Ep 16 How to Stop Sabotaging Yourself When Losing Weight in Menopause

In this episode I explain to you what it was like for me when I was in menopause and weight loss was slow as molasses. It was nothing like before menopause. I explain why I was sabotaging myself, and why you might be doing the same. In the “good old days” (before menopause) I could gain 20 lbs. fast and lose it fast. For years I would do this-up and down, it makes me nauseous to think about it now. I remember I could easily lose 10 pounds in a month.

Then here comes menopause and when I did my usual check-in to Weight Watchers to lose the same 20-30 lbs., I would get on the scale week after week and lose nothing, or ½ lb. and I was so GOOD. It was so frustrating. I would tell myself it wasn’t enough, it’s not like it used to be, what’s wrong with me, or my body?? So I would tell myself, I need to be “gooder.” And I would get more tight with my points and make more sacrifices and give up more of my fun. I thought, “I can do this for a limited time.” That’s what I would really think. And it was as limited as I could stand it for as long as I could stand it, but sooner or later, I needed my fun back, or my relaxation back or I needed to chill. This is what I made food mean to me and I know you do the same.

The reason you may be sabotaging your efforts, is because it actually feels like a relief. So what do you have to change? Hint: it’s in your head, and sounds like “rain.”

In menopause we have to get even tighter and stricter with ourselves in order to see the results we used to see, and if we don’t we blame it on our hormones. But really it’s just our bad habits rearing their ugly heads all at one time. No wonder we need some relief — relief from our thoughts.

Do you see eating food as fun and relaxation and maybe even as a tranquilizer? Nothing like a good storm eat to feel numb for a while, huh?

In other words, fogging and storming are ways to relax, enjoy and have fun. If that’s what you made it mean. Then of course you’re going to interrupt the flow the minute you start to have success. In the end, what means more to you? The success of losing weight, or not having any fun or relaxation for who knows how long. How long can you hold out?

You cannot do something when you tell yourself you’re taking something wonderful away from yourself, that’s sabotaging. So the first step to helping yourself keep going as you begin to lose, is be very mindful what you tell yourself when you start.

Enjoy the show!

To get your free copy of the Thinner Peace in Menopause and Beyond Podcast Companion please go to https://drdebbutler.com/change. This will make it even easier to follow along with me on future podcasts.

If you like what I’m talking but think you need more guidance, I am offering a free consultation to my listeners to answer any questions you might have about anything I’ve talked about, such as keeping a food journal. Just go to https://drdebbutler.com/workwithme.

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