There’s such a big difference when you’re in a medical weight loss program versus losing weight for aesthetic and confidence purposes. Sure, for both, you’re going to want this to happen quickly, you’re going to want to do what you can to make sure nothing is stagnant. But overall, both of these are about setting sail on a journey towards a healthier, happier you. But let’s be honest—it’s not all smooth sailing.

The physical challenges are one thing, but the mental hurdles? Those can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. To a degree, there’s room for “failure,” and you should take your time if you’re doing it for aesthetic reasons and confidence. 

But when it comes to medical reasons, you need to lose weight quickly, but at the same time, it needs to be healthy. It’s like there’s more pressure cause there’s just no room for any sort of mistake. So what can you do? Here’s what you need to know about covering the mental challenge of being in a medial-based weight loss program.

Embrace the Struggle and Own It

It’s okay to acknowledge that the struggle is real. Pretending everything is easy-peasy doesn’t help anyone. It’s okay to have tough days, to feel frustrated, or even to wonder if it’s all worth it. But overall, accepting these feelings is the first step to overcoming them. You’re not alone in this; everyone on a weight loss journey hits these mental roadblocks. So, own your struggle. Just go ahead and recognize it, feel it, and then prepare to smash through it.

Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate the Small Wins

One of the biggest mental traps in a weight loss program is the “all or nothing” mentality. If you don’t hit your target weight by a specific date, you haven’t failed. The key is setting realistic and achievable goals. 

It could be losing a pound a week or simply making healthier food choices for a month. But overall, celebrate these small victories because they add to significant changes over time. Did you choose a salad over fries? High-five! Every small win is a step closer to your goal.

Mindfulness Can Be Your Secret Weapon

Okay, this sounds way too generic, right? Well, mindfulness isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for keeping your mental game strong. Being mindful helps you stay in the moment and appreciate the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. 

When you eat, really savor your food. When you exercise, feel the movement and strength in your body. Honestly, it’s all about making your weight loss journey more enjoyable.

Focus on What You Can Control

There will be days when everything seems out of your control. Maybe the scale isn’t budging, or life throws you a curveball that makes sticking to your plan impossible. Just don’t give up, and please don’t get mad at yourself! A weight loss journey is hard and unpredictable!

Visualize Your Success

So, it will help to take a few moments each day to imagine yourself achieving your goals. Just think about a healthier you, a happier you, one without any medical issues.