Many people when starting a weight loss journey often start with harsh diets, over-exercising, or constantly blaming themselves every time they accidentally eat something they “shouldn’t eat”. But the truth is that the more you force and be strict, the more your body and mind will resist.
Sustainable weight loss does not come from hating your current body, but from loving and appreciating yourself. When you learn to be gentle with yourself, not only will your body change in a more positive direction, but your soul will also become lighter and freer.
11 ways to love yourself to lose weight
Instead of just thinking about how much weight you have to lose, start this journey with the 11 ways to love yourself below. They will not only help you change your body shape, but also turn the weight loss process into a journey to live a healthier, happier and more meaningful life.
1. Love yourself
The first and most important thing is to learn to love yourself. Many people think that they only deserve to be loved when they have reached their ideal weight, fit into their favorite dress, or received compliments from others. But if you don’t start with self-love today, no weight milestone will be enough to make you feel fulfilled. Try a small habit: stand in front of the mirror every morning, look straight at yourself and whisper: “I love you unconditionally”. That seemingly simple affirmation is the first step to stop treating your body with hatred, and instead treat it with respect and care.
2. Eliminate self-criticism
One of the biggest barriers to losing weight is the habit of self-criticism. Have you ever thought “I’m not good enough”, “I’m too weak to persevere”? It is these sentences, repeated over and over, that have unintentionally become “chains” that hold you back. Try changing your perspective: if a child makes a mistake, would you say to him/her, “You’re useless, you’ll never change”? Certainly not. Then, you don’t deserve to receive harsh words from yourself. Losing weight is a long journey, and what you need most is encouragement, not criticism.
3. Be honest with your feelings
Many people overeat not because they’re hungry, but because they’re sad, worried or lonely. That’s called “emotional eating”. If you just try to suppress it, force yourself not to eat, that feeling will still smolder and eventually explode more violently. Instead, learn to be honest with your feelings. When you’re happy, enjoy it. Or when you’re bored, ask yourself what’s causing it. When you’re worried, write it down or share it with a friend. Acknowledging and listening to your feelings helps you release them healthily, instead of escaping them with food.
4. Be patient with yourself
Losing weight is not a sprint. The negative habits you have maintained for decades cannot be changed in just a few days. If you have not been consistent in exercising today, have not chosen a healthy dinner, that does not mean the whole journey has failed. Think of it as a small step to overcome. Real change comes from patience – one step at a time, slowly but persistently. Remember that even professional athletes started from zero.
5. Forgive yourself
In your weight loss journey, there will be times when you “accidentally” eat a cake or miss a few workouts. The important thing is whether you forgive yourself or not. Forgiveness does not mean ignoring or giving up, but accepting that you are human, and everyone makes mistakes. When you learn to forgive yourself, you will not be stuck in guilt, but instead will be ready to keep going.
6. Let go of worries
Stress and anxiety are the biggest enemies of weight loss. When you are stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which makes you crave sweets and accumulate belly fat more easily. Instead of letting worries consume you, learn to let go. A few minutes of meditation, a few deep breaths, or a walk in the park can help your mind return to a state of balance. When you relax, your body also responds more positively, making it easier to adjust your weight.
7. Practice gratitude
A small habit that has a big impact is practicing gratitude. Instead of just looking at your not-so-slim waist or your not-so-toned biceps, be grateful for the legs that take you for a walk, the eyes that help you read these words, or the heart that is still working hard every second. When you are grateful for your current body, you will want to take care of it with good food, gentle exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Gratitude makes the weight loss journey easier, because you are no longer “fighting” your body, but growing with it.
8. Nurture your dreams
Everyone has their own dreams: wearing a wedding dress again, climbing mountains with their children and grandchildren, or simply standing confidently in front of the mirror. Nurture those dreams, consider them as guiding lights. When you focus your mind on what you want, combined with positive beliefs, dreams will become a strong motivation to help you persevere with a healthy lifestyle.
9. Pamper yourself
Losing weight doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of all pleasures. Occasionally, allow yourself to enjoy a spa day, read your favorite book, or sip a cup of fragrant tea. These small pleasures give you energy and help you not feel like your weight loss journey is a miserable sacrifice. On the contrary, you are creating a balanced lifestyle where your body and mind are cared for.
10. Take care of your body with specific actions
Love yourself is not just a thought, but must be expressed through real actions. Nourish your body with healthy foods: green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein from fish and beans. Drink enough water, exercise moderately, take time to rest and get enough sleep. Your body is the only “home” you have in life, take care of it with all respect.
11. Live every moment to the fullest
Learn to live every day to the fullest. Try noticing the flowers on the side of the road, the laughter of a child, or the raindrops on the window. When you appreciate these small beauties, you learn to see the beauty in yourself. Losing weight is no longer a goal, but a journey that helps you live a healthier, happier, and more connected life.
