From Struggle to Success: How my Weight Loss Journey Got Easier With Time
As I was coming up on my 1 year anniversary for the date that I started my weight loss journey (this time around), I was often asked the same question – does it get easier?
This is a question that I, myself, have asked many times to others, because I’ve never actually stuck to my own journey long enough to find out.
Well friends, I’m here to tell you the answer that I know you’ve been hoping to hear;
YES!
Yes, it does get easier. Something that I was so happy to find out when I actually committed to it. It has basically become second nature. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, obviously, there’s some bumps in the road and some hurdles along the way. I rarely crave certain food anymore, but there are still times that I will eat food or have a meal that is not on my quote ‘diet plan.’
The difference is, that because I’m committed and motivated, because I’ve stuck to it for this long, I’ve learned how to cope with those moments better.
I’ve learned how to allow myself to enjoy a treat every now and then without feeling guilty or punishing myself. I’ve learned how to get right back on track without going into a full day or weekend binge. I’ve learned that eating something at a smaller portion can still satisfy my needs and that I don’t need to eat the entire serving.
I’m starting to repair my relationship with food.
My body, and my brain, are forming new habits. They’re adapting to this new way of life.
Just like anything in life – it takes time, and it takes consistency.
Over time, almost everyone in my life has learned that I’m on this weight loss journey. This has made it easier socially because I don’t have to feel awkward eating something different, or choosing not to eat the food that’s offered. Being able to say no to something without feeling judged.
One struggle that I would especially feel early on, is when the scale would stop moving and my weight loss would plateau. It would be very frustrating and difficult knowing that I was doing all the right things – eating healthy, exercising, etc. but yet that number was still not going down!
In those moments I would fight with my brain. There would be an angel on one shoulder telling me it’s okay, this happens and you know this happens, keep going and you will see results. It just takes time. Stay on your path and head towards the light.
But then – the devil on my other shoulder would be trying to tell me what’s the point? You just spent all week doing everything right and what do you have to show for it? You may as well give in to the temptations. Head towards the darkness. You may as well go on a weekend binge and start again on Monday.
After almost a year of being consistent, these thoughts have mostly dissipated. I’ve accepted that the scale will not always move. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it doesn’t just happen over night, and although still somewhat frustrating at times, I can continue on without the mental battle of throwing all my progress away.
My favourite quote that has kept me motivated during many dark moments throughout the last year is as follows:
Imagine what will happen if you don’t give up!
For once in my life – I have finally found out what will happen;
I will feel healthier. I will have energy. I will be less tired. I will have more self confidence. I will try new things that I was scared to try before. I will be a role model for my children.
The list of what will happen is never ending, but most importantly:
I will be proud of myself.
Tell me in the comments below:
How has your journey to health impacted your mental inner health?
