10 Ways to Practice Self-Care for Weight Loss

As of today, I weigh 220 lbs. I was in the 190’s when I got pregnant with my daughter back in February 2016.  I weighed almost 270 lbs the day she was born! She is 20 months old now and I still have 25 lbs to lose just to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. Then, I would like to lose another 40 or so. I’ve lost and gained weight so many times in my lifetime that I’ve lost count. There are days where I’m pissed at myself for still needing to get this baby weight off. I should have been back at my pre-prego or even goal weight by now! BUT, I stop myself when I have these thoughts and redirect them.

I gained 70 lbs during my pregnancy. 70! Do you know how much weight that is?! I’ve lost 50 of it. I haven’t gained ANY of it back. That’s a huge accomplishment itself. I still get frustrated with myself that I’ve been hanging out in the 220’s for months now BUT have I really given this weight loss journey 100%? Nope.

I’ve blogged several times about the challenges of adjusting to my new life as a work at home mom with a baby! I’ve kept Catalina at home this entire time without having to put her in daycare. I’ve done all of this while working full-time for a corporation, running 2 blogs, taking care of Chuy, losing my job, and trying to have a life in between. It has NOT been easy. There are times where all I’d rather do is sit on the couch, binge watch Netflix, and eat icing out of a jar. Shoot, there’s been a few nights where I DID do that! I should weigh 300 lbs by now based on how I used to deal with shit.

At any other time in my past life, I would have gained back a shit ton of weight. I actually have no doubt that I’d be pushing the 300 lb mark if I still had my same way of thinking about weight loss and body image.

I know for an absolute fact that I’ve been able to do this because of all I’ve already been through and the work I did on myself.  I developed a system that works. It’s not a diet. It’s not a weight loss program. Self-care is a huge component of my five guiding principles to an irresistible life. Let’s talk about how to practice self-care when you’re on a weight loss journey.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is one of the most overused words right now and often used incorrectly. Bottom line? Self-care is just what it sounds like; proactively taking care of yourself. Sounds so simple it’s stupid. Self-care is a critical element to weight loss and maintaining your weight. But, how many of us are actually doing this? Nope. We are too busy taking care of our jobs, our families, and everyone else. Self-care is more than just bath bombs, cheesecake, and journaling our problems away.

How To Practice Self-Care on a Weight Loss Journey

1. Get More Sleep

I used to be the girl that could drink and party all night, get 2 hours of sleep, and be back at work bright and early to deliver a presentation to the executive team. Now? I can barely function if I don’t get a solid 7-9 hours. Without enough sleep, I feel like I have a hangover without the alcohol or the embarrassing stories from the night before. I use to view sleep as a waste of time. Now I see it as a crucial way to charge my batteries.

2. Establish a Morning Routine

I’m a creature of habit. If I don’t start my day with my routine, it seems like everything goes to shit by the afternoon. My morning routine includes getting up before the rest of my family, meditating, getting in a walk, and writing. I love this time of day. It’s when I’m most creative and productive. I hate waking up early but once I’m up, it’s amazing!

3. Drink More Water

I used to despise water. It made me gag. In my early 20’s, I started drinking water and it changed my life. I drink about 100 ounces a day now. If I don’t drink water I feel bloated and sluggish. There’s so many other benefits for your hair and skin too.

4. Feed Your Soul

Feeding your soul is all about doing the things that make you happy. This is going to be different for everyone. It can be a wide range of things. I want you to figure out what works for you and then more of that! A lot of of the other things on this blog post could technically fall under this category but I wanted to call it out specifically. Here are some examples:

• Going for a walk
• Enjoying a sunset
• Drinking coffee all by yourself
• Going for a drive
• Taking a bubble bath. Yes, this is where bath bombs come in!
• Meditation
• Watching a movie
• Take a vacation or a weekend getaway
• Kayaking (my personal favorite!)
• Eating dessert. (Don’t you hate those people who say “Oh no, I’m too full for dessert. I couldn’t possibly.” Like, WTF?!)

5. Plan a “Me” Day

Take a day or an afternoon that is just for you. I personally love getting a pedicure, going to my fav sushi spot, and getting my nails done. A “me” day could be a new hair appointment, a massage, facial, shopping, getting your eyebrows done or lash extensions! Whatever makes you feel glam and allows someone else to pamper you so that you can escape for a little bit.

Read This: 3 Easy Ways to Get Your Glam On

6. Listen to an Inspiring Podcast or Audio Book

When I need a dose of motivation, I love to listen to inspirational podcasts, watch YouTube, or listen to audiobooks on Audible. I’ll have to put together some top lists of my favs for you.

7. Set Boundaries

Boundaries are the invisible lines that define what you will and will not tolerate from yourself and other people. If you aren’t comfortable in your own skin, chances are you don’t even know what your boundaries are just yet. That’s ok. You’re here to grow. Learning how to say NO is a form of setting boundaries. Letting someone know that you need alone time is setting a boundary. Letting colleagues know that you don’t answer emails after office hours is setting boundaries. Here are some examples as it relates to your weight loss journey.

• Scheduling your workout and letting your friends and family know that time is non-negotiable and you are not available.
• Creating a weekly meals plan and sticking to it sets boundaries with yourself.
• Letting someone know that it’s not ok to negatively comment on your body/weight.
• Making it clear to your friends/family that it’s not ok to tempt you with trigger foods.
• Putting yourself and your journey first and letting go of the guilt that comes with having to tell people no while you work on yourself.

8. Talk to a Therapist

Self-care is about taking care of yourself and knowing when you need to ask for help. Therapy is part of self-care. I’m sick of people acting like it’s not. I’m sick of the stigma that comes with therapy and mental health. I’d say it’s safe to say that the majority of us can benefit from therapy! We are human beings and human beings are complicated AF.  I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and binge eating disorder and seeing a therapist was life saving and life changing. I will always advocate for therapy and removing the same from mental health. Weight loss is not jut about our physical bodies…it’s about the emotional and mental health too.

9. Social Media Detox

Social media and smart phones are addicting! What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Check IG or FB? Yup, me too. I also find myself doing this at bedtime. There’s nothing wrong with this! BUT, have you ever found yourself playing the comparison game?  Social media with all its perfect lives and bodies can really eff with your head. Especially when you are in this weight loss journey and working on transforming your mind and body. Take a few days off and detox from social media!

10. Quality Time with Pets!

Chuy, my Chihuahua was my “wake up call” that I was letting life fly by without actually taking the time to enjoy it and go after my bigger goals. He woke me up to realizing that waiting for the weight is a waste of time. Dogs live in the moment and we should too. Not 50 lbs from now or when we feel “worthy” of having fun and being happy. We deserve it now! Spending time with Chuy just makes my heart happy. Whether it’s cuddling on the couch together or going out for an adventure, I just love spending time with him. He lowers my anxiety and reminds me that everything is ok.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Listen. This is not a full list of all the ways you can take care of yourself. That list is endless. This is just a snippet of the things that I know have worked personally for me….and there’s a bunch I didn’t include. Self-care is just that: SELF CARE. It’s personal. Self-care is girls night out, brunch, margaritas at sunset, a fancy vacation, time with a therapist, chocolate, pedicures…anything that makes you feel better and do better. I just want you to take better care of yourself and see that you’re worth it. Now, while your on your weight loss journey – not at the final destination.

Deal?

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Hi! I’m Aimee with 2 E’s. I'm a confidence coach that empowers women to love themselves by breaking down body image issues, so that they can lose the emotional weight and gain the confidence to look and feel irresistible...at any size.