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Benan Yuceer
How many times have you started a weight loss diet only to find yourself giving up halfway through? You might have wondered whether discipline or motivation really help with following through your goals. As someone who values discipline and motivation, I know that they are not sufficient to achieve your goals. They are helpful in the beginning to set goals and start implementing action steps. What is it that derails your motivation when time passes?Â
In this article, I’ll guide you through the five common dieting mistakes that you should avoid at all costs if you want to successfully reach your weight loss goals.
In my experience, consistency is key to success. Let’s take writing, for instance. I write and publish articles every Sunday. There are times when I don’t feel my best, and occasions when I have to decline plans with friends so I can focus on writing. But here’s the thing, I keep writing even when I don’t feel super motivated. Have you ever thought what is it that makes someone stay consistent and keep going regardless of stressful moments in life?
During my Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) studies, I learned how to retrain my brain so I can follow through my goals and pursue my dreams. The key to success is to align your conscious mind (the goal setter) with your unconscious mind (the goal getter).Â
Let’s face it – most of us set our goals using our conscious minds. You might say, “I want to lose 20 pounds in 6 months.” That’s a conscious decision, right?
Your unconscious mind is what truly drives you and helps you achieve your goals. This is your brain’s source where all the mental and emotional blockages are stored. Think of it as a cassette tape, recording your life experiences from childhood to today. It shapes how you think, how you feel, and how you respond to life’s challenges.
The good news is that you can overcome the challenges of uncovering your mind’s programming and making your unconscious mind conscious. Although it’s tough to do it on your own, there’s a solution. You can unpack those mental and emotional blockages and retrain your brain. In fact, an experienced NLP Practitioner, like me, can be your guide throughout this journey. So, you don’t have to face it alone.
When you clear away your mental and emotional obstacles, your mind will no longer hold you back from positive thinking. When you set your goals, your unconscious mind will support your strategy, making it easier to succeed. This is a huge identity and mindset shift that will help you reach your weight loss goals.Â
Now that we’ve covered how the human mind works, let’s take a look at the 5 common dieting mistakes and provide some solutions.
You might have heard about Karen, who tried the Low-Carb Diet, and Kyle, who followed the Keto Diet, and both of them managed to shed 12 pounds. Good for them! Now, you might be tempted to give these diets a try and hope to get the same results. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different. Each person has a unique biological system with specific nutritional needs. This is why those popular fad diets you see advertised may not necessarily work for you.
Solution:Â
Your best option is to try Intuitive Eating. This method helps you find foods that suit your body and give you the highest amount of energy and nutrients. Instead of following advice from friends and family, learn to listen to your own intuition. This way, you can lose weight without experiencing discomfort like gas, bloating, or cravings.
You need to assess if your weight loss goals are realistic and achievable. Sometimes, you might get really frustrated with your self-image and confidence, and that can lead to an all or nothing approach. This might result in nutrient deficiency which might make you feel tired. This is not a sustainable way to weight loss.
Solution:
Have you ever heard of the 20/80 Rule? It’s something I use to manage a healthy weight, and it can help you on your weight loss journey too. Basically, it’s about eating well most of the time and allowing yourself to enjoy treats or less healthy foods some of the time.
So, here’s how it works: aim to have nutritious and balanced meals about 80% of the week. That’s the majority of the time. Then, you can give yourself a break for the remaining 20%. It means you can indulge in those occasional cravings or enjoy your favorite not-so-healthy treats.
This approach can really help take the pressure off your mind. It makes you less likely to struggle with strong cravings or feel like you’re on a super strict diet all the time. It’s a balanced and more sustainable way to manage your eating habits and work towards your weight loss goals.
This is a big one. Almost every single client who reached out to me with their weight loss goals mentioned wanting to shed the extra pounds for events like weddings or to feel confident at the beach or pool during the summer. While these are valid reasons, it’s essential to understand that losing weight solely to please others or seek validation won’t lead to long-lasting results. Once the wedding or summer season comes to an end, the motivation to maintain a healthy weight may fade away.
Solution:
Be YOU! When you understand who you are and embrace and love yourself just as you are, you’ll begin to build the confidence you need. This self-assurance will help you achieve lasting results when you set weight loss goals for a healthier life and better aging. Instead of losing weight for short-term reasons, such as a wedding, focus on the big picture and enjoy long-lasting happiness with yourself.
When you are on a weight loss journey, failing to plan meals in advance can result in poor food choices when you’re hungry, increasing the likelihood of choosing unhealthy options.Â
Solution:
Meal Prepping is a great way to take charge of your diet and reduce your reliance on eating out or ordering food. When you meal prep, you get to pick your favorite ingredients, spices, and flavors. This means you can have fun and be creative in the kitchen. It’s all about you having more control and enjoying your food just the way you like it.
The final dieting mistake is not having a support system. When you don’t have support, your weight loss journey can be like trying to swim against a strong current. Imagine, your partner loves fast food, and you’re trying to stick to healthy, balanced meals. No matter how motivated or disciplined you are, the tempting smell and appearance of unhealthy food can lead you astray from your weight loss goals.
Solution:
You can have a conversation with your household members and ask them to support you in your food choices and eating habits. Another option is to partner with a Certified Health Coach, like me, to keep you on track and support your progress. Weight loss is not only about the foods that you eat, but also requires lifestyle and mindset shifts and I can help guide you through that process.
Losing weight is actually not complicated and it doesn’t need to be painful or stressing you out. Once you understand how your mind works, get your conscious and unconscious thoughts in sync, you can lose weight in simple, natural, and sustainable ways.Â
Not sure where to start?
Simply click on the green banner below, and you can set up a 15-minute sample coaching session with me. Together, we’ll help you build the skill of staying consistent, not just for your weight loss goals, but for any goal you want to achieve in your life.
"Most people don't have a problem going on a diet. The problem is being consistent on their diet."
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