By Gemma Kelly, Certified Women's Fitness and Nutrition Coach
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As women in midlife, we often find ourselves at a crossroads when it comes to weight loss and healthy living. The pressures of maintaining a certain image, coupled with the challenges of aging, can make this journey seem daunting. However, there's a revolutionary concept in the field of obesity research that can offer a more compassionate and sustainable path: the idea of "best weight," coined by Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, a renowned medical doctor and expert in obesity research.
So, what exactly is "best weight"? According to Dr. Freedhoff, your best weight is the weight you achieve when you are living the healthiest life that you genuinely enjoy. It’s not about the relentless pursuit of an arbitrary number on the scale but rather about finding a harmonious balance between health, happiness, and sustainability.
Ditch the Cycle of Suffering
Many of us have experienced the frustrating cycle of strict dieting followed by inevitable weight regain. This cycle often involves episodic bouts of intense effort where we force ourselves into a lifestyle that is far from enjoyable, all in the name of health. But here's the thing: if your healthiest life feels like a concentrated bout of suffering, it's not sustainable. You're merely surviving, not thriving.
Embrace Reality and Imperfection
Successful long-term weight loss requires a radical shift in mindset. It's about embracing both reality and imperfection. There will be days when you can't stick to your workout routine or when your diet isn't as balanced as you'd like. And that's perfectly okay. Your best efforts will fluctuate depending on what's happening in your life. During challenging times, your best might look different from when everything is going smoothly.
Finding Your Best Weight
The key to finding your best weight lies in discovering the point where you can't happily live any better. This means you’ve reached a lifestyle where eating less or exercising more would no longer be enjoyable. Your best weight is not about deprivation or extreme measures but about a sustainable and enjoyable way of living.
Practical Tips for Embracing Your Best Weight
1. Prioritise Enjoyment in Healthy Living: Choose physical activities you love and look forward to. Whether it's a 30 min strength session, kitchen disco, swimming, a fresh air walk, or some mobilisation movement the more you enjoy it, the more likely you'll stick with it.
2. Mindful and Reflective Eating: Instead of restrictive diets, focus on mindful eating. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, reflect on how certain foods make your feel energy wise and choose nourishing foods that you enjoy. Allow yourself to enjoy each bite without guilt.
3. Set Realistic Goals: Understand that perfection isn't the goal. Aim for realistic and attainable goals that align with your lifestyle and preferences. Celebrate small victories along the way.
4. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your efforts and give yourself grace during setbacks. Remember, imperfection is part of the journey.
5. Community: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Share your journey with friends or join a group with similar goals. Encouragement and accountability can make a significant difference.
Accepting Your Best Efforts
In every other area of our lives, we readily accept our best efforts as enough. We need to apply this same acceptance to our weight and healthful living. It's time to let go of the unrealistic standards set by society and embrace the uniqueness of our individual journeys. Your best weight is about living a life that is vibrant, fulfilling, and true to you.
So, as we navigate the complexities of midlife, it's crucial to approach weight loss with kindness, honesty, and a sense of enjoyment. Dr. Freedhoff's concept of "best weight" offers a refreshing and realistic perspective that encourages us to live our healthiest lives without sacrificing joy. By embracing imperfection and focusing on sustainability, we can achieve long-term well-being and find our best weight, where health and happiness coexist harmoniously.
Let's redefine success not by the number on the scales but by the quality of life we lead. Here’s to living our healthiest, happiest, and best lives.
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Gemma Kelly, Certified Women's Fitness and Nutrition Coach, believes in empowering women to embrace their unique journeys and find joy in healthy living. Join her on this path to discovering your best weight and a life well-lived.
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