How your THOUGHTS affect weight loss
I have to admit, every time I put out a new program with titles like "21 Day New You Reboot" I cringe just a little inside. Why? Because the truth is only 2% of people who go on a diet keep the weight off. Isn't that crazy? Think of all of the people who are resolving to transform their weight this year, then consider that no more than 2 out of 100 succeed.
And did you know that 97% of women confess that they have at least one "I hate my body moment" each day? This is one I know quite well. I spent years having such a thought every day (ok, probably dozens) about something I wanted to change on my body. In fact, I spent way too much life energy dwelling on it then punishing myself with some crazy diet or exercise routine that I hoped would make me love myself more.
The truth is, these food/body challenges don't have much to do with the diet or exercise routine we follow.
Instead, they have everything to do with the way we think and feel about food, and the way we think and feel about our bodies. We can't hate ourselves into a better body! Or maybe some can, but then how long does it last? Do you really want to speak to yourself this way, knowing that it only lasts 2% of the time?
Every time your inner critic rears its head your body produces fight or flight hormones. Once those hormones are pumping, it puts your weight loss efforts on hold because it's asking your liver for glucose so you can flee the situation, and glucose raises your blood sugar -- which means no weight loss.
I think many of us are afraid to turn our thoughts in the other direction because we feel we might not follow through on our plans. We think if we're kind to ourselves we'll stop exercising or fall into a feeding frenzy.
An important caveat: People sometimes think that when I say "kind" I mean let yourself eat whatever you want. That's not kind. Think of a small child who wants a bunch of candy -- would it be kind to let them eat all the candy they want? That would be unkind, right? They need direction and discipline for their own good, and so do you. You must look at the desires going on in your brain, those conditioned desires, and give them supervision. This is where thought work comes in.
Once we learn to speak to ourselves the way we'd speak to our daughter or best friend, our body relaxes, and we can begin to explore what might be causing us to turn to food when we're not hungry. Ask yourself, "What thought just happened that creates a feeling that makes me want food to soothe that feeling?"
This is where the magic happens. I know it. When we allow ourselves to really listen in and be with them and (then change them) a massive shift occurs. I've seen the results. And if you want to learn more about it, reach out. I love working on this with clients!
So back to my group programs: Why do I offer them?
Because I know that many of us like a (loving) kick in the pants to get started, to start dabbling with this "thought work" I'm talking about. To get a bit of momentum going to have the energy to continue on the right path for your health. And of course, because FOOD IS MEDICINE. There is so much power in these nutrients and I've seen it heal myriad health problems time and time again.
I also know that having other people sharing the experience at the same time lends a kinship and motivation that makes it more fun, provides some accountability, and creates like-minded community.
If this interests you, read on -- I'll be kicking off a Reboot as a group program THIS WEEK!
In love and health,
Stephanie
PS. If you are a past Two-Week Transformation client, I'm offering you 50% off -- so reach out and I'll hook you UP!