Weight loss is a journey, we have all heard this many times over but very few of us listen to this
We believe weight loss is a destination, to lose 1, 2, 10 stone… and when we reach that point, we will be happy...
So, by putting an end goal on to this, why is losing weight so hard!
Google is littered with weight loss plans and workouts plans to help us
Some promising ‘rapid weight loss results’ and other wild claims
You only have to Google ‘How to Lose Weight’ to see millions of search results
Which is why we have decided to put together this blog post
And answer the question we all want to know
Why Is Weight Loss So Hard
Let us look at why weight loss is so hard and the elements that make this a tough journey
Weight Loss And Stress
In an age of instant gratification, the weight loss journey is uniquely challenging
We're hardwired to expect swift results, whether it's from two-day shipping or binge-watching entire seasons of a show overnight
I think the term ‘credit card nation’ was created in early 2000’s where people expected instant results
And this transferred across to weight loss and changing your body shape
The months or years or gaining weight was overlooked and we expected to undo those results within weeks
The Pressure We Put on Ourselves
The very act of deciding to lose weight often comes from a place of self-criticism
Feelings of inadequacy, guilt over past indulgences, or dissatisfaction with one's reflection can serve as catalysts for this journey
But they also add an emotional weight, making each step feel heavier than it should
Weight loss is often linked to self-worth
Every missed milestone or minor setback becomes a testament to one's perceived inadequacy
This link between weight and worth intensifies stress, making the journey a constant emotional roller-coaster
If the scales don’t move for a week or two
Or the workouts don’t get easier
Then we instantly think negatively
We ignore the fact we are;
Eating Healthier
Exercising More
Sleeping Better
Instead, we focus on the negatives and not on the overall picture (remember we tell ourselves it’s a journey…)
Social Media and Perceived Societal Standards
The society we live in worships the "ideal" body, a standard that shifts like quicksand
Every era, decade, and year brings a new ideal, bombarding individual with images of perfection
Falling short of these ever-changing standards adds a layer of stress that's external but deeply felt
With social media now and its incredible ‘ability’ to mask real photos with fake filters, expert lightening, and photo angles
We are led to believe that the ‘perfect’ body has a look that may not represent our true image
Quick thought for you: ‘Fitness Influencers’ you see in shape all year round tend to live in a calorie deficit or close to this all year, it is the only way they can maintain their physique (not to mention potential steroid use too)
But the true influencers, competition-based competitors don’t
And the reason is because this level of ‘leanness’ isn’t sustainable or healthy long term
This is not to say you need to ‘get fat’ and put weight on above what is a healthy weight
But the stress you but on your body and hormones by living a certain lifestyle isn’t beneficial and another reason why you can admire they look they have created, but shouldn’t wish for it all year round
Weight Loss And Pressure from Friends and Family
Starting a weight loss journey is a personal decision, but it's rarely experienced in isolation
Friends, family, colleagues - everyone seems to have an opinion, a piece of advice, or, unfortunately, a judgment
If you are someone who has tried to lose weight in the past and been unsuccessful, then this too can lead to unwanted comments and attention as ‘Your Name is on another diet again…’
Unwanted Comments
Whether it's a passing comment about how "that piece of cake won't help your diet" or a well-meaning but misplaced "You look just fine as you are!", words have weight
These comments, while often stemming from concern or ignorance, can derail one's motivation and self-esteem
Weight Loss Isn't Just a Physical Transformation
It's a deeply emotional and mental one
When one's inner struggles are met with external criticism or scepticism, it magnifies the challenge
Missed targets and slip ups can often cause more stress and in some cases leads to people either wiping that day or the rest of the week off and ‘starting again Monday’
The Spotlight Effect
Knowing that family and friends are aware of one's weight loss journey can feel like being under a spotlight
Every choice — to eat dessert, skip a workout, or have a cheat day — feels magnified
This persistent awareness creates a pressure cooker of emotions
The fear of disappointing loved ones, or being the subject of their discussions, adds a layer of complexity to the already challenging journey
Weight Loss And Social Obligations and Fear of Missing Out
Eating out is a huge part of some people’s social circles
And for this some people choose to skip or miss these days adding more stress to their weight loss journey
Food Choices When Eating Out
Every social invitation can feel like a test of willpower
Birthday parties with their tempting cakes, dinner outings with rich cuisines, or even simple gatherings with snacks can pose challenges
Opting out isn't always a viable solution either
Declining invites to stay on track can lead to feelings of isolation or missing out on cherished moments
Balancing Social Expectations
Being on a diet often places one in the limelight
