Making Constructive Mindset Shifts (and not worrying about the pre-baby number on the scale!)
Hello, Friend! Happy Tuesday!
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It’s time to make a mindset shift!
That’s right! For a while now I’ve been trying to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I weighed 146 before I got pregnant and currently weigh between 148-149.
I’m literally not sure why I’ve been focusing so much on those last few pounds, as if they matter anyway. I really am proud of my body for what it’s done and the little adorable human it created! Heck, that extra weight could literally be the amount of milk in my full boobs when I weigh myself first thing in the morning!!
I also totally admit that in focusing about this, I’ve fallen into that trap of trying to get a pre-pregnancy anything… which isn’t helpful! I’m actually even hesitant to admit this via this blog post, because it feels like a vulnerability??, but my struggles are similar to everyone else’s and I recognize that I’m right there with you on our respective journeys.
I’ve gotten to the point where I sometimes focus on my workouts as ways to lose weight, as opposed to any number of other other benefits they afford me. So, here’s where I’m making my shift:
I’m going to start looking at my workouts as a way to build strength, cardio, fitness, and flexibility, as opposed to thinking about them as a vehicle for weight loss. (Nutrition has a bigger impact on weight anyway!)
So, instead of thinking about working out to lose weight, I’m going to work out to build strength and muscle.
Shifting the focus from weight loss to building muscle can be a transformative mindset change with numerous benefits. When we prioritize building muscle, we embark on a journey that emphasizes strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Instead of fixating on the number on the scale, we concentrate on our body's capabilities and functionality. That’s positive.
This shift is crucial because it reframes fitness as a holistic pursuit. By focusing on building muscle, we are motivated to engage in regular physical activity that challenges and strengthens their bodies. We begin to appreciate the amazing things our bodies can do, fostering a positive relationship with exercise. Moreover, building muscle boosts metabolism, leading to more efficient fat burning, which may naturally result in weight loss without the obsession over it. Also positive.
Here’s what I encourage all of you to do. Consider if there is anything you’re currently doing in your life for the purpose of losing something (or I guess it could technically be gaining, depending on what it is, but whatever the negative one is in your given example…). If you do find something like that, see if you can reconsider the activity to see a gain. If you no longer see value in that gain, then the activity probably wasn’t worth doing in the first place!
I hope this makes sense, and thank you for allowing me to share!
If you would like support in switching your negative focus to a more positive and constructive one, I’m here for you! Please reach out in the comments or email me at sara@nutritionforlifeproject.com!
As always, thank you for reading!
xoxo,
Sara