Self-sabotage is a common issue when it comes to achieving our health, fitness and weight loss goals. It can be frustrating to work hard and make progress, only to fall back into old habits and undo all of our hard work. However, with a little awareness and effort, it is possible to break the cycle, overcome self-sabotage and make lasting life long changes.
5 Tips to Overcome Self Sabotage
- Identify triggers: The first step in stopping self-sabotage is to identify the things that trigger your unhealthy eating habits. This could be stress, boredom, or even certain social situations. Once you know what triggers your self-sabotaging behaviors, you can start to develop strategies to avoid or manage these triggers. Example: keep the wine and desserts out of site, so they aren’t super tempting, or replace them with sparkling water and dark chocolate.
- Plan ahead: Preparation is key to staying on track with your nutrition. Plan your meals in advance, and make sure to have healthy snacks on hand to stave off hunger and cravings. This will help you avoid making impulsive decisions when you’re hungry and feel like you have no other options. Example: have a smoothie before going to a social situation where you know your food options will be limited.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important for overall health and wellness, and it can also help you stay on track with your diet. Make time for activities you enjoy, and prioritize getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation. Taking care of yourself can help you feel better physically and mentally, which can in turn reduce the temptation to self-sabotage. Try out one of our meditations, they are simple and free: Relax into Being by Dr. Stacia Kelly
- Surround yourself with support: Having a supportive network of friends, family, or a support group can be a huge help when it comes to sticking to your goals. Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you, and reach out to them when you need a boost.
- Be patient with yourself: Making lasting changes to your eating habits and lifestyle can take time, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up over setbacks or slip-ups, and instead focus on making progress over time. Heck, this one of the main reasons we called our company Strength & Grace, because you need both to get healthier!
In conclusion, self-sabotage is a common issue when it comes to reaching your wellness goals, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock to achieving them. By identifying your triggers, planning ahead, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with support, and being patient with yourself, you can break the cycle of self-sabotage and make lasting changes to your eating habits and lifestyle.