Food and exercise play a major role in the weight loss journey. The formula seems simple; burn more calories than you consume, and that extra weight will melt right off. However, some factors may prevent this system from working. Let’s look at the aspects of weight loss that have nothing to do with exercise and nutrition.
Self-Love
We often beat ourselves up when we don’t stick to a prescribed diet or skip an exercise session. According to Dr. Gary Foster, this is not a healthy way to do things. He explains that being hard on yourself only creates anxiety and stress that leave you less motivated. Dr. Foster goes on to state that having a little self-compassion would be better in the long run. Being patient with yourself will help you positively approach your weight loss goals. You will then feel more motivated to stick to your plan.
Celebrate Your Body
It’s vital to understand that the size and shape of your body don’t determine your self-worth. The idea that hating your body will motivate you to lose weight does more harm than good. Dr. Foster explains that a negative body image will keep you from sticking to healthy habits. By celebrating your body instead, you will stop seeing it as a problem that needs to be solved and start to appreciate all that it allows you to do. For example, instead of looking at your arms as flabby, you value that they will enable you to hug your loved ones.
