So You Want to Lose Weight? Read This….

 

If you’ve landed here, odds are you’re on a quest to shed some pounds or contemplating taking that first step. Welcome. Today, let’s plunge into the tender subject of weight loss, exploring the roots of our longing to shed weight and suggesting a shift in outlook that might lead to genuine serenity.

 

Let’s get raw and real. Let’s approach weight loss from a fresh angle, inviting you to sit with us in this space with an open heart and mind.

 

I vividly remember my early 20s when I grappled with being overweight. I kept telling myself, “When I lose this weight, I will…” 

 

– “When I lose this weight, I’ll be attractive.”

– “When I lose this weight, I won’t feel depressed or anxious anymore.”

– “When I lose this weight, I’ll feel like I belong.”

– “When I lose this weight, I’ll find my people.”

– “When I lose this weight, everything will fall into place, and life will be perfect.”

 

I pinned every challenge, every hurdle I faced, solely on my excess weight. For years, I battled, hopping from one diet to another, trying every weight loss product on the market, from belly patches to slimming teas. I swung between under-eating and overeating, relying on coffee to stave off hunger.

 

 

I struggled with my weight from a young age, constantly feeling like I was doing something wrong. Whether it was eating too much, the wrong foods, or not exercising enough, I felt like I was lacking. I vividly remember watching my little brother eat whatever he wanted without gaining weight, fostering a belief that thin equaled healthy and fat equaled unhealthy. However, this narrative oversimplifies a complex issue; health is not solely determined by size.

 

Fast forward to my successful weight loss journey, and something unexpected happened. Despite reaching my goal weight, my problems persisted, if not intensified. I found myself even more insecure and vulnerable, as if my entire worth hinged on the number on the scale.

 

Moreover, the methods I employed to lose weight left deep scars. I engaged in unhealthy, disordered eating habits, from undereating to purging, all in pursuit of a slimmer figure. But at what cost?

 

Eventually, I reached my thinnest, loneliest point, and a realization dawned on me: skinny does not equate to healthy. Everything I’d been led to believe about body image and health was flawed.

 

At my lowest weight, my period vanished for over six months, a glaring sign of my declining health. This was my wake-up call.

 

So, I loosened the reins and reevaluated my approach to health. I embarked on a journey to become a functional nutrition counselor, seeking to understand my own struggles and share my experiences with others. My perspective on weight loss underwent a profound transformation, and that’s what I want to share with you today: a new frame of reference for a healthier, happier, more confident you.

 

 

1. Ditch the Diet Mentality- Research shows that 97% of people fail to maintain weight loss beyond three years. The concept of “going on a diet” implies short-term fixes, whereas we should focus on cultivating a sustainable way of eating that promotes health and happiness. Let’s redefine “diet” as simply how we eat and explore what works best for us individually.

 

2. Prioritize Health over Weight Loss- Rather than viewing weight loss as the ultimate goal, prioritize overall health and well-being. Address the underlying issues that contribute to weight gain, whether it’s hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or a dysregulated nervous system. Remember, weight loss is a symptom, not the problem itself.

 

3. Cultivate Intentions of Self-Love- Shift your perspective on food from something that makes you “fat” or “skinny” to something that nourishes and heals your body. Choose foods that fuel you out of love for yourself, not out of hatred for your body. Intentions matter, and they resonate through every cell of our being.

 

 

Rather than fixating on a specific outcome, embrace the journey toward health and wellness. Focus on how you feel on a day-to-day basis, the intentions behind your choices, and the way you show up in the world. Let go of expectations and adopt a curious, loving approach to self-discovery.

 

So, here’s your homework: drop any preconceived notions and start cultivating awareness. Observe how different foods and activities make you feel, and let that guide your choices. Remember, the journey to health is rooted in love and trust, not fear and restriction.

 

With love and light,

-Lila