Psychological Barrier of Weight Loss

I don't know if it is the correct term, maybe with my explanation you will understand what do I mean with Psychological Barrier of Weight Loss. I have a few barriers that I need to surpass in my quest to become slim again. These barriers are set in my mind. I found that when I reach certain kg, the weight loss would stop for a while and in the past, I would gave up my diet. I hope when I reach these barriers, I would still be determined to continue with my diet and continue to lose weight.

I had just passed my first barrier this week. My first barrier was 82kg. After I gave birth, the lowest I could get was 82kg.. I reached 78kg once but it was only for a day and that was after 2 weeks of very strict diet. Usually, no matter how hard I tried, my weight would always loiter around 82kg and then I give up and gain my weight again. The cycle would went on and on again forever if I do not break it. Last few days, I reached below 82kg but unlike before, I am determined to continue with my diet and hoped to break the next few barriers as well.

My next barrier would be 76kg. I would be damn happy if I could reach 76kg because that was my weight before I was pregnant..

After that, 68kg would be my next barrier. When I wanted to get engage in 2006, no matter how hard I tried, it only stays at 68kg.

Next would be 60kg. When I was about to get married, I tried and tried but the best I could do was only 60kg. As usual, it stops there and refused to go below 60kg. And of course after my wedding, I did not care about dieting anymore.

Last and final one would be 56kg. After leaving school, the lowest I would ever reach was this. It never go below this. Of course I do not dream of becoming 56kg again as I am not 18 anymore :)

Anyway, I found an interesting article about breaking the psychological cycle of weight loss. Here are the 7 steps mentioned in the article. Enjoy!

Seven Steps to Breaking the Psychological Cycle of Weight Loss

1.  Stop Diet Deprivation. Diets that put severe restrictions on what you can eat oftentimes arouse binge eating. While you may hold out for a while, one day you’ll decide depriving yourself is not worth it, or you can’t take it anymore, and you dig into the refrigerator, freezer or snack cabinet with a vengeance. Allow yourself small indulgences that are satisfying and will help you avoid harmful binging.  
2. Plan Ahead. What if you should slip? The best way to avoid slipping is through pre-planning. So, if you’re off to a backyard barbecue or family gathering decide ahead of time what your plan is. Eat something healthy and filling before you go out and then allow yourself a few special treats at the party, but exercise portion control. If you know that Aunt Mary is making your favorite dessert, plan on having a small slice and savor it. Managing your weight and enjoying life should go hand in hand.
3. Set Realistic Weight Loss Goals. To avoid the frustration of failing, don’t overstress yourself with unrealistic weight loss goals. You gained weight slowly over time and it will take some time to gradually lose that weight. Slow, but sure is the best approach.
4. Choose Healthy Outlets for Emotions. Instead of opening the refrigerator when you’re upset, how about phoning a friend, or take a walk. Discover something that makes you feel calmer or happier – something other than food or alcohol. Do yoga, dance around your living room, meditate or go out bowling with a friend.
5. Stop Harboring Hurts. Work through issues that are upsetting you. Talk to a therapist or even a friend. Don’t let hurts, even old wounds or patterns that reach back into your childhood, affect you and your relationship with food.
6. Remember Why You’re Dieting. It helps to stop and remember why you’re dieting in the first place. Is it to have more energy, look and feel better, alleviate health problems or increase your self esteem? Keeping the goal in mind is critical to your weight loss success.
7. Use Your Mind to Break the Cycle. The fact is you can do it. It’s all in your mind – the power to lose the weight rests with you. Believe you can succeed and you will succeed. If you want to put an end to the psychological cycle of weight gain, start by turning all of your negative self talk into positive affirmations. That’s the best way to break the cycle.

Instead of saying: “Look at that fat belly. It just won’t go away.” Think positive: “Yes, my belly is fat now, but it won’t always be. I plan to be fit, not fat. I’m heading to the gym after work today.”

Keep your goal in mind at all times. Write down your positive affirmations and put up visual reminders of what you want to attain – that dress you want to buy, that seaside resort you’re longing to visit this year, or even a picture the happy person you want to be again. It’s all within reach if you set your mind to it, keep active, exercise, and prepare healthy menus that you enjoy.