A JOURNEY OF SELF COMPASSION
Losing weight is often seen as a physical transformation, but at its core, it’s also an emotional and mental journey. Many people embark on weight loss with the belief that happiness and self-worth are waiting for them at the finish line. However, true success comes when you learn to love yourself at every stage of the process—not just when you reach your goal. You shouldn’t lose weight because you hate your body but because you love it.
Why self-love matters in weight loss
Self-love is not about complacency; it’s about respecting your body and treating it with kindness. When you approach weight loss from a place of self-loathing, it often leads to guilt, and frustration. On the other hand, when you start with self-compassion, you make healthier, more sustainable choices and enjoy the process and your progress rather than punishing yourself.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO LOVE YOURSELF AS YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Focus on what your body can do
Instead of feeling bad about all the ways your body isn’t perfect (and remember, those ideals of the perfect body are misguided), shift your focus to what your body is capable of. Celebrate your progress in strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Whether it’s walking a longer distance, lifting heavier weights, or simply feeling more energised, these victories deserve recognition.
Keep reminding yourself that your body is precious—it carries you through life, helps you care for others, enables you to do meaningful work, and lets you enjoy walks, sunshine, and fun with friends. Your body is a miracle and should be treated as such.
Speak kindly to yourself
Your inner dialogue matters. Instead of criticising your reflection or berating yourself for slipping up, practice self-compassion. Try to replace negative thoughts with affirmations like, “I am working towards my best self,” or “My body is strong and capable". "I am getting closer to my healthy weight". "I deserve a body I can trust".
Fuel your body
Weight loss should not be about punishment. We often talk about 'treat’ food, which implies that healthy food isn’t a treat. Quite the opposite. Junk food isn't a treat—it actually punishes your body. So next time you drink your FastFx Smoothie, don’t think of it as suffering; understand that fuelling your body with all that goodness is the best way to treat your body.
Move for joy, not just results
Similarly, exercise should not be a punishment but a celebration of movement. Find activities that bring you joy—whether it’s dancing, yoga, swimming, or hiking. When you enjoy the process, staying active becomes one of life’s greatest sources of pleasure.
Embrace Your Body at Every Stage
Your worth is not tied to your weight. Your body deserves love and appreciation at every size. Dressing in clothes that make you feel confident, practicing self-care, and acknowledging your progress are all ways to love yourself every stage. Think about how we praise children for every small developmental step they take—rolling over, crawling, toddling, not just walking. The same is true for weight loss. Celebrate every small step you take—every gram lost, every time you make a hard choice, every time you make a short-term sacrifice for your long-term health.
Set Goals Beyond the Scale
Don't focus solely on weight loss; set goals that encourage overall well-being, such as improving sleep quality, managing stress, keeping active, or cultivating mindfulness. These goals help create a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. For more on this, check out our article on Finding Your Why.
Be Patient and Forgiving
Weight loss is not linear, and setbacks are normal. Instead of viewing slip-ups as failures, see them as learning experiences. Use them to identify what situations make you vulnerable to poor choices. Use these learnings to set up a life that makes it easier for you to make healthy decisions.
Loving yourself while losing weight isn’t about waiting until you hit a certain number on the scale to feel worthy. It’s about treating yourself with kindness, embracing your journey, and celebrating every step forward. When you practice self-love, weight loss becomes a rewarding experience rather than a struggle. Remember, you are enough—right now, at this very moment.
This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to love yourself too!
