Have you ever wondered why some people have no trouble losing
weight and keeping it off while others struggle with the never-ending
weight yo-yo? Most people don't realize this, but there is a direct
connection between weight loss and self esteem/self worth, but not in
the way you might think.
Now, before I begin, I want to clarify that this article does not
apply to everyone who is overweight.
Some people may have gland or
hormone issues. For others, genetics may play an important role.
However a large percentage of people who are overweight never realize
that improving their self esteem BEFORE and during the weight loss attempt will make the process much easier.
People
tend to believe that their low self esteem comes from being overweight.
Yes, that is partially true because the weight just adds to the
negative feelings, but sometimes they forget to examine why they
got fat in the first place. Often times it's because they've used food
for comfort to help alleviate depression or low self esteem. So they
end up eating their way to an undesirable weight.
Losing the
weight is a constant struggle because they haven't addressed the real
reason they continue eating the wrong foods and avoid exercise. And
until they do, the weight loss will always be an uphill battle because
they will continue using food for comfort.
You must attack the
issue from the root. Overeating may only be a symptom of a bigger
problem. Why are you sad? Did you lose a loved one? Did you have a
nasty divorce? Were you abused? Do you constantly compare yourself to
others and feel inadequate? Do you always put yourself down?
When
you truly love yourself from the inside out and have a high degree of
self esteem, losing weight becomes much easier because you don't have
the suppressed feelings of inadequacy, anger, sadness, etc. Your main
focus is getting your body healthy because you want to do it for yourself and no one else.
Until you really
learn to love yourself for who you are, you will always feel sad or
inadequate about something in your life. The weight may come off
temporarily, but usually comes right back on.
Why?
Because
when you don't feel good about yourself, it's very difficult to stay
motivated to eat healthy, exercise and do all the things you need to do
to stay in shape. Your mind is too preocuppied with feelings of self
pity or other negative issues in your life. So the weight yo-yo
continues.
There are so many companies out here pushing the latest
diet pills, fat loss machines and so-called miracle solutions to weight
loss. I wish they would spend more time educating people on why
they are overweight in the first place. When people learn to attack
their issues from the root, they'll realize it's much easier to make
eating healthy and exercise a priority.
So before you blame a food
addiction for your weight problem, take it a step further and ask
yourself why you keep turning to that food for comfort. The solution to
your weight loss struggle may be a self esteem or lifestyle change
away. :-)
Lisa Irby is the author of http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com - a site that squashes many of the myths about weight loss and flattening the stomach.