When starting a weight management plan, it’s easy to get excited about the physical (and possibly even mental) changes you’ll experience along the way. However, there are some missing pieces that need to be addressed so you can go beyond the honeymoon phase of weight-loss to ensure long-term success. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five most important pieces to help you continue on your journey – beyond where some people may fall short: the honeymoon.
Tips for Overcoming the Weight Management Honeymoon
Maintaining and Re-igniting Motivation:
Initially, most of us experience great motivation and a vested interest for change. Psychologically, most people have an eagerness to start strong – which is both good and bad. Sometimes this excitement can fade because life happens. Motivation is not something we wait for. It’s something we create using our desired outcomes as goals. Next time you feel unmotivated, put-up an inspiring photo or statement to remind you of why you started. It’s more than weight-loss! Your focus should be on who you’d like to become, what you’d like to do and how you can improve.
Taking Small Steps toward Big Outcomes
Too often, people bite off more than they can chew. For example, some try going to the gym six days per week and limiting their calorie intake substantially, all while juggling a full-time job, a household, a family, etc. It’s important that you take small, calculated steps on your weight management journey. You may have heard this before but I’ll say it again – take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go out for a walk after dinner. Reduce your portion sizes before you even sit down. Plan your snacks and meals ahead of time to help you integrate mini habits into your daily life.
Re-examining the Term “Commitment”
Oftentimes, I’ll hear people discuss the idea of failure. In my world, I teach others that failure only happens when you quit. This is your journey and your process. You can re-commit yourself to weight management at any point, and it’s through a prolonged commitment to yourself that you win big, lose weight and keep it off. Weight-loss doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s through a commitment of self that you’ll start to see amazing results. Start to think about this journey as a re-commitment to yourself and focus on what you’ll gain from this process.
Keeping Up with Consistency
Momentum breeds amazing results and comes from daily consistent action. One of my favorite quotes is from Darren Hardy who says, “It’s not what you do ONCE that makes a difference, but what you do daily that impacts your life.” Success is in our daily routine, and this is why consistency is so important. Someone can eat a healthy and balanced meal one time or hit the gym one time and that won’t make a difference. In any weight management process, consistency impacts outcome the most. Take small, consistent daily steps for lasting progress.
Re-focusing Attention on Growth
So many people will focus on what they did not do rather than give attention to what they did well. It is imperative that each individual take note of where they are growing and succeeding – even the small steps. This forward thinking helps you stay on-track. Negative thinking such as “I’m not doing enough” or “I messed up” can cause someone to quite instead of reigniting their journey. This is why refocusing your attention on what you’re doing RIGHT, and keeping track of any and all successes, will keep you going for the long haul.
Conclusion
Remember that your weight management journey is for you, your health and all of the amazing things you are capable of. The honeymoon period is exciting but it does end. To continue going strong, remember these five essential elements that will ensure long-term success.
About the Author:
Kristin Lloyd, MS, LPC/LMHC, PhD-c has been creating outstanding results for individuals, couples and organizations for over 10 years as a highly-accomplished psychotherapist, transformational mindset mentor, college educator and consultant. She is now leading bariatric patients and candidates through massive mindset shifts to help them create lasting behavioral changes and emotional adjustments for happy and healthy lives. You can find out more about Kristin at www.bariatricmindset.com.
