To the person feeling drawn to lose weight.
Feeling a pull to lose weight is NORMAL. But, that doesn’t mean it is necessary. Matter of fact, it is likely the reason you are having a complicated relationship with food and potentially poor body image.
If you’re in the process of repairing your relationship with food and your body, it is also normal to feel a pull to lose weight. Just because you’re in the process of healing and are having a desire for weight loss, does not mean you’re not making progress. If anything, it is giving you the opportunity to use the tools you have created to combat these negative thoughts.
Society and social media highlight the immediate successes of weight loss programs, 6-week exercise programs, and new dietary supplements. What they don’t highlight, are the 6-12 months after the programs in which the individuals likely gain their weight back, fall back into previous habits, all while developing a worsening relationship with their body.
The desire to lose weight is a common feeling, you’re not alone. But, I challenge you to look at potential triggers that may be causing you to feel a pull towards weight loss. Common triggers include:
Trying on old clothing. Have you ever found a pair of jeans that you may have fit in 2 years ago, try them on, and realize they are no longer comfortable for you? The negative thoughts come sliding in. You get a pit in your chest that makes you feel less than. How come I fit in these jeans 2 years ago? What was I doing then (nutrition and exercise) to look that way? Should I go back to those routines?
Instead, remember our bodies are ever revolving. Just because we fit in an article of clothing a couple years ago (hey, maybe even last year!), doesn’t mean they are meant for us now. Remind yourself of the progress you have made of healing your relationship with food, new memories created with your family, and decreased stress levels you have experienced since wearing those jeans. Your progress is worth more than material. Donate the jeans, and go buy yourself some new ones! You deserve ‘em.
Seeing an old photo. Ever scrolled through your camera roll and found a photo of yourself from years ago? Instantly starting to compare your new body, to your old. “If only my arms still looked like that”. Instantly, the thought of how to achieve weight loss occurs.
Instead, focus on the memory of the photo. What were you doing in that photo that brought you enough joy to capture it? Was it being able to spend time with your grandmother who may not be around anymore, or visiting a friend in a new city? Regardless, the memory is more than the body in that photo. The progress and body you hold now, are worth more than an image reflected across your screen. The next time you go to snap a photo, remember, it is more about the memory, not how you look.
Seeing a peer lose weight. Have you ever had a co-worker or friend going through their own process of losing weight? You start to hear people commenting on their appearance, “thinness”, and saying how great they look. They start to comment back on how they are working to achieve their weight loss, including their restricting and dieting plan. The thoughts start to creep in.. maybe if I just follow her plan, right?
Instead, remind yourself of how you felt during your desire for weight loss and attempt. Your peer, is probably feeling the same way. Although they may feel validation from those little comments, their belly may be rumbling from prolonged restriction. They may be struggling to find peace with food. So, instead of adding to their validation, remind them of how STRONG they are. Why comment on someone’s appearance when instead, we can give a more meaningful comment about who they are. The weight loss won’t be forever and they will struggle like you did, to find validation. Be their first line of hope.
Time of year where you may have been losing or attempting to lose weight. A lot of times, we as consumers are drawn into the allure to “shed the lbs” for summer. Maybe it is a bathing suit commercial or a social media ad that creates a perception you need to slim down for summer.
Instead, focus on how you can work on yourself to feel your best in your skin. The thing is, there is no “summer body’ or figure that is meant for summer. A body, in summer, is a summer body! Just as a bikini on your body during the summer is a bikini body. It is important to value your body all year round and not force change that is not meant for you.
So, to the person feeling drawn to lose weight. You don’t need to. You are worth enough exactly the way you are.
With love,
Emily
