If you’re just beginning a weight loss journey, your emotions can range from excited, to motivated to anxious. And while it’s perfectly normal to feel an array of emotions before committing to any big change, sometimes negative self-talk can hold you back from achieving your goals. We’ve compiled some of the most common excuses that can impact your journey to a healthier life—and ways to reframe your perspective.
Quote“I’m afraid I’ll fail.”
Fear of failure, experts consistently point out, is commonly based on a negative perception of one’s self.1 The remedy? Flip the fear of failure to trust in success. Work on thinking positively. Know that you can and will reach your goals with dedication and hard work. When you’re faced with a small challenge—such as a happy hour after work—remember how good it feels to opt for a healthier option instead of something that will have you feeling less than stellar a few hours later. Trust in the process: every little choice can add up to significant changes.
Quote“It’s overwhelming.”
Everywhere you turn, there seems to be new or conflicting information on nutrition, exercise and the latest diet trends. It can be easy to feel stressed or overwhelmed by just the thought of where to begin. If information overload has you feeling frazzled, try finding a program that is simple and straightforward—one that takes the guesswork out of the equation. If you’re unsure where to start, Jenny Craig does the meal planning for you and offers healthy, ready-made meals and a personal consultant to be your support system throughout your journey.
Quote“I don’t have time.”
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s not much downtime. Between work, family and social obligations, making yourself a priority may fall by the wayside. But by taking a step back and putting your health first, you’ll gain quality self-care that will be worth every minute. Here are a couple of idea starters:
- Replace time-consuming habits with more constructive ones. Instead of couch and television time, take a walk. Skip scrolling through your social media feed first thing in the morning and take the time to journal—or enjoy a warm cup of tea while you lay out your plans for the day.
- Make a checklist or keep a calendar. Commit in writing when you will see your Jenny Craig consultant, or get your heart pumping with some exercise, and take some time for yourself—soon these habits may become automatic.
Quote“I’ll have to give up my favorite foods.”
While it’s certainly important to focus on consuming the majority of your calories from healthy sources such as complex carbohydrates, lean meats, dairy, eggs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, you shouldn’t have to give up all your favorite foods entirely, as
long as they are enjoyed in moderation. In fact, a program that eliminates entire food groups should raise concern.2
If you’re following the Jenny Craig plan, expect to enjoy satisfying meals, snacks and desserts like pepperoni pizza, kettle corn and chocolate lava cake. With the right portions, you can still eat your favorite foods and not feel deprived.
Quote“How will I stay motivated?”
The more specific and challenging your goals are, the better your chances of succeeding at them.3 Creating a vision board of what you want from your new healthy lifestyle may help you reach those goals4: places you want to go, physical challenges you want to accomplish, opportunities you’ll gain. Even if it’s a small collage on your fridge, keeping your inspiration close by and revisiting it daily or weekly can help you stay motivated—and remind you why you started this journey in the first place.
Taking on a big challenge doesn’t mean that success comes only at the finish line. Enjoy the victories along the way, and reward yourself for them. Be open about your achievements with people you trust and share your excitement!
Are you ready to start a weight loss program that lets you enjoy your favorite foods while giving you the support you need to reach your goals? Book your free appointment with Jenny Craig to get started.
Sources:
[1] https://ibcnj.com/fear-of-failure-self-perception-and-the-power-of-positive-thought/
[2] https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/healthy-diet-mistakes#1
[3] Locke, E. A., Shaw, K. N., Saari, L. M., & Latham, G. P. Goal setting and task performance: 1969–1980. Psychological Bulletin. (1981). http://psycnet.apa.org/record/1981-27276-001.
[4]https://www.forbes.com/sites/eilenezimmerman/2016/01/27/survey-shows-visualizing-success-works/#5ed26526760b
Elisa Hoffman
Elisa is a content marketing manager for Jenny Craig with over ten years of experience working in the health and fitness industry. She loves sharing her passion for living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. A San Diego native and an endurance sports enthusiast, you can usually find her swimming, biking along the coast highway or running by the beach in her free time. Elisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Chico.
Favorite healthy snack: mozzarella string cheese with a Pink Lady apple.
QuoteQuoteThis article is written by experienced health and lifestyle contributors and reviewed by certified professionals.
Our goal at Jenny Craig is to provide the most up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics, so our readers can make informed decisions based on factual content. All articles undergo an extensive review process, and depending on the topic, are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutritionist, to ensure accuracy.
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