Weight loss after 50 can feel like a challenging endeavor, especially when faced with the common belief that giving up our favorite things is a necessary sacrifice. But what if success doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the foods or habits we cherish? Welcome to a fresh perspective on weight loss, where mindset takes center stage over restriction. In this blog, inspired by insights from the Get Your Goal podcast, we explore the unexpected shifts in thought and emotion that can lead to lasting results. Join me as I reveal the five surprising things I relinquished—not the foods I loved, but the thoughts and feelings that held me back—on my journey to sustainable weight loss and a fulfilling life post-menopause. Let’s dive in and discover how changing your mindset might just be the key you’ve been looking for.
1. Letting Go of Self-Pity
For years, I lived with the belief that I was a victim of my circumstances—an attitude that was immensely limiting. The narrative that nothing ever went my way was particularly obstructive when it came to achieving my weight loss goals. When I took time to critically evaluate these stories I told myself, I realized self-pity was just an illusion. Allowing myself to feel sorry for my situation only perpetuated the sense that I couldn’t achieve my goals. By relinquishing this unproductive mindset, I opened up space for empowerment and a focus on what I could control.
2. Relinquishing Blame
Another major shift was stopping the cycle of blame. Pointing fingers at genetics, my busy schedule, or other people for my lack of progress kept me from taking ownership of the situation. By stopping this blame game, I began to make conscious choices that aligned with my personal goals. I took responsibility for my decisions, which empowered me to make better ones. Instead of seeing external factors as roadblocks, I now see them as challenges to navigate.
3. Ending the Criticism of My Body
Body dissatisfaction can start at an early age and persist well into adulthood. I was no stranger to scrutinizing my appearance relentlessly. My critical thoughts about my body were far from constructive, and they often led to a cycle of self-sabotage. Learning to view my body with kindness and appreciation was transformative. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, I celebrated the strength and resilience my body showed me every day. This self-compassion not only improved my mindset but also encouraged healthier behaviors.
4. Overcoming the Fear of Uncertainty
In the face of changing bodies, especially during menopause, it is easy to become lost in uncertainty and doubt. These feelings can incite panic, leading to desperate attempts at the latest diet fads without understanding whether they truly fit your needs. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and experimentation, akin to the scientific method, I was able to learn what worked for me without succumbing to fear. This approach allowed me to listen to my body’s cues and respond with informed and thoughtful actions, rather than blindly following popular trends.
5. Abandoning the Pursuit of Perpetual Weight Loss
This may sound counterintuitive, but one of the most challenging steps was letting go of the perpetual goal of losing weight. For years, it was a significant part of my identity, and the prospect of finally reaching my goal was daunting. Embracing a mindset of maintenance and satisfaction required redefining my self-image. Yet, no longer being consumed by the need to lose weight is incredibly liberating. It allows for a more balanced lifestyle and prevents the cycle of losing and regaining weight that plagued much of my life.
In my journey, I discovered that the traditional narrative of “giving up” items like pizza or cookies was misleading. True and lasting weight loss came from re-evaluating and letting go of ineffective mental habits and emotions. This mental decluttering was akin to clearing the path to success, enabling me to achieve my weight loss goals without unnecessary restrictions.
If you’re on a similar journey, consider examining the thoughts and feelings that may be hindering your progress. Weight loss, particularly post-menopause, doesn’t need to be an arduous sacrifice of the things you love. By tackling the emotional and psychological roots, we can foster a healthier relationship with our bodies that lasts a lifetime.
When you’re ready to explore this transformative approach, I invite you to join the Get Your Goal membership community. Let’s navigate these mental shifts together and empower you to reach your ideal weight sustainably and joyfully. Here’s to a mindset that celebrates who you are, not just what you weigh.
In this article, discover how shifting your mindset, not just your diet, leads to lasting weight loss. Learn five unexpected thoughts and feelings to let go of for success.