Friends might coax with a "One bite won't hurt!" or question diet choices
Resisting these pressures while maintaining social grace is a delicate balancing act
There's also the internal struggle: the guilt of indulgence versus the fear of social exclusion
It's a tug of war that can leave one emotionally drained
Weight Loss And The ‘All or Nothing’ Approach
Diving headfirst into a new challenge is commendable
However, when it comes to weight loss, an all-or-nothing approach can do more harm than good
Too Much Too Soon
The initial surge of motivation often leads to drastic measures: cutting out all sugars, working out for hours daily, or adopting highly restrictive diets
While this might show results initially, it's unsustainable in the long run
Such extreme measures can lead to burnout, fatigue, and even health complications
The body, when subjected to sudden and severe changes, can retaliate with cravings, mood swings, and a drop in energy
The Cycle of Extremes
This approach fosters a cycle of extreme restriction followed by relapses
A minor slip, like indulging in a favourite snack, can lead to feelings of failure, prompting thoughts like "I've already ruined my diet today; I might as well binge"
This cyclical pattern is not only detrimental to physical health but also wreaks havoc on one's mental well-being
The constant highs of rigid discipline followed by the lows of perceived failure can destroy self-confidence and motivation
How To Make Your Weight Loss Journey A Success
Small Steps Leads to Big Results
Weight loss isn't about massive, sweeping transformations overnight
It's about the tiny, seemingly inconsequential decisions we make each day
These small changes, over time, amass to produce significant results
Habits Are the Key to Your Success
The human brain thrives on routines
Incorporating small, daily habits can wire the brain to expect and even crave these positive behaviours over time
Think of the habits you need to create to have the body shape, lifestyle and weight loss results you want and slowly work at bringing these into your new routine
Have you ever noticed how some people ‘just eat healthy’
This is their habits; this is what they have created over time
Just like you able to drive a car without ever really having to think about it
Diets are the same…
Celebrating Small Wins
Setting micro-goals gives a huge sense of achievement
Instead of focusing solely on the final weight loss target, celebrate the minor milestones along the way
Whether it's being consistent with a new habit for a week, resisting a particular craving, or even noticing a slight positive change in energy levels, these moments deserve recognition
Create The Right Supportive Environment
Your environment can make or break your weight loss journey
The good news? You have control over the atmosphere you cultivate
Open Conversations
Initiate candid discussions with family and friends about your weight loss journey
Express your needs, boundaries, and how they can best support you
Share educational resources or your personal research
This not only helps them understand your journey better but may also dispel misconceptions they might have about weight loss
Find Your Community Outside of Family and Friends
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals
Joining weight loss groups, fitness classes, or online communities can provide a haven of understanding and motivation
Hearing others' success stories, challenges, and strategies can offer both inspiration and actionable insights
With all the negative around social media, there are also a lot of positives when it comes to finding the right supportive communities to help you on the way
Navigating Social Situations with Confidence
Dining out, attending social gatherings, or even a simple coffee date shouldn't become a source of anxiety
With planning and strategies, you can enjoy these occasions without derailing your goals
Preparation is Key
When heading out, a little research goes a long way
Many restaurants now offer nutritional information online
By reviewing menus in advance, you can make informed choices that align with your dietary goals
Carry Healthy Snacks
If you're unsure about the food choices at a social event, having a nutritious backup can prevent unhealthy indulgences
Balancing Enjoyment and Goals
Restricting yourself constantly can lead to feelings of deprivation
It's essential to strike a balance
For instance, if you're at a party, savouring a small portion of your favourite dessert is okay
It's about the overall dietary pattern, not an isolated meal or snack
Remember, food is also about enjoyment
Savour your meals, enjoy the flavours, and make memories
A holistic approach to dieting incorporates both health and happiness
Flexibility Over Rigidity
Your weight loss journey won't always be linear
There will be plateaus, fluctuations, and unforeseen challenges
Instead of rigid targets, cultivate flexibility
Adjust your goals as per your progress and circumstances
Celebrate non-scale victories
Weight is just a number
Focus on other positive changes – improved energy levels, better sleep quality, enhanced mood, or even the joy of trying a new physical activity
Gym Reb3l 6-Week Body Transformation Challenge
Our 6-week challenge has helped 1000’s of women both in person and online lose weight, change their body shape, and create incredible habits that have helped them to keep their new results
Click ‘Message Gym Reb3l Now’ and book your consultation to find out more about our challenges
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