Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemy regarding weight loss. While we may be successful in losing an initial amount of pounds, maintaining a target weight can be a trickier process. Weight loss is not just about eating less and exercising more; it is intertwined in our psyche through aspects of our personal mental and physical makeup. 

Self-Sabotage In Weight Loss

Most people are unaware of their self-sabotage regarding their experience with weight-loss struggles. Self-sabotage lies at the heart of weight loss psychology and roots many unachieved goals. The problem with self-sabotage in weight loss is that it does not always appear in ways which we would recognize. 

For instance, we may be aware of an action we want or need to take or not take, and then we do the opposite. Self-sabotage, in many ways, has little to do with a person’s lack of willpower; instead, it has to do with the perceived positive benefits from resisting change. It is human nature to make choices that provide satisfying benefits somehow; we don’t do things without filling a need. 

Let’s take a look at how self-sabotage may be derailing your weight loss and what you can do to get back on track.

Getting Real About Your Motivations And Motives

Any weight loss journey is riddled with successes and setbacks, which is why self-reflection is vital to reaching and maintaining your goal weight. Getting down to the root of your motivations and motives is an essential part of a successful weight loss and wellness journey. 

For example, your motivations surrounding eating certain foods may be that you need to feel satisfied and fulfilled. Once you recognize the trigger, you can implement other ways to achieve that same feeling of satisfaction and fulfill that need without connecting it with food. 

Our motives for our actions when involving food typically do not have anything to do with the food itself, but instead, they stem from other areas of our subconscious psyche. To steer clear of self-sabotaging behaviors in weight loss, consider keeping a journal of not only what and when you eat, but also specifically how you feel before, during, and after those meals. Real progress in weight loss requires interpersonal reflection and action. 

Surround Yourself With Support

Tackling self-sabotage in your weight loss journey is difficult to do alone. Surrounding yourself with people who are experienced in the process of weight loss will provide you with the support you need to recognize and correct self-sabotaging behaviors to reach your weight loss goals.