I was in my early 40’s and had just come out of a relationship that had been filled with socializing, overeating and some drinking. My body was inflamed and puffy. I felt sluggish. It was time for a serious Kim Overhaul.

I thought I was doing the right thing by starting a major detox and exercise reset. I cut my calories and limited my food groups based on what the “experts” were claiming. I cut out the “bad” foods.

I also added Shaun T’s Insanity and Tony Horton’s P90X to my daily workouts. If you have ever done Beachbody workouts, then you know. Torture.

I wish I could say I only did this once in my adult life, but there were many versions of this story over the years. I was so motivated at first, but as I did with all diets, I lost motivation and desire.

I only focused on 2 things. Keep reading to see what I did wrong and see if you are doing these, too.

If you feel like you are unmotivated or climbing up a huge mountain during your health journey, check out these 5 things that aren’t serving you.

Negative self-talk

Your mind and body hear and respond to every negative word you say.

When you have shame, bullying, guilt, trauma or have had parents focused on physical appearance, it’s easy to keep letting those thoughts come into your head even as an adult. It’s not your voice or your story anymore.

You don't have to believe every negative thought. Talk to yourself like you would your best friend.

Start the day with affirmations like:

I am lovable regardless of my body shape and size.

I can always try again.

My body can do amazing things.

I don’t have to be perfect.

I have permission to eat.

When you can, give yourself the grace you would give others.

Keeping clothes that are not the right size

If your clothes feel tight and uncomfortable, it is just a reminder of not feeling good about your body.

If you keep bigger clothes, you may have fear that you will gain weight and have to wear them.

Either way you are not in the present moment. Start where you are, be where you are and do not compare yourself to others or your younger self.

Classifying food as good or bad

My clients often say, "I was bad today. I ate a bagel". (or fill in the blank with your food choice)

When you consistently classify everything you eat as good or bad, you may also classify yourself as good or bad.

You are good all the time. You are welcome to eat more nutrient dense food to focus on health, but you are not a bad person when you choose otherwise.

Focusing only on diet/restriction and exercise

When it comes to losing weight and getting healthy, your focus may only be on food and working out.

One of the biggest components that can't be overlooked is stress. My clients who feel like they are "doing all the things", but don't feel well or are not getting results are ignoring the stress.

Reducing stress through self care, quiet time, alone time, walking, meditating, tapping or anything that calms your system is vital these days.

The other components to pay attention to for a healthy balance are:

Home life, connections & relationships

Mental health

Spirituality

Energy

Rest, sleep & selfcare

Dieting and restriction are literally doing the opposite of what you need. By restricting food and calories, you set yourself up for binge eating later in the day. P

Physically, your body is doing its job by telling you that you didn't eat enough.

Mentally, you feel like it's your fault you couldn't stay the course. You feel like a failure, but your body knows how to help you.

When you listen and give yourself permission to eat, you can find a happy and healthy personal balance. Your moods and energy will also be so much better.

Reach out and apply for a free 30 minute consultation if you are ready to find your individual and personal health balance.

Being healthy is about so much more than the food.

XOXO,

Kim