Ahhh, weight loss. That could’ve been a scream or a sigh; it depends on your thoughts on it on this particular day. Because it goes back and forth, right? One day we feel on top of the world and like we totally have this in the bag, and then the next… just, ugh, don’t even go there.
Why is this?
Well, I think we have to start from square one; that is, our thoughts about weight loss. Our true feelings, whether buried deep or professed loudly to all our friends on a daily basis. It’s time to bring them to light and work through each one.
Once you’ve done that, it will be easier to create a plan that you can stick with and thus be able to see results.
Fin-all-y.
Because really, before you ever get into the nitty-gritty of an actual plan to follow that will lead to those results that you oh-so-crave, you need to get your mindset right. Our mind is truly at the forefront of everything that we do or don’t do, all that we desire and crave, all of our beliefs and assumptions… and all of this includes our ability to choose the healthiest option on a continual basis.
You may have stumbled upon this blog post thinking that you were going to read weight loss myths related to diet and exercise, but that’s not what this is about, though you can find those in some of my other blog posts as well as in the free download below. No, this blog post is all about our mindset… because without addressing that first, any new lifestyle change just isn’t going to be as “sticky” or effective.
So let’s get it right. Our mind, that is. Let’s work through those limiting beliefs that we’ve set in our brains, no matter whether or not we realize it. Let’s shatter those beliefs once and for all, and in their place, create new, healthier, limitless beliefs that will get us back on track and set us on the right path.
Myth #1: It’s impossible.
Psshhhh. No way, no how. If it were impossible, then how do some people do it? They don’t have some magic power that the rest of us don’t. What they’ve done first is get their minds in the right place and set that solid foundation, and then they made subtle (or not so subtle) shifts in their lives that created positive changes… and then they continued to stick with those shifts, and also created more along the way.
“It’s impossible.” Well, that’s for you to decide, and if that’s how you feel going into it… chances are, it will already be that much tougher to stick with. Yes, I need to give you a little bit of tough love here, but it’s just the truth. We need to switch our mindset to one that says “It IS possible, and I’m gonna do it. Watch me!” Now THAT, that is powerful stuff right there. That kind of attitude tells our brain that we’re not messing around, we’re committed to this, and everybody needs to watch out, because we’re here to make things happen!
This really goes for every area of our life; if you think it’s impossible, it probably is. But, as soon as you choose to switch that mindset to “It IS possible,” you better believe that that is exactly what it becomes… so very possible.
Our reality is what we make it. We all have that power. Talk about magic!
Myth #2: It’s going to cost my arm AND my leg.
Well, simply put, it’s not.
Perhaps you believe that weight loss is unachievable without the use of expensive foods, supplements, programs and gym memberships. While there are definitely tools available that can help you along the way, they don’t have to be crazy expensive or unattainable. Plus, you get to choose how many of those tools you incorporate.
And besides, junk food really does add up, and when you buy less of it, you’re saving a whole lot (in more ways than one). The drive-thru as well as granola bars and other packaged foods can themselves be pricey when you add them all up, and yet, they don’t last us as long in fullness and satisfaction as do healthy foods. Since they’re typically devoid of the nutrients including protein, good fat and fibre that real, whole food provides, we can feel hungry soon after eating them… and that leads to eating more food overall. So, we can actually end up paying more in the long run while our poor body misses out on the nutrients it so desperately needs. A sad cycle, if you ask me.
And even though I’m telling you that it’s not actually as expensive as you may think, there’s one more thing I want you to consider here. Think of what it’s going to cost you if you don’t take this step now. I’d say your health is the first thing. And when you’re not your healthiest, well, you’re not as happy. Plus, if you’re feeling down on yourself for not taking these steps you feel you should, then your level of satisfaction dips down too. And with less happiness and satisfaction in life, think of how that could affect your family, friends and inner circle… not to mention the effect on you.
It all starts with you showing up as the best version of yourself because that will make you feel great, and that in turn passes on to others. This is possible when you choose to put yourself as a top priority and take the steps you need in order to be healthy.
Myth #3: It’s going to taste bland and boring.
In fact, it’s going to be quite the opposite. It’s going to taste delicious and satisfying.
Satisfaction also comes from the fact that you know you’re feeding your body the healthiest of healthy, and that feels dang good. But more than that, it’s satisfying because the foods really do taste delicious, not to mention all the nutrients they provide to properly fuel your bod.
You see, losing weight means getting healthy, and health is all about enjoying good fats like butter, coconut oil, avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds, as well as mineral-rich sea salt. And my friend, fat and salt taste good, do they not?! Especially together, which is an awesome way to enjoy them.
There are also a myriad of spices and herbs that you should enjoy freely and that add so much to your meal. And when you’re using unrefined, real foods… the flavour? Unbeatable.
Myth #4: I’m going to feel so restricted.
Nuh-uh. As in, no way. Remember that a big piece of the weight loss puzzle is our mindset, and we need to focus on abundance rather than restriction. Look at all the amazing foods you can still have, while on a weight loss regime, no less! And that’s the truth: I hear all the time from people how they’re so surprised about all the awesome flavour their foods have, and how they’re actually eating more of certain delicious foods, rather than less.
Plus, just like I talked about in myth #3, most of us are meant to enjoy healthy fats and real salt, and I’m pretty sure the last word we’d use to describe how we feel when we get to eat those foods is “restricted.” And all those delish whole foods, spices and herbs? Mm-mm-mmmm. Buh-bye restriction, hello abundance!
Myth #5: Basically, it’s going to suck.
If you’ve stuck with me all the way to this one, then chances are you’ve already cleared away this myth from your mind. I mean, it’s doable, it’s empowering, it tastes delicious… what more could you want? Of course it’s not going to suck, and actually, it has this great potential to be quite amazing.
Life is what you make it. Make it awesome, and really believe in your bones that it truly is awesome. Know that you absolutely have the potential to do just about anything that you put your mind to, and when you inject your passion, energy and focus into it, wow. You become unstoppable.
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So, make it happen for yourself. By now, you know that you can do just that. Take your power and own it. Own the heck out of it. Amazing things happen when you choose to do that, and yes, it’s your choice. At the end of the day, it’s YOUR choice; how great is that?! You get to choose the results that you will have. I’m not saying it’s easy and that you won’t have to push yourself at times (or lots of times), but is it worth it? Heck yeah.
Remember your end goal, and when you reach that, create a new one and strive for that next. And so on and so forth. In fact, make that “end goal” smaller than it sounds; aiming for little wins along the way and continuing to reshape your goals is, I feel, the best way to keep moving forward. The success you feel from reaching those smaller goals gives you the super motivation to keep going, and it keeps your mindset in the right place.
My friend, you can so totally do this, and I am with you every step of the way.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this no matter where you’re at on your weight loss (or health) journey. Leave a comment below or, better yet, request access to my private Facebook group and join the conversation there. Talk to you soon!