Embarking on a journey to lose weight, especially in your 50s, often comes with preconceived notions about the sacrifices you’ll need to make. Like many, I assumed this meant giving up beloved treats or drastically altering my lifestyle. However, the path to sustainable weight loss turned out to be a journey of mental transformation rather than merely dietary changes. In today’s blog post, inspired by my own experiences shared on the “Get Your Goal” podcast, I’ll reveal the five unexpected things I let go of to achieve my weight loss goals permanently. These aren’t your usual suspects of forbidden foods or regimented exercise routines, but rather the deep-seated thoughts and habits that no longer served me. Join me as we explore the mindset shifts that made all the difference in my quest for lasting health and wellness.

Feeling Sorry for Myself

Losing weight, especially for women over 50, often seems like a daunting task filled with restrictive diets and rigorous exercise plans. But what if the key to shedding those pounds and keeping them off was not about depriving yourself of food or fun activities, but about changing your mindset? During my journey to lasting weight loss, I discovered that the things I needed to give up were not what I initially expected. Instead of letting go of my favorite meals or social lifestyles, I gave up five crucial thoughts and feelings that held me back. Let’s delve into these surprising changes and understand how they led me to my goal weight.

The first thing I gave up was feeling sorry for myself. I spent years consumed by self-pity, convinced that I could never achieve the weight I desired. This mindset was hugely detrimental, creating an emotional barrier that kept me from progressing. Feeling sorry for oneself means perpetuating a narrative of helplessness, which only serves to reinforce inaction. When I finally let go of self-pity, I allowed myself to embrace possibility and enjoy the journey toward my goals. It was a relief to shed this mindset and experience the empowerment of attaining the weight I always wanted.

Blaming Other People

Next on my list was blaming other people. It’s easy to fall into the trap of attributing our failures to others, making it seem as if we are powerless in our own lives. Whether it was family habits that clashed with my weight loss plan or external pressures to conform to a certain lifestyle, blaming others was a hallmark of my excuses. But when I stopped pointing fingers, I realized that I had all the control I needed to make my own decisions. This realization extended beyond my weight, unlocking a new level of personal responsibility and integrity in all areas of my life.

Criticizing My Body

Criticizing my body was another significant hurdle that I needed to overcome. For years, I scrutinized my body, fixating on imperfections and perpetuating a negative self-image. This criticism fueled dissatisfaction and distracted me from appreciating what my body could achieve. Reframing my thoughts to focus on self-love and acceptance transformed my perception. I began to see my body as strong and capable, fostering a positive relationship with myself. Self-appreciation is a powerful tool—it not only contributes to mental well-being but also propels you towards achieving your physical goals with confidence.

Thinking I Couldn’t Figure It Out

Another thought I expelled was the belief that I couldn’t figure it out. Menopause brought with it changes that I found overwhelming and confusing. The sheer volume of conflicting advice on weight loss methods seemed insurmountable. Each new trend pulled me in different directions, leaving me feeling lost and disheartened. Finally, I realized that I needed to listen to my own body. By tuning into my personal experiences and needs, I crafted a plan that was specifically tailored to what worked for me. It was about harnessing curiosity, experimenting, and adapting rather than adhering to external expectations.

Perpetual Weight Loss Cycle

Lastly, I gave up the perpetual cycle of wanting to lose more weight. For so many years, weight loss was a constant goal—a part of my identity. I had to adjust to the idea of not having that as a fallback for self-improvement or validation. Letting go of the mindset that I always needed to be losing weight shifted my focus to maintaining my health and embracing a lifestyle of wellness. This concluding mindset shift is the foundation of lasting change. It’s about celebrating who you are in the present and not perpetually chasing an elusive goal.

Final Thoughts

These mindset changes did more than help me reach a number on a scale—they transformed my relationship with myself and my world. By releasing these internal barriers, I opened up space for growth, empowerment, and enduring health. Each of these shifts played a pivotal role in achieving my weight loss and sustaining it through my 50s and beyond. The journey is not merely about the physical, but about cultivating a mindset that serves your best self.

If you’re ready to reframe your approach to weight management, I invite you to explore similar changes in your life. The path to lasting weight loss is about more than diet and exercise—it’s about letting go of the thoughts that hold you back. By focusing on what truly needs to be released, you can forge a clearer path to the life and body you desire. Join me in discovering how powerful such transformational changes can be.

Conclusion

Discover the surprising mindset shifts that helped me shed weight permanently in my 50s. It’s not about giving up your favorite foods—it’s about changing your thoughts.