The Psychological Aspects of Weight Loss...

Alyssa__Lauren

Even though I've lost 16 lbs, I'm halfway to my goal weight and I'm the smallest I've been since high school (if not smaller), I still look in the mirror or at pictures and see the girl who put on 20+ lbs of breakup weight/Hurricane Sandy Weight at the end of 2012. I also feel like her constantly. The only time I don't see/feel like this are when I see my progress pictures.

What are some ways you get through thoughts like these? It's very disconcerting for me and I'm already very hard on myself as it is. I know I need to toughen up but that's something I'm working on as well.

aronao

Well done on your progress so far. It's so hard to change your internal image of yourself - keep your progress photos on the fridge so you have a daily reminder (find the best ever photo of yourself and put that up there too), find some old item of clothing that's too big and put it on so you can see that you are in fact smaller, you need to let go of the old baggage or else it will get in your way.

Do something drastic with your hair (style and/or colour) and buy a great outfit that you never would have dared to wear before - give yourself a makeover, give your closet a makeover, get rid of all the old clothes that are too big (sell them and use the money to get some new, smaller clothes - that's what I've done ).

lambchoplewis

I have the same issue with seeing myself thinner like others see me. I have been maintaining for 8 months and even though the clothes size is MUCH smaller and when I pulled out the summer clothes they were all too big, I see the same person in the mirror who was heavier. Every now and then I get a glimpse in a mirror or window while walking past and w/out seeing my face, I see a thin person. It is strange. I am not sure when the brain catches up. Maybe this is good as it keeps you diligent on not gaining it back!!!