Why the ‘All-or-Nothing’ Mentality Sucks

Ditch the "all-or-nothing" mentality. The all-or-nothing mentality is a common way of thinking about weight loss that can lead to failure. This mindset is characterized by the belief that there are only two options: being perfect or being a failure. When people adopt this mindset, they often set unrealistic goals for themselves and then feel like they have "failed" if they slip up even a little bit. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and discouragement, which can make it even harder to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine.

There are a few reasons why the all-or-nothing mentality doesn't work when trying to lose weight. First, it's simply not realistic to expect to be perfect all the time. Everyone makes mistakes, and that's okay. When you make a mistake, it doesn't mean that you've failed. It just means that you need to get back on track.

Second, the all-or-nothing mentality can lead to unhealthy eating habits. When you feel like you've "failed," you may be more likely to overeat or binge on unhealthy foods. This can actually make it harder to lose weight and can lead to weight gain in the long run.  Deprivation often leads to overindulgence.  Read that again.  

Finally, the all-or-nothing mentality can be very discouraging. When you feel like you're constantly failing, it can be easy to give up on your weight loss goals altogether. This is why it's important to adopt a more flexible and realistic approach to weight loss. Instead of trying to be perfect, focus on making small changes that you can stick to over time.

Here are some tips for breaking the all-or-nothing mentality and losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way:

• Set realistic goals. Don't try to lose too much weight too quickly. 

• Focus on ADDING food to your diet (lean protein, whole/minimally processed foods, fruits, veggies, etc.), NOT restricting.

• Be flexible. Don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake. Just get back on track as soon as possible.

• Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate your small successes along the way.

• Find a support system. Having people to support you on your weight loss journey can make a big difference.

• Don't give up. Weight loss takes time and effort, but it's definitely possible. Just keep at it and you will eventually reach your goals.

The only way to fail is if you quit - and you're no quitter!