There is more to losing weight than simple calories in vs calories out. It is also more than finding out what foods work for you and what do not.

The number one important step that many of us do not pay attention to is our mindset. Here is a simple step by step analysis to help you discover if your mind is sabotaging your weight loss success and what you can do to stop it.

Imagine Yourself at Your Goal Weight

An interesting test you can do right now is to imagine yourself achieving your weight loss goal. It is a beautiful sunny day, and you may be dressed in your favorite outfit walking down the street. Imagine this and have a sense of what it feels like.

Are you attracting eye contact? How do you feel about people looking at you? Do you hold your head high or do you worry about others’ opinion?

Analyse Your Emotions

In today’s society, the bigger people get, the more invisible they appear. In your mental picture of reaching your goal weight, you are now highly visible.

If, in any way, you feel uncomfortable about members of the opposite sex catching your eye or other women looking at you approvingly or disapprovingly, then you will not be successful in losing weight.

Anything that makes you feel uneasy about your goal weight and being visible means that your chances of success in losing weight will be very slim. It is not going to happen. You will find ways to self-sabotage whatever program you follow.

Understand Why You Are Uneasy About Losing Weight

Think about your childhood. Were you raised in an environment where you were ridiculed when you played dress up. Perhaps you were constantly put down, made to feel worthless – or it was a sin to be proud about your appearance?

Does your husband or partner constantly make snide remarks when you try to look good? Or perhaps your best friend is overweight, and every time you lose a few pounds she will subtly make sure you do not lose weight, so you do not show her up!

Understand Your Internal Dialog

You may have had a rough upbringing, or you may have been an awkward teenager. Forget about the past. Move on and start being proud of yourself. Identify the thoughts that sabotage your weight loss efforts and work to stop and change them.

Maybe it’s your internal dialogue that has you feeling worthless. You need to consciously make them stop by saying ‘stop’ out loud. It might sound silly, but this simple action will break your chain of thought and allow you the opportunity to feel good about yourself and start putting yourself first.

Embarking on a healthy weight loss program should inspire you, energize you and make you feel proud of yourself. It also takes time and patience.

When you begin a weight loss process from a place of self-love and acceptance, you will be more likely to set realistic goals and enjoy the changes occurring in your body and mind.

When it comes to ideals of beauty and body image, we often hold ourselves to such high standards, it does us a disservice.

You deserve the same respect and compassion as anyone else so talk to yourself the same way you would talk to a friend when trying to comfort them or reassure them that they are beautiful and worthy.

This is your time to pamper yourself and be mindful. Remember to stand tall and know that you are loved and that you are worth loving.

Is there a time in your life which you remember for the intensity of an otherwise simple ‘offhand’ comment that has affected you for years? Now is the time to release these emotions and not let them have the hold they once had over you. Now is your time to step out and be your own woman.

If you would like to know more about this topic, as well as other topics particularly for women, then you may enjoy listening to the 2018 Menopause Weight Loss Summit. This is a free online summit helping women to find relief in their menopause years.

Many women 45+ can feel isolated and at a loss as they approach menopause. I help women navigate this uncharted territory with wisdom and understanding.

Do you have any thoughts that sabotage your weight loss efforts? Are you undertaking a weight loss program of any kind? Please tell us about your results and why you think you were able to achieve so little. Join the conversation!