Can overthinking make it difficult to lose weight?
Have you noticed how you crave for a certain food when you are feeling upset, or want to eat something special to celebrate when you are feeling excited? It is no rocket science; we all have been there! But what does it really mean? It means that we can have a significantly different relationship with food during contrasting emotions and mental capacities. One of the biggest roadblocks that can be faced by anyone during their weight loss journey is overthinking. If you have spent hours thinking about what to eat next day, count calories, or even decide upon the type of exercise routine to follow – my friend, you have been overthinking it.
Here’s what the expert says
Nishtha Jain, Counselling Psychologist at Lissun- A Mental Health & Emotional Wellness Startup says, “While our rational minds might say that if we minutely analyse every food detail and choice, we will be better off as compared to mindlessly snacking throughout the day. However, it really does not work like that! We definitely do not have to be mindless, but we do not have to overthink it as well – a good path would be choosing the middle ground, like mindful eating.
It may cause procrastination
“Overthinking can lead us in search of perfect answers (which might not exist), ultimately leaving us disappointed with the results of our weight loss. Patterns of overthinking often are contributors in procrastination – where individuals might feel stuck with their worries and delay their actions like hitting the gym,” says Jain.
Don’t plan mentally but schedule
A regular exercising schedule using a calendar app notification or a fitness watch lets you know that you are on track to reach your goals. You gain consistency, increase your level of fitness, enhance your health, and experience a greater sense of mental well-being as a result. You could incorporate a variety of workouts into your fitness schedule.
Take notes of your performance and rest
Before and after your workouts at the gym, you can take time to fill in and go over your notes. These notes will assist you in concentrating on and improving the issues you’re having over time. Perhaps one day you’ll realise that your posture could be better. You can always refer back to the note you made in the notes box to be reminded to preserve proper form. Appoint rest days to yourself within these notes.
Overthinking may lead you to guilt
Thinking about that blob of fat here and there on your body might also drain your energy levels mentally, leaving you frustrated and eating to make yourself feel better. Nonetheless, you are only human and thinking about food is okay, but also recognize the patterns that might be hindering your relationship with food instead of elevating it.
The takeaway
According to Jain, “you can try to navigate the triggers of your food related overthinking, be aware of your emotions and tell yourself that your thoughts are not facts. Remember to take it easy on yourself and then just weight and watch.”
