The 4 phases to permanent weight loss for life!

While you are reading this information, I encourage you to consider…what phase you are currently in and where do you typically get trapped and self-sabotage or quit.

For me, I would get stuck in phase 2, quit on myself and then have to start all over again.

Seeing and understanding these different phases can be a real EYE-OPENER for you because you will see that what you’re going through is totally normal and that most people experience the same things. 

Phase 1:  I'm Excited! Phase 

This Phase is the most exciting because you are ready to get started on your new program.  You've seen it work for others and you just know this is "the one" that will finally work for you and you are excited to begin.

You've read all the rules, you've done your shopping and prepped your food.  You are motivated! 

You are psyched and can't wait to get started!

To make the most of this phase get started right way.  No need to keep thinking about it - you can't think your way into a healthier body, it takes action.

This phase will last from a few days to a few weeks, but you need to be ready for Phase 2 because Phase 2 is the toughest!

 

Phase 2:  I didn't think this would be so hard!  Phase

This phase is where people begin to have doubts and give up.

The scale isn't moving fast enough, you are getting tired of eating salads all the time.  You are getting bored with your food.  You are having to say 'No' when your friends invite you out. You have mood swings and sometimes you're not nice to be around.

You start to feel disappointment that our body isn't changing fast enough, discouragement that you have been so good and not gotten the results you thought you would by now, confusion sets in about changing up the foods you are eating, you feel deprived and are having cravings. 

In this phase you begin to lose sight of your goal and your Primitive brain starts telling you things like 'this is too hard', 'you deserve to have that piece if cake',  'wine one night won't hurt' 'it's not fair, why does it have to be so hard?'

When these negative thoughts start to take hold, if you don't have the tools to manage your thoughts, one glass of wine on Friday night can turn into a weekend of eating & drinking off your protocol.

When this happens you may tell yourself  'I'm no good' 'I'll never get this weight off' ' 'I hate myself' and when you do this you quit and go right back to the way you were, back to the habits that put the weight on you in the first place, until you find another program you think may work and you are back to Phase 1.

This cycle of going between Phase 1 and Phase 2 can go on for years and each time you gain a little more weight.  To stop this cycle and make it to Phase 3 it's important to learn how to manage your thoughts and focus on the long term results instead of the immediate gratification. 

It will be so much easier for you to make it through Phase 2 if you let go of the thought 'it will be easy' - know that it will be difficult a lot of the time but stay the course anyway.  Don't let one tiny fail cause you to freak out and give up on your goal.  No matter what happens, get back on your plan and keep going.  Keep doing things to keep you motivated and focused on the prize - find an accountability partner, hire a coach, join a support group, get online and follow those that have been successful, listen to podcasts, call someone before you let yourself quit.

The key to making it through Phase 2 is to be ready for all the issues that come up.

Whatever you need to do to get through Phase 2 will be worth it because everything changes in phase 3!

Phase 3: I'm really doing this!  Phase

If you can manage your emotions, thoughts, and feelings in Phase 2 and don't quit on yourself you will get to Phase 3.  This is where you start to see changes and things get easier.

You are now comfortable with your new way of eating and you aren’t having cravings any longer or feeling deprived.  You are sleeping better and have more energy than you have had in a long time.

You are in your rhythm. Food is no longer the main focus of your day.  You are able to go out with your friends and stick to your plan.

You still have to pay attention, but you are able to overcome most of the obstacles that come up.  You may fail occasionally, but quitting is no longer an option.  If you stumble you get right back up and keep moving towards your goal.

Phase 4:   I got this! Phase

Once you get to Phase 4 your new way of eating has become your lifestyle.  You are using food for fuel and not entertainment.  Your desires for foods that aren't good for you are a thing of the past, though you occasionally allow yourself a Joy eat.  And you have learned to manage your feeling, emotions & thoughts around food.

Now your meals consist of veggies, proteins and a little fat, so dining out is no longer an issue.

Your tastes have changed and the sweet food you used to overindulge in no longer taste good to you.  In Phase 4 you have lost most or all of your weight and are maintaining this new weight with ease.

There is no short cut to Phase 4, you have to go through Phases 1-3 without quitting on yourself.

Think of it as a journey.  When we embark on a journey we have to go through different things that help us to grow & change along the way. Most people want to go straight to Phase 4, but by going through the first 3 Phases the process of growing and changing have a chance to happened and you will be a different person when you get to Phase 4. 

The journey is not so much about the destination as it is about the person you become along the way.  You may start the journey as an overweight, not so happy person and by allowing yourself to go through all the Phases, and embracing all the obstacles along the way, at the end of the journey you will have a healthier body and a different outlook on life.

Remember, it’s not supposed to be easy!

We don’t learn or grow when things are easy.

What if you could look at your weight loss journey as an opportunity for a complete transformation. That is exactly what it is.

If you are willing to get the support and go through all 4 phases, you will gain SO MUCH more than just weight loss.

I wish you all the luck as you embark on this journey

If you would like some help, sign up for a call with me, and I can show you how I can support you and get you to Phase 4.  You will feel great, feel healthier and you will be proud of the changes you make on this journey to the new you.