Overcoming Self-Sabotage

By: Shana Adams (@bbgtonline) Ahh, good ol’ self-sabotage. It rears its ugly head periodically during my weight loss journey and I have to work extra hard to keep it at bay. Testify if you can relate: I worked hard all week. I followed my meal plans, logged my food on the My Fitness Pal app, and I’ve lost about half an inch. Time to celebrate. Whoop! Whoop! Let me go to Zaxby’s and get me a Wings –n- Things, I’ll just work it off tonight at the gym. Zaxby’s turns into a Chick-Fil-A biscuit twice a week, suddenly you’re standing around looking like boo boo the fool when that scale jumps up a couple of pounds. Anybody been there?  Well, I have a few tips on how I defeat self-sabotage.

1. Shopping! I love to pop tags, at the thrift store! Maybe you have reservations about wearing worn clothes, but I don’t. You better throw that dress in the washing machine and call it a day. I’ve lost 60 lbs, with plans to lose more. It gets expensive going to Express and New York & Company trying to get cute while you’re still in the process of losing weight. Truth be told, I’ve found some things at Goodwill from Express and New York & Company with the tag still on it. Don’t sleep on thrifting.
2. Get your hair/nails did. I’m a bit of a tomboy but this still applies. Most people don’t like to walk around bumming it out. I’ve gained a look of confidence in myself since I’ve lost weight. I have few reservations about my look now and I’ve started to compliment my clothes with manicured nails and a nice do. I wear wigs, so I don’t spend a grip getting my hair done because I can’t afford it but if you can, treat yourself.
3. Take a hike! Doing something fun could be a great way to avoid self-sabotage and it doesn’t have to cost a grip. I go out and walk the trail, feed the ducks, or go see a movie. Getting out of the house can do you some good. Getting out of the house keeps me active and, it takes my mind off of food.

There are many ways to prevent yourself from self-sabotaging. I still eat my cheat meals/snacks but I don’t let it snowball into self-sabotage anymore. One step forward, two steps back can wreak havoc on your progress and destroy your confidence in getting healthy. Reward yourself, but not with food. ----------------------- Shana is a 25 year old communications professional who took her health into her own hands and  started her weight loss journey mid 2010, but really took charge when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2012. She will be launching her health and fitness blog Big Boned Gets Toned! on May 6, 2014. You can view her Big Boned Gets Toned! weight loss vlog on youtube http://ow.ly/vbvYs

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