Embarking on a weight loss journey, especially after menopause, often feels like stepping into a world filled with restrictions and sacrifices. We brace ourselves to surrender beloved foods, moments of indulgence, and even cherished habits. However, the path to lasting change isn’t paved with deprivation. In today’s blog post, I’ll unravel the unexpected truths about my weight loss journey in my 50s, sharing the five surprising things I let go of to achieve my goals – and spoiler alert, it wasn’t about giving up pizza or cookies. Join me as we explore how shifting mindsets, releasing unhelpive thoughts, and embracing a positive approach made all the difference in transforming not just my body, but my entire outlook on life.
Emotional and Mental Decluttering
When we embark on a weight loss journey, particularly as we age, it often feels synonymous with sacrifice. It’s a common belief that to achieve our goals, we must relinquish our favorite foods and beverages, exercise with exhausting rigor, and constantly resist temptation. However, my journey taught me that sustainable change, especially after menopause, requires a different kind of letting go — an emotional and mental decluttering.
Letting Go of Self-Pity
One of the most liberating changes I made was giving up the habit of feeling sorry for myself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-pity when the scale doesn’t show what we hope or when our bodies don’t respond the way they used to. For many years, I trapped myself in a cycle of almost reaching my goal but then faltering. It dawned on me that feeling sorry for myself was serving no purpose. Instead, I shifted my mindset to embrace the possibility of achieving what I wanted. This switch was hugely freeing, and with it came a rush of determination and optimism that propelled me toward my goals.
Owning My Choices
Next, I relinquished the habit of blaming others. It’s common to project our struggles onto external factors or people – perhaps a family member who doesn’t support our dietary changes or colleagues who bring in tempting treats. I used to think my choices were often influenced by those around me, but reality called for a mindset adjustment. It was empowering to realize that I controlled my choices. Adopting ownership of my decisions – be they food-related or lifestyle-oriented – meant I could craft my own path to health without resentment.
Embracing Body Positivity
A profound release was saying goodbye to criticizing my body. Society often conditions us to scrutinize every inch of ourselves critically, yet this habit is detrimental. For years, I picked myself apart, focusing on perceived flaws rather than appreciating my body’s capabilities. Embracing a mindset of body positivity was transformative. It wasn’t about feigning perfection but about appreciating my body as it was, indulging in self-compassion, and replacing negative self-talk with affirmations of gratitude and kindness.
Trusting Myself
Another shift involved giving up the belief that I couldn’t figure it out. Menopause introduces changes that can feel bewildering, with numerous experts advising various conflicting theories. This information overload led me to second-guess myself constantly. Instead of chasing every new fad diet, I chose to trust my body’s signals and tuned into what genuinely felt right for me. The methodology that worked was akin to the scientific method I learned in school: observe, hypothesize, test, and adjust. This approach empowered me to regain control and act as my own expert.
Releasing the Need to Lose Weight Again
Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, I gave up the perpetual cycle of losing weight ever again. Reaching a place of contentment with my weight was surprisingly daunting. The identity of a “weight loser” had been ingrained in me for decades. Accepting that I no longer needed to seek weight loss was both liberating and unsettling. It required a complete reorientation of my self-concept, beyond just the physical transformation. This was about embracing a new, empowered identity where maintenance, rather than loss, became the focus.
Each of these shifts wasn’t just about discarding negative habits or thoughts, but about gaining an enriched perspective on life. Letting go of unhelpive patterns allowed me to replace them with healthier, more supportive practices, aligning my actions with my goals without the stress of self-imposed restriction. The result was not only a healthier body but a liberated spirit, ready to embrace life with vigor and joy.
For those of you on a similar journey, remember that weight loss isn’t just about food or exercise; it’s a profoundly personal journey that requires you to engage with your own beliefs, emotions, and mindset. It’s about embracing yourself fully, and perhaps most importantly, being at peace with the idea of letting go of what doesn’t serve you. You’ll not only reach your goals but gain a deeper appreciation for the journey itself, filled with self-discovery and growth.
When you’re ready to take this transformative journey, remember it starts not with a new diet or drastic change, but with a shift in your mindset. Embrace the power of letting go, and you’ll find that what you gain – a healthier, happier version of yourself – is far more rewarding than any temporary sacrifice could ever be.
