How To Cope With Setbacks

Starting to lose weight is the hardest part, but that doesn’t take away the difficulty of the journey itself. Losing weight takes a physical, mental and emotional toll on the body, and dedication and motivation are essential, but that’s easier said than done. 

It is essential that you go into your weight loss journey knowing you’ll mess up sometimes! Setbacks are a natural part of the process, and you need to get into the mindset that striving for perfection will only make it harder to accept your mishaps. Think of setbacks as temporary hurdles, not earth-shattering obstacles that will completely derail your journey. Having this mindset promotes positivity, which is what you need to stay on track! 

Maybe you overdid it with a cheat meal, and it led to a cheat day or cheat weekend! It’s easy enough to do. Take the time to reflect on the factors that contributed to this. Was it simply a lapse in willpower? Were there external circumstances or emotional triggers? Understanding why you accidentally went off track will help prevent you from doing it again.

Want to lose 5kg in a week? Adjust your expectations! When we set unattainable goals, we may as well be setting ourselves up for failure. Weight loss progress is rarely linear, so be sure to educate yourself on what is both safe and attainable. Setting realistic expectations will help alleviate pressure and prevent disappointment when you’re faced with obstacles.

At the very beginning of a weight loss journey, your body is adjusting to a new way of life, and sometimes this adjustment may leave you feeling a little down. You need to recognise this as a normal part of the process, and indulge in some self-care! Treat yourself like you would a loved one facing the same challenges. 

Just remember, setbacks are temporary and your emotions are valid. Don't suppress them, in fact, if you're feeling overwhelmed, maybe you could benefit from a good cry!