Separating the physical and mental sides of weight loss

[Kairismummy]

Back in 2019 I lost 3st, I felt so much healthier because of it, but then life happened and with stressors etc I’ve put it all back on. I’m starting to feel rubbish again health wise and I know now is the time to do something about that.

I’m now 18st 5 and I’m planning on getting back to the NHS plan and calorie counting using MFP. My issue is how I separate the physical side of ‘I want to lose weight for my health’ with the mental side that says things like ‘you’re only worthy when you’re losing weight’ (the toxic side of weight loss if you will).

I’m looking for community that focuses on the loss, supports you through this hard days, but not in a way that’s toxic and damaging to mental health.

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer]

Hello and welcome to our friendly ad supportive forum. You have come to the right place for help and support. A lot of us have been in the same position. Life gets in the way and scuppers our good intentions. We have to dust our selves off and start again.

You have taken the first step by recognising that and coming here. Here is a link to help you find your way around and has information about what is on offerhealthunlocked.com/weight-l.... Do have a good look around and read all the links. You might like to start by joining the Weigh In and Daily Diary. You will meet others and get ideas and support.

Do join in as much as possible and you will get lots of support. Keep coming back and chatting and let us know how you are doing. If you have any questions just ask

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone]

Hi, good to see you back, though I'm sure you'd rather not be That's an interesting question. I think it comes down to doing something for you, rather than because you "should" do, or because other people will approve.

This coming Friday, we're starting a 4 week Challenge in the run up to Easter which is all about self care. That might be an opportunity to focus on yourself and what makes you happy, and along the way you may be able to shed some of the negative thoughts that trip you up

[walkthisway 2 stone Maintainer]

Hello Kairismummy

You are definitely in the right place for lots of advice and support on getting healthier. We are all at one stage or another of losing weight. A lot of us, like you, have lost weight and then put it back on. I have done that twice. We all understand the emotional battles involved in losing weight and keeping it off.

Joining in with as many threads on the forum as you can is a great way to start. You will benefit from supporting others as well as getting lots of support yourself.

I have been more successful on keeping weight off after my third attempt at losing because I have finally accepted that it is a new way of life. Healthier eating and exercise has become a new normal, with quite a few slip ups of course.

It is also best to start from a place of accepting yourself just as you are and anything you achieve towards getting healthier is a bonus. Being thinner does not equal being a better or more worthy person.

Lots of luck getting started and I look forward to hearing about your progress 😊