Losing weight can be a tricky and frustrating process, especially when you feel like you're
doing everything right, but the number on the scale just won't budge. That's where focusing
on building healthy habits comes in. It's all too easy to get caught up in the numbers and
forget about the most important thing - sustainable lifestyle changes. In this post, we'll
explore the benefits of focusing on habits instead of the scales when it comes to weight loss.
The Problem with Focusing Solely on the Scale
When we focus solely on the number on the scale, we turn an important process into a
numbers game. This puts tremendous pressure on people, especially those who are actively
trying to lose weight. It's crucial that we remember that the scale only tells us one small part
of the story. It doesn't take into account muscle mass, water retention, or even the time of
day. When we focus solely on the scale, we're bound to be disappointed and even give up
when we don't see the results we want.
The Importance of Building Healthy Habits for Sustainable Weight Loss
Focusing on building healthy habits for sustainable weight loss is a more effective and
realistic approach. When we focus on habit change, we shift our attention away from the
numbers and towards the behaviours that are important for long-term success. Instead of
obsessing over the scale, we can focus on the habits that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
This approach also helps to eliminate the all or nothing mentality that plagues many
people struggling with weight loss.
By focusing on creating healthy habits, we can gradually change our lifestyle and achieve
long-term weight loss success.
Healthy habits can include things like regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating a
balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. By focusing on these habits, we can improve our
overall health and well-being, which can lead to weight loss as a natural result.
Furthermore, building healthy habits can help us establish a positive relationship with food
and exercise. Rather than seeing them as a means to an end (i.e., weight loss), we can enjoy
them for the benefits they provide to our health and well-being.
Tips for Identifying and Changing Unhealthy Habits
The key to building healthy habits is to start small and work on changing one habit at a time.
This approach might not seem like it's making much of an impact, but it creates a solid
foundation for lasting change. A great place to start is to identify one unhealthy habit that
you want to change. Once you've identified a habit that you want to change, take small
steps towards changing it. For instance, if you tend to snack on junk food in the evenings,
swap those snacks for healthier options like fruit, veggies, or nuts. The more you practice
the new habit, the more it becomes a part of your routine.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1.Keep a food and exercise journal - Tracking your daily food and exercise can help you
identify unhealthy habits and patterns.
2. Set realistic goals - Start small and focus on making incremental changes. Don't try to
overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight.
3. Identify triggers - What situations or emotions lead to unhealthy habits? Identifying
these triggers can help you avoid them or develop healthier coping mechanisms.
4. Find healthy replacements - Replace unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives. For
example, instead of reaching for a sugary snack, try a piece of fruit or a handful of
nuts.
5. Jump on a call with one of our weight loss coaches. All calls are free and last around 30 minutes. They are a great way to discuss your current habits and get suggestions for more small lifestyle changes to help support weight loss. https://www.pocketcoach.online
The Role of Mindfulness in Building Positive Habits for Weight Loss
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for building positive habits. It helps us learn to be present in
the moment and to pay attention to our thoughts and behaviours. Practicing mindfulness
can help us build awareness around our unhealthy habits, allowing us to make healthier
choices. For instance, if we tend to snack mindlessly while watching TV, practicing
mindfulness exercises like breathing exercises or yoga can help us become more aware of
our behaviour and make better choices.
Celebrating Non-Scale Victories: Tracking Progress Beyond the Numbers
Finally, it's important to remember that progress isn't always reflected on the scale.
Celebrating non-scale victories is an important part of focusing on habits for weight loss.
Non-scale victories are accomplishments that are not related to the number on the scale but
instead reflect positive changes in our lifestyle and well-being. Some examples of non-scale
victories include:
1. Increased energy levels
2. Improved sleep quality
3. Increased strength or endurance
4. Improved mental clarity and focus
5. Improved mood and emotional well-being
Tracking non-scale victories can help us stay motivated and focused on our weight loss
journey, even when the number on the scale doesn't budge. Celebrating these victories can
help us build confidence and a positive mindset, which are essential for long-term weight
loss success.
Focus on Building Healthy Habits
By focusing on building healthy habits instead of the number on the scale, we can create
meaningful and lasting change in our lives. While the scale has its place in weight loss,
putting too much emphasis on it can cause more harm than good. The same goes for focusing on appearance. (read our blog on this here;
Small, sustainable changes to our daily habits can create real progress, and celebrating non-scale victories can help keep us motivated along the way. So the next time you step on the scale, remember to take it with a grain of salt and keep your eyes on the bigger picture - building a healthier, happier you!
We hope you gained something, stay tuned on our socials for more. Pocket Coach Emma Phillips
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