The secret to successful weight loss

You've decided that you want to lose weight and the way to do that is to eat better and do some exercise. You know exactly what foods you should eat less of (chocolates, cakes and biscuits) and what foods to eat (whole foods, more vegetables and more water). You might have even visited the doctor, dietician or a health coach to help you reach your goal. You've been doing well for a few days and then all of a sudden the cakes start to sneak back in and you start giving in to your cravings. It seems like there is a disconnect between what you know you should be doing and what you choose to do.

Sounds familiar? Most people who want to lose weight generally know what foods to eat and what foods to limit. The problem most people have is putting what they know into action.

I see lots of women who want to lose weight in my practice. I find that the women who are most successful at adopting healthier habits are those who are very connected to their "why". What I mean by this is that weight loss to them is about much more than just the numbers on the scales, it is more about self-love and living in line with their values.

For example, think to yourself: Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to feel better about yourself, to feel more confident, to feel sexy, to improve your self image? Is it so you are able to shop at any store that you want (that was the goal for one of my clients. She was fed up with not being able to shop at the popular fashion stores as they didn't go up to her size. When she lost weight, she was so happy that she could go shopping anywhere and fit into the clothes that she saw on TV or in magazines!)?. Will losing weight help you have more energy so that you can run around and play with your kids? Is adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet a way for you to start looking after yourself again? You're ready to make a commitment to yourself.

When weight loss comes from a place of self love, rather than fear (the numbers on the scale) you are much more likely to be successful and to keep it off effortlessly for life.

You will find it easier to make healthier choices (for example, choosing a healthier snack over biscuits) if you make your driving force more than the numbers on the scales. In other words, its easy to turn our backs on the numbers (especially if they're taking longer than what we hoped to come down) and choose a sugary snack but it's not as easy to turn our backs on feeling fabulous about ourselves and having more energy for our families.

So where is the best place to start? If you're on a weight loss journey or wanting to adopt a healthier habit such as an exercise program take a few moments and do some self-inquiry. Grab a sheet of paper and write down why it is you want to lose weight? Put some thought into it, perhaps you've never really thought about it in this manner.

The bigger your why, the more likely you are to be successful!

Check in with yourself regularly and keep reminding yourself of your why. This will make it easier to stay on track and to make healthier choices when your energy starts to slump at 3pm and you feel like a sugary snack or when you're bored and tired and feel peckish at 9pm.

There are many weight loss programs and diets out there but ultimately it comes down to a change in mindset. If you are ready for a more holistic approach to weight loss then please reach out at beatricepeters01@gmail.com or call 07 3357 8192 for an appointment.