How to Deal With Weight Loss Setbacks

  Each one of us at some point along our weight loss journey experiences a weight loss setback. Whether we go on vacation or visit relatives for the holidays, it's easy to let go a little and pack on a few extra pounds. When this happens, we tend to beat ourselves up and become very frustrated. Or, you could be an emotional eater who is going through a very stressful time that results in undesired weight gain.

   The next step is the most crucial. The choice is between regaining control of your health or continuing to slide back into old unhealthy habits. Before the choice is made, we must realize that it's okay to slip up. You need to forgive yourself and keep moving forward one step at a time to reach your weight loss goals.

  Setbacks are to be expected as you strive to lose weight permanently and incorporate positive lifestyle changes. Life is full of setbacks and disappointments. That doesn't mean you just throw in the towel and quit. You try to learn from your mistakes and grow stronger from them.


  Try to figure out what caused the setback in the first place, so you can avoid it in the future. Emotional eating is a major weight loss setback for a lot of people. If you find yourself reaching for a gallon of ice cream after breaking up with your boyfriend or after a stressful day at work, then more than likely you are an emotional eater.

  Emotional eaters eat to relieve stress, not because of actual hunger. Consuming comfort foods while emotionally distressed will release "feel good" endorphins, which will only make you feel better temporarily. In the long run, this will create a vicious cycle of negative emotional eating patterns and continual weight gain. So, you need to determine if you're an emotional eater before you've gained too much weight.

  Struggling to lose weight is not enjoyable for anyone. The key is to not dwell on your setbacks; learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward! Replace negative thinking with positive words of encouragement. Focus on the positive things in your life and remember WHY you wanted to live a healthier life in the first place.

  Find a trusted friend, coworker or weight loss coach to help keep you on track and give you honest feedback about your progress.

  Weight loss is an ongoing process. Establishing healthy eating habits, managing your stress and getting regular exercise is imperative for permanent weight loss. Stay consistent and work hard to maintain your weight loss and continue on the path to healthy living. Remember that setbacks are inevitable, but how you deal with those setbacks will determine your success or failure.

  Robin Reichert is an AFPA certified nutrition consultant, AFPA certified personal trainer, Beachbody coach and freelance writer specializing in health and fitness. She has been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Science in natural health. Her services include both in-home personal training and online fitness coaching. To find out more about the Beachbody coaching business or some of Beachbody's most popular fitness programs, such as P90X or Insanity, you can visit her blog and/or website at http://www.trainwithmeonlinetoday.com


 
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