So many of us believe that losing weight requires us to give up our favorite foods, our social lives, or the things we enjoy most. However, as I discovered in my journey, some of the most significant sacrifices have nothing to do with what we eat or drink. Welcome to the ‘Get Your Goal’ podcast, where I, Paula B, your certified life and weight loss coach, delve into my unique approach to weight loss for ambitious menopausal women. Join me as I share five surprising things I gave up when I finally shed the pounds for the last time in my 50s—spoiler alert: it’s not what you think. Let’s change our mindset and get your goal!
1. Feeling Sorry for Myself
For years, I had a habit of feeling sorry for myself. At every turn, I’d find a reason to believe that I couldn’t achieve my goals because of circumstances beyond my control. This feeling was particularly acute when I was close to my goal weight but not quite there. The narrative in my head was one of self-pity and defeat, which didn’t serve me at all.
The key to my transformation was recognizing that I wasn’t helpless. Biologically, there’s no reason why I—or you—can’t reach our desired weight. By changing my inner dialogue and focusing on what I could control, I was able to overcome this self-imposed barrier. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about shifting your mindset from one of defeat to one of empowerment.
2. Blaming Others
Blaming others was another hurdle in my weight loss journey. I blamed everyone and everything—my family, my job, my genes—for my inability to lose weight. This mindset showed up in my food, exercise, and lifestyle choices. I felt like I had no control over my decisions, which perpetuated my feelings of helplessness and frustration.
I had to realize that I am in charge of my life. I began using language that reflected my autonomy, saying things like “I want to eat this” instead of “I have to eat this.” This small change in wording had a profound impact on my mindset. Owning my choices made all the difference, and I stopped blaming others for my circumstances.
3. Criticizing My Body
Criticizing my body was a long-standing habit that made weight loss incredibly difficult. I scrutinized every part of myself, from my thighs to my arms, and found fault no matter what I saw. This critical self-talk was a major roadblock to feeling good about myself and achieving my weight loss goals.
One day, I realized that this criticism wasn’t about my body at all—it was a bad habit I had developed over the years. I started practicing kinder self-talk. Instead of criticizing my appearance, I found things to appreciate about my body. This shift didn’t just make me feel better; it significantly contributed to my ability to maintain a healthy weight. When you love what you see in the mirror, you’re more likely to make choices that support your well-being.
4. Thinking I Couldn’t Figure It Out
When perimenopause began to change my body, I felt utterly perplexed. There is so much conflicting information out there about how to deal with these changes, and I was chasing after every new dietary advice I could find—intermittent fasting, cutting carbs, blood type diets, you name it. None of these felt right, and they didn’t produce lasting results.
I finally realized that I didn’t have to follow anyone else’s advice to the letter. I could listen to my body and figure out what worked for me by applying the scientific method: observe, hypothesize, experiment, and analyze. This approach turned out to be liberating. I paid attention to how my body responded to different foods and activities and adjusted accordingly. This simple, logical approach helped me create a sustainable system that worked for me.
5. Losing Weight Ever Again
This might sound counterintuitive, but one of the biggest hurdles was giving up the idea of losing weight ever again. Throughout my life, the desire to lose weight was a constant companion. It was almost part of my identity. To finally let go of this incessant need was both challenging and liberating.
Losing weight permanently meant I had to create a new identity for myself—one that didn’t revolve around the scale. It required a complete shift in how I saw myself and my goals. This is the most crucial aspect of my journey and something I focus on in my coaching. It’s not just about achieving a number on the scale; it’s about becoming a person who is satisfied and fulfilled without the perpetual need to lose weight.
Making the Shift
As a weight loss mindset coach, my goal is to help you make these crucial mindset shifts. I’m not here to tell you to give up your favorite foods or your cherished evening glass of wine. Instead, I’ll guide you through the process of letting go of the thoughts and feelings that stand in your way. It’s about empowerment, choice, and creating a life you love.
If you’re ready to make these changes and achieve your weight loss goals for good, I invite you to join the Get Your Goal membership. Let’s work together to give up the things that no longer serve you and embrace the mindset that will take you where you want to go.
Thank you for joining me today. Remember, it’s not about what you have to give up; it’s about what you stand to gain.
Discover five unexpected things I gave up to lose weight permanently in my 50s! Tune into the ‘Get Your Goal’ podcast where Paula B shares her journey, mindset shifts, and effective strategies for lasting weight loss. 🌟 #WeightLossJourney #MindsetChange #HealthyLiving
