Dealing with failure

I was speaking with someone who started Weight Watchers at the same time that I did. I hadn't seen the person in a couple weeks. She asked how I was doing, and then said "I'm a diet failure". To which I replied, "if I can do it, anyone can". I truly believe that if I can lose weight, anyone can. But, these words are little comfort and will not help someone change their approach. (It is almost hypocritical for me to address this issue. I know exactly how this person feels.) Unfortunately, dealing with failure in weight loss requires one to look within.

First, you have to define failure. Losing as little as one-half pound a week may be perceived as failure by some and success by others. Or, we might set our goals too high by trying to lose more weight than our body is ready to lose. (Losing 10 pounds in two weeks is doable, but it is not sustainable.) Failing to lose weight, or even gaining weight for a week is not failure. It may be a set back, but it is not failure. The only time you have failed is when you quit, when you give up on not only weight loss, but yourself.

Second, you have to look at your plan. How is it you intend to reach your goal? Is it workable for you? Is a high protein diet workable? A low fat diet?

Once, you have determined that you aren't a failure, you have to address why you had a setback. Was there a stressful event last week? Did you attend a party or function where you strayed? Are you just going through the motions with the diet and not really addressing the inconvenient changes that have to be made? Are you planning your meals? Are you tracking your food? Are there too many temptations or "trigger" foods in your kitchen? Are you accountable to anyone or anything (the scale)?

Determining why you had a setback is crucial to weight loss success. We all go through the "I don't care" or "I'm a failure moments". But, we have to make those moments less debilitating and recognize that we really are worth it. We are worth the effort. It's time to put yourself first as it relates to weight loss and your food intake. You are not a diet failure!!