How to Cope with Weight Gain
Weight gain is something that all of us may face at some stage of our lives, regardless of how much we exercise and diet. There are many reasons why you may have gained weight in recent times, whether it be because of ill health, pregnancy, or overconsumption. It’s natural to grow disappointed and have a sense of frustration when your body shape changes. You may feel as though you’re out of control or have growing concerns about your health and wellbeing. If, however, you believe that your weight gain is not linked to any potential health conditions, the best way to deal with the situation is to learn to cope and embrace your new shape. In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the key aspects of dealing with weight gain.
1. Treat yourself to a new wardrobe
Trying on old clothes and fretting about the fact that they no longer fit is not going to make you feel great about yourself. Instead, take the opportunity to treat yourself to a whole new wardrobe that is comfortable and suits your shape. Most of us are guilty of hoarding clothes in the hope of squeezing into them again at some stage, but in most cases, this is simply wishful thinking.
Perhaps you’re aware that your weight gain is short-term. If so, consider store clothes that are likely to fit in the near future and invest in a key selection of basics that you can wear for any occasion at the current time.
Belts are a useful accessory to help clothes fit better and can add a stylish note to your outfit. If your weight regularly fluctuates, you could invest in a knotless belt that allows you to adjust the fit each day to provide optimum comfort – you won’t find a minimalist belt quite like this one to complement every outfit you own.
2. Don’t rely on cutting calories
One of the first steps many people take when they want to lose weight is to cut down their calorie consumption. Temporarily, this technique can allow you to shed the pounds, but failing to get the calories you need on a long-term basis could lead to the reverse effect. What’s more, the sudden decrease in glucose levels may lead to you suffering from mood swings and other health complaints.
If you’re relying on strenuous exercise to help you get back into shape, you’ll likely need a higher calorie intake than you may be used to in order to keep your energy levels up. However, if you deny yourself the relevant number of calories with the intention of dropping a dress size, it could result in a slower metabolism and potentially reduce your potential to lose weight.
3. Focus on how you feel both mentally and physically
Weight gain isn’t just about your physical appearance; it’s also about how you feel about yourself. It’s easy to obsess over weighing yourself daily as your body shape starts to change, but it’s important to evaluate your mindset. Do you feel mentally and physically well by adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle? Perhaps the extra pounds mean you’ll experience fewer health issues? By taking this positive approach to weight gain, it will help you feel more in control.
The journey to good health is never easy – and there may be bumps along the way. It’s unlikely you’ll notice drastic results overnight. However, considering how to get healthier in the long term as opposed to immediately will allow you to make the right choices in regard to your health.
4. Reduce time spent on social media
Do you spend countless hours during the day scrolling through social media? Many of us are guilty of it. The pressures of social media have become a key driver of mental health issues in the 21st century. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by how others look and what they are achieving in life – but remember, this is just a rose-tinted version of reality. Every single image you see is presented to invoke a desirable image when the reality may be completely different. As a result, you may have got into the habit of comparing yourself and dwelling on your self-image. The use of angles, filters, and lighting can be cleverly used for artistic purposes, so don’t be fooled. It may be worth undergoing a digital detox to switch off from the lives of others and take the time to concentrate on your own wellbeing.
