Losing weight for some people may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Approximately 90 percent of those who have lost weight find themselves at risk for gaining some or all of it back. An issue that is not often discussed is the emotional impact that may be suffered as a result of the weight loss. In order to keep your weight off and feel good about it, you need to address the emotional issues first before moving on.
Handling the Attention
Extra pounds can make a person often go unnoticed, and it can provide a protective barrier between you and the real world. During and after dropping the weight, you may begin to get a lot of attention from friends, family, and strangers in the form of compliments, approving looks, even wolf-whistles. It may take you by surprise, and cause you to feel exposed and unsure about how to handle yourself. While some may relish the attention and their new spotlight, others, after blending into the woodwork for so long, may be very uncomfortable.
Losing the Toxins
As you go through the weight loss journey, you probably had to retool your eating habits and incorporate exercise into your daily regimen. Toxins stored in the fat may be released into the body possibly causing you to feel unwell and fatigued. This can take a physical and mental toll on you, especially if you’re having a difficult time adjusting to the new you. Before starting any weight loss plan, you should make sure you are in good physical health. If you are located near the D.C. area and don’t have time to book a doctors appointment, you can schedule a blood chemistry panel in Washington. If anything seems out of the ordinary, definitely contact your health care professional for advice and resolution.
Understanding Mental Perception
Your outward appearance may have changed, and you may look dynamic on the outside, but your mental outlook will still be the same. You may still see yourself as overweight and unattractive, even though you’re thin and beautiful. To overcome this, mentally and verbally, try substituting any negative images with ones that are positive. Eventually your mind will grab a hold and believe the positive. If you want to maintain your weight loss, you need to acknowledge your hard work, stay committed to the change, and celebrate your success.
Avoiding Depression
If your weight loss struggle has seemed slow compared to others, you may find yourself depressed and out of sorts. It may seem like you’re following a healthy eating plan but to no avail. This can have a crippling effect on your mood and personality. By being happy with every pound you lose and finding ways to stay motivated, you can achieve your goal on your own timetable.
To avoid these feelings of sadness and depression when losing weight, you can take a positive stance. Reward a pound lost by going shopping and getting something new, or visit a local tailor and get your favorite pieces taken in. A new hair style, color and a change of clothes can go far in helping you to feel proud and happy over your weight loss accomplishments, and keep you motivated for the continued effort.
Keeping the Weight Off
You’ve done such a great job of taking the weight off, you may now be afraid of every food morsel consumed for risk of regaining the weight. Anorexia and bulimia can often occur if you take things to the extreme. Individuals who are too strict may find themselves binge eating and can often consume unnecessary calories. Gone are the days of sitting on the couch and eating potato chips, however, on occasion, you may want to indulge your cravings. If this causes control issues, try substituting other fun or stimulating activities in its place.
Everyone’s body is different, so to maintain your loss, you must find a key that works for you whether it’s an everyday maintenance, an extra hour or two workout, or re-visiting your diet plan after a one to two pound gain. Sticking to a formula of a healthy diet and exercise can change your whole mindset and promote a healthier lifestyle for you. Put your formula on auto-pilot so you don’t have to think about it.