Regain Reality

Regain Reality

So many of us get on the weight loss train and ride it hard and fast. Even those who don’t get weight loss surgery work hard to lose weight. However, after a few months or even a year, holding on to those healthy habits becomes extremely difficult. Sometimes we get tired of seeing others eating the foods we once loved but know are not good for us. Other times we get frustrated having to put so much effort into what we eat. It is our brains that bring about the regain that often happens after losing weight. 

You hear it all the time. “You are going to gain it back and more.” It is part of what discourages us from trying to get healthy in the first place. However, if you are serious about wanting to make a difference in your life, it isn’t your body you need to change, it is your mind. There are always going to be people bringing you down. It is important for you to understand this, and put in place a barrier for the negativity. It is also helpful to understand the warning signs that regain is on the way. Trust me, I know from experience 

Regain can come about quickly and suddenly. It usually starts with this simple word ­— moderation. Yes, everything needs to be done in moderation, however, that word can quickly become the excuse that leads to your downfall. I find that the holiday season is when this word becomes your worst nightmare. The problem is, when you say, “Oh, I will just have a little bit,” your brain then tells you that it wants a little more. This is especially difficult when those delectable treats are staring you in the face, like at parties.

So, what can we do to avoid letting things get out of control? Well the easiest thing to do is make healthy eating a habit. Don’t look at it like a diet. Look at it as a way of life. Teach yourself to cook amazingly tasty things from scratch with healthy ingredients. When you go to these parties, bring a dish to share with your friends that is both yummy and health friendly. Start your own book of recipes and scour the internet for new things to try. 

Making sure that you plan ahead and keeping your mind strong can be the most important factor to your continued health. Remember how hard you worked to get healthy and lose weight. Keep in mind the sacrifices you have already made. Is it worth it to throw it all away just to indulge in something that doesn’t really do anything for you? No, not really. Find new indulgences that bring you happiness. Leave food to what it is meant for — nutrition.