Releasing weight vs losing weight (part 2 of 4 blog series)
Can you really release weight without a meal plan? Yes.
Here’s why:
Raise a hand (or ten) if you’ve ever tried sticking to a meal plan or diet to lose weight. Did it work? Maybe, sometimes. Did the results last? Probably not.
The million dollar question: BUT WHY?!
The million dollar answer: Losing weight is one thing. Releasing weight is another.
Losing weight insinuates there is something to lose and then be found again. It might hide away for a little bit, but it’s always there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for you to find it and claim it again. This is what happens when you try losing weight with a diet or meal plan. You might lose some weight temporarily, but chances are, you’ll eventually find it again and it’ll hop right back on board. And when this happens (aka when you inevitably slip into old habits and the weight comes back on)... well lucky you! Now you get to start a new round and play all over again! You’re basically playing an endless, exhausting game of hide-and-go-seek.
The energetics of releasing weight is different. When you release something, it’s a one-and-done sort of thing. You don’t release something and expect it to pop up again later. Rather, when you release, you decide that something is no longer serving you, take the steps to let go of what’s holding you back, say peace out, and move forward feeling lighter and empowered.
Releasing weight is so much more than a meal plan. It’s long-term, lifetime change. Your life. Your way. There are no rules to be followed because you’re not trying to adhere to some lifestyle that someone pre-determined for you… you’re simply gravitating toward doing what feels good for YOU, what nourishes you and gives you the highest vibes, thus taking willpower out of the equation.
Tip: When we’re talking about shifting our mindset, the key is to link this idea with activities that are already part of your day-to-day life, such as showering. So instead of trying desperately to remind yourself to apply the new mindset throughout your day, you're inevitably working that reminder into your day. Now you can practice the mindset shift without carving out any extra time to do so.
How to start putting this framework into practice today →
MIRROR EXERCISE (completion time: approx. 45 sec - 3 minutes, there’s no time limit here, whatever feels good to you). This exercise is all about creating active awareness without hyper-fixation. It’s so easy to focus on the negatives right away. But remember, your body is your ally.
Next time you shower, undress and then take a look at yourself in the mirror. Look at an area of your body that you view as having excess - maybe it’s your tummy, arms, thighs - wherever it is for you, zone in on that area. Now think about the energetics of LOSING that excess weight vs. RELEASING it. Try each option on, and as you look in the mirror, take note of what comes up for you. Which option leaves you feeling more empowered and motivated? Which option leaves you feeling a sense of shame and defeat?
You might notice that when you think about losing weight, you almost immediately feel a negative energetic shift. Like you’re about to enter a war zone. You may find yourself fixating on everything that’s “wrong” with you. It’s that feeling and thought process of “I feel so gross… I need to lose this weight… who am I to think I’ll be able to actually do it this time… honestly what’s the point in even trying again… why can’t I just love my body the way it is…. why can’t I just feel confident the way I am?” We’ve all been there. It’s no fun.
Then, when you shift your focus to releasing weight, we feel a sense of relief, lightness, and empowerment. Choosing to release weight suddenly puts YOU in control, rather than feeling like you’re up against a losing battle. The excess weight you see gets to be a reminder of your greatest potential. It’s a reminder that you get to be the best version of yourself. You are worthy and deserving and get to make the empowered choice to release everything that is no longer serving you. Releasing any excess emotional and physical weight that’s holding you back from embodying your highest, more authentic self.
Coming up next: The choice complex
xo, Em