The Emotional Side Of Weight Loss: Feeling Low When Starting Out

When you start your weight loss journey it can be common to experience feelings of discomfort and stress due to the various physical and psychological factors associated with such a big lifestyle change.

Some people feel more tired and find their mood dipping at the beginning of their journey, and although it can be disheartening, it will turn around, and you'll start to feel better than ever! You're not alone, and we're here to break down the science behind why you might feel a bit out of sorts when you start your journey. 

When you start your journey, you have to set a goal for yourself and that in itself can feel a little daunting. Thinking about what foods to incorporate into your diet, watching your calorie intake and focusing more on exercise can cause stress to the body. 

Feeling low when starting a new diet can be influenced by various psychological factors. Here are a few examples:

• Social Pressure: You might be worrying about how you can stick to your healthy eating habits in social gatherings centred around food. This might make you feel like you need to avoid certain social settings, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and sadness.
• Self-Criticism: Striving for perfection or setting unrealistic expectations for weight loss can lead to negative self-talk, stress and sadness. It's important that you set attainable goals for yourself. If you're not sure of how you can sustain your journey, check out our blog on the safe and attainable rate of weight loss.
• Body Image Concerns: A weight loss journey has you focusing on your body a lot more. Unrealistic expectations for your desired shape and size can trigger dissatisfaction with your appearance and can bring on feelings of sadness or disappointment.

Caloric restrictions and changes in diet can influence your hormone levels! This includes serotonin and cortisol, which both play a vital role in regulating your mood. These hormonal changes can heavily influence your mood and you might experience feelings of sadness or irritability.

When you reduce your calorie intake to lose weight, your body mightn't be getting enough energy from your new diet. When your body lacks an adequate amount of calories it can lead to fatigue and low energy levels. It's important to know how many calories you can consume to stay healthy during your weight loss journey. Extreme calorie-restricted diets can be dangerous and they're bound to leave you feeling hungry, and tired and can bring on mood swings.

In the initial stage of your journey, you'll be losing a lot of water weight. Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue, and cause headaches and general overall discomfort. Water plays a big role in helping you to lose weight. Have a look at our blog here where we go more in depth about just how important H20 is!

You're likely beginning to workout when you start your weight loss journey and it can take some time for your body to adjust to your new way of life. Increased activity levels might cause temporary fatigue or aches and pains. 

We know how tolling a weight loss journey can be on the body and mind, but there are a few things you can do to avoid some of these feelings or at the very least ease them.

1. Gradual Changes: Make gradual dietary changes instead of extreme restrictions to allow your body to adjust more smoothly.
2. Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet includes a balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). 
3. Regular Meals: Eat regularly and make good food choices to maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep your metabolism active. 
4. Monitor Stress: Manage your stress levels through relaxation techniques, mindfulness and physical activity.
5. Monitor Sleep: Make sure you're getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. You can check out our guide to a good night's rest here for some tips. 

Don't let the initial stages of a weight loss journey deter you from progressing. All of these feelings are temporary and once gone, you'll feel better than ever. You've got this, ladies!