Overcoming Self-Sabotage When Losing Weight

Do you ever find yourself having (self-sabotaging) negative thoughts about your body and inability to lose weight?

How did I let myself get this darn fat

Look how big I am, I look disgusting

I can’t believe I’m technically obese

Look at my big fat stomach, arms and legs…gross

I’m a big fat loser

I hate the way I look

I’ll never get this weight off

Maybe I was meant to be fat

I might as well get used to being big, because I’m never going to change

Weight Loss is too hard, I might as well stay fat

I hate taking pictures

I hate going shopping for clothes

I hate looking in the mirror

Why am I cursed to be so big

I can’t stop eating and I hate to exercise

It sucks being me

These thoughts are not unique, out of the ordinary or strange. These types of thoughts are actually quite normal. Studies show that two out of five women and one out of five men would trade three to five years of their life to achieve their weight goals. One out of three women and one out of four men are on a diet at any given time. Two thirds of dieters regain the weight within one year and virtually all regain it within five years. After viewing images of female fashion models, seven out of ten women felt more depressed and angry than prior to viewing the images. No wonder you’re so frustrated!

We are bombarded with images everyday of size zero models and actress, and we’re told that being skinny is the ideal view of beauty. So when you do not fit into that mold (or even if you do) you feel inadequate, ugly and unwanted. When you feel unloved and unappreciated you are at risk for poor body image and low self-esteem. Negative thoughts will come into your mind to sabotage any efforts to lose weight because deep down inside you feel like you’re not good enough and you’ll never measure up to society’s standards of beauty.

This is a serious problem, and the solution lies at the core of what you choose to believe about who you are and what you were sent here to do. Becoming a more spiritual person is very important because you’lllearn how to focus on your life’s purpose, instead of what everyone expects you to do. In the bible Peter 3:3-4 says, Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

God did not create you so you can live in mental torment and dissatisfaction with your body. He created you as an expression of Love to explore and enjoy the world He created. There is so much more to life than how you look or how skinny you can be. Don’t forget to enjoy the little things like a child’s smile, the birds in the air, the sunshine on your face, the flowers and the trees. Be mindful of the daily interactions you make with people, and be sure to be a positive light to everyone you know. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. This should be the focus of your attention, not the shortcomings of your body and perceived imperfections.

If you want to lose weight, do it with a healthy mindset so you can shed pounds gracefully without too much stress and apprehension. Love yourself where you are now so you can truly appreciate how you are going to feel as a slimmer person. You can love who you are, accept the way you look and be a peace about who you are growing to be by placing positive people, books, entertainment and music in your circle of influence everyday. This is The Inner Weigh. Try it with me!

About the Author
Bonnie Mechelle is the author of the best seller: Overcome Compulsive Overeating... Now, and the executive producer of The Healthtopia Radio Show in Atlanta, Georgia. She has lost over 120 pounds naturally on her own and now empowers women who struggle with weight gain, divorce, single motherhood, eating disorders, chronic illness and clinical depression. See her latest movie, The Inner Weigh and subscribe to her Christian Women's e-Magazine at www.myhealthtopia.com. If you’re ready for one-to-one faith-based weight loss coaching, get started at www.christianweightlossmentor.com. God bless you.