourself." There are a lot of things that I thought I wanted, but it turns out I wasn't even ready for the change I was longing for. Over the past year it has been a huge emotional rollercoaster for me personally on my path to get back in shape, achieve some personal fitness goals and get to my goal weight. I know my body pretty well, so its relatively easy for me to pinpoint the weight range that I am comfortable with emotionally and physically. I say this only because it is important not to focus completely on the scale when it comes to achieving your health and fitness goals. I have 2 photos pictured with dates 1 month apart...would you be surprised to know that I haven't lost a single pound in 1 month, but my stomach is noticeable smaller and I am beginning to see some changes in my back and collarbone area as well.

Although the scale didn't move this is one reason why I am such a huge fan of documenting your progress in pictures. I lost some BF % which is a goal of mine and lets face it, I definitely needed to! One of my goals has been to see some muscle definition, because it has been something that I've been lacking. I was very excited to see my abs start to come in, my quads peaking through, my biceps finally showing some curve and my shoulders rounding out a little. The 2 pictures listed below were taken last week. You can absolutely tell the difference between a flexing photo and non flexing photo!

     

There are a TON of factors that come into play especially for women when it comes to weight loss. Did you know your hormones and emotions really DO have effect on your weight loss or weight gain? This is just one reason it is important to have a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. I have had one heck of a time losing the last 5-10lbs that I have been trying to lose and I have no doubt in my mind this is due to my mental state. A nice little example is my lack of self-control was the snacking rampage I went on yesterday! It was like I was a bottomless craving pit and I didn't even care. My mind has been clouded with insecurities, worry, guilt and thoughts of upcoming change. As women we are constantly thinking about what needs to be done or who needs you right this second. It has been scientifically proven that men don't have this problem. We are biologically wired to constantly think and worry so it is easy to begin to let the daily tasks and struggles weigh you down physically and emotionally. I can't tell you how many times I've done that! Until we have completely healed from the inside out and stop making excuses for yourself, you cannot expect to accomplish your goals in health and fitness. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but my husband and I do have a few shows we watch. Our ABSOLUTE favorite TV show is called Extreme Weight Loss on ABC. This is one of the first shows I have seen that not only focuses on weight loss, but they actively dig deep into each individual to find the root of their issue, to free them emotionally of the chains weighing them down. There is some interesting research that shows that people who successfully change their behavior go through a series of five stages-and usually cycle through these stages three to four times. You can read a little more about it here with Stages of Readiness for Change. I am thankful to my fellow fitness professional Sophia G for link!

I tried a few new recipes this week, including some Paleo muffins that will be SURE to keep the cravings away! I had to stop myself from devouring them during my snack rampage since it kind of defeated the purpose right? Be on the lookout for new recipes in the recipe section!

Until next time, keep pushing towards your goals, no matter how big or small they may be. Learn to love yourself, don't compare yourself to any one else. There is only 1 you! Only you can make the change.