Last week I joined Weight Watchers. This is not the first time I have been a member. I think back on the first time I joined this organization to lose weight. It was probably about 30 years ago. And oh boy, have things changed. From what I can see, this program is a lot easier than almost anything else out there, except for maybe a meal replacement diet. But I have tried those and they are not for me.
I think that is half the battle of taking off unwanted pounds…finding a plan that will work for you and that you can make a lifestyle change. The other big part of being to get to a healthy weight is dealing with the issues in your life that may have lead to your weight gain in the first place. Our mental health plays a large part in the choices we make.
I have tried my share of programs to lose weight and unless you are mentally prepared to make the necessary changes, I don’t think it matters how good the program is, it will probably not work for you. If you have other things that are preventing you from being happy, these things will most likely be a catalyst for emotional eating.
Most of the weight loss plans can teach you how to eat healthy and what exercise is needed to lose weight and build muscle. But leaning to avoid emotional eating is more difficult. Emotional eating is eating past the point of being full as well as eating when you are not hungry just to take your mind off of what is bothering you at the time.
I am a firm believer that unless you balance your life and do things to put yourself first, it is going to be difficult to reach your weight loss goals. Losing weight is about learning to eat healthy without feeling deprived. Everyone likes to feel like they are getting away with something and individuals trying to lose weight are no different.