This is part 3 of the series that helps you get that clarity and be ready for your weight loss journey. If you didn’t complete parts 1-2, you might want to start there first.
Now that you are clear on how your current state limits you and what you want instead, let’s talk about what it will cost you.
What do you get to lose by losing weight?
If the weight loss only came with positive gains, you would not hesitate to do it. After all, if you could change effortlessly and instantly and keep eating all the foods you love, why wouldn’t you?
There must be something about your weight problem itself or, most likely, about the things you do that lead to weight gain that you enjoy or benefits you.
Here are some examples of common cons of losing weight:
- I love sweets, and I don’t want to stop eating them.
- Eating can be comforting in stressful situations. I don’t want to give it up.
- I need to eat less to lose weight, which means I’ll be hungry. I don’t like feeling hungry.
- I like unhealthy, fattening foods and dislike healthy ones. Weight loss implies no pleasure in eating.
- Having fun means going out with friends and eating and drinking whatever I want. Weight loss means I can’t have fun with my friends.
Make your list of cons
Take a piece of paper or a notebook and start answering the questions:
What do I have to lose by losing weight?
What will I have to sacrifice to get the body of your dream?
Give yourself five minutes, then return to the article.
Please save the paper or notebook you'll need it for the last part of the course.
Evaluate your list
Look at each item on your list and consider the benefits of those behaviors.
Is there an alternative way to get the benefit?
For example, eating when stressed gives me comfort and temporary relaxation. Many coping techniques will provide the same effect and might be even more effective than eating.
You had already made the list of weight loss benefits when you completed part 2 of the course. Compare the two lists of pros and cons.
- Which one is more impressive?
- Which list has items related to short-term desires vs. long-term values and goals?
Some cons are the prices you should be ready to pay to get the benefits of losing weight. Others are old beliefs about food or yourself that no longer serve you. You can challenge and reframe those old beliefs.
Sometimes there are other, deeper reasons you might want to hang on to your weight. They require honesty, emotional maturity, and real courage to face. You might like to discuss them with your friend, a therapist, or a nutritionist.
A woman once told me that if she lost weight, she would have to face the decision to have a child. She was terrified by the idea of pregnancy and giving birth. Her weight made her unfit to bear a child (at least in her mind) and served as a valid reason not to discuss starting a family until she lost weight.
Excellent work!
Keep an eye on my next email with more exercises and practices to get ready for your weight loss journey.