Hi
In today's world, with all its challenges and uncertainties, it's completely natural to occasionally reach for that tempting biscuit tin. We've all been there! But have you noticed how this temporary comfort can often lead to lingering guilt, creating a never-ending cycle of self-sabotage when it comes to our food choices? Well, the good news is that it's all
about changing your mindset and this is especially vital for women over 40.
This month, in my "Fitness After 40" group, we’ve been delving into the powerful impact of mindset on our overall well-being. I wanted to share some insights and techniques with you too!
Let's explore the idea that the thoughts we nurture in our minds are just as, if not more, important than the food we put in our mouths. How we perceive ourselves profoundly influences our choices
regarding what, why, when, how and where we eat. It's the inner dialogue that can either set us on a path to success or keep us trapped in a cycle of weight management struggles.
So, let's delve into some fantastic techniques to help you gain insight and awareness, providing you with valuable tools for fostering a more positive inner transformation.
First things first, let's redefine the word 'diet.'
In sessions with clients, I try to steer clear
of the term 'diet.' Often, it conjures negative notions like strict discipline, denial and deprivation. Not to mention the discouraging statistics that show around 90% of people regain the weight they lost through diets.....often immediately.
The Dreaded Yo-Yo Dieting
Depriving yourself of your favourite foods can be challenging, leading many to give up quickly and regain even more weight. This creates a painful cycle known as "yo-yo dieting" – a series
of well-intentioned weight loss efforts that ultimately result in weight gain. Many clients confess, "I just didn't realise how damaging dieting would be... Everyone around me was dieting, and I just copied what they were doing. After working with you, I understand that we are all unique and that there's no one-size-fits-all diet. I'm learning what works for me and I love that I can still enjoy the foods I love. There are no restricted foods, so it's sustainable. If I had known then what I
know now, I would have never started those diets in the first place."
The Impact of Negative Self-Talk
Failed diets not only affect the numbers on the scale but also take a toll on our emotional well-being. Weight fluctuations can erode self-belief, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Many women, despite excelling in various aspects of their lives, struggle to gain control over their weight. Often, they overlook their own needs while dedicating
ample time and energy to stabilising other areas of their lives.
Slimming Clubs and the Missing Mindset Change
Slimming clubs may seem like a lucrative solution, but did you know that a whopping 76% of their clients are repeat attendees? Some have been going for decades, losing weight during attendance but regaining it after leaving. The missing piece of the puzzle is a sustainable mindset change, and it's no surprise – if they offered such a
transformation, they'd lose a significant portion of their business.
Understanding the Psycho-Biological Effects of Unhealthy Eating
In challenging times, many of us turn to comfort foods. While they may offer short-term satisfaction, they're often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, regret, disappointment and anger. Foods like biscuits, cakes, crisps and chocolate move slowly through our digestive system, prolonging these negative emotions. Plus, the
energy spent on digesting these foods leaves us feeling mentally and physically tired.
The Battle Between the Inner Critic and the Inner Coach
Some believe that being hard on ourselves keeps us on track, but this self-chastisement creates an "Inner Critic" that masquerades as being helpful. Imagine a friend coming to you after an indulgent moment: you'd offer words of encouragement and support. However, what if you were in a similar situation? Our inner
language plays a pivotal role in the choices we make, not just in our eating habits.
Nurture and Nourish Your Inner Self
The language of the Inner Coach helps us become the best versions of ourselves. It's a language of forgiveness, acceptance, patience, and understanding. To reprogram our mindset, we must pay attention to the language we use towards ourselves, as it can make the difference between success and failure.
What Do
You Deserve?
Paradoxically, many of us find it difficult to think highly of ourselves. Childhood conditioning often discourages us from boasting about our accomplishments, leading us to struggle with self-praise. Over time, this discomfort can condition our adult self-talk and make it challenging to accept compliments from others.
Reprogramming Your Self-Talk
Here's a quick exercise to kickstart your self-transformation:
- Catch
the Thought: Identify situations in which you could talk to yourself more positively.
- Challenge the Thought: List negative things you say about yourself in one of those situations.
- Change the Talk: Replace the negative words with positive statements about yourself and the situation.
Remember, when you change your perspective, the world around you transforms too.
In Conclusion
Your mindset holds the key to
achieving and maintaining healthy weight management. You have the power and ability to achieve your desired weight loss and maintain it. But it's essential to invest time in understanding your emotions, focus on what you want, create a positive self-image, and re-script the negative self-talk. By doing so, you'll overcome self-sabotage and shed those pounds permanently.
So, it's time to change your mind to change your body! Contact me if you'd like to learn more about my
Fitness After 40 program.
I’m here to support you on your journey to a healthier and happier you.
Have a fabulous week.
Love Nicki xx
