4 Ways to Develop a Healthy Fitness Mindset
Updated: June 11, 2024
Last summer, I bought a scale off Amazon bc I was genuinely curious how much I weighed. After all, it’s not everyday I’m at the doctor’s doing a full assessment. I saw myself at 140lbs and was like, okay that’s a bit more than average. Hmm… let’s discuss how to develop a healthy fitness mindset, shall we?
Let us backtrack — after finding out I gained weight, I went to embark on this weight loss journey. I’m talking consistent noon time workouts, sticking to a strict meal plan, being super restrictive with myself (aka ditching Ben & Jerry’s!!), etc. As expected, I lost weight and I was happy.
For the first time since high school, I actually weighed 129lbs. I finally saw the results I wanted… but that did not last.
I started being a bit compulsive. I was checking my weight in the morning and at night. It became a pretty bad habit, and it affected my mental health.
I remember crying to Brian bc my weight had not changed even after alllll the changes I implemented. Can you believe that?
This behavior became addicting, and of course Brian — being the amazing BF that he is — decided to remind me of my blog. I mean, I’m out here giving tips and sharing stories promoting healthier and happier lives for busy women on-the-go… YET here I was being contradictory and hypocritical.
The goals I was setting for myself? Unrealistic.
The words I was saying to my reflection? Unkind.
The thoughts in my head about my image? Ruthless.
How can I, a person who lives and breathes my version of wellness, be the very definition of “unwell?”
I was unfit to bear this image of self-love and acceptance when deep down inside, I allowed the number on that scale dictate my worth.
Brian advised hiding the scale, so I tried it out. It was difficult at first, but it was also liberating. Checking the # on that scale should only be used for baseline measurement and not obsessive monitoring.
Once I moved, I decided to adopt a healthier fitness mindset. Here’s what I implemented and I hope this helps you or someone you know in any way:
Number does not matter
It’s true. I was more fit at 140lbs than at 130lbs. The scale doesn’t explicitly call out “muscle” vs “fat.” While I continue to check my weight every now and then, I use it more to weigh my packages and luggages 😛
Practice intuitive eating
If you’re hungry, EAT. If you’re feeling fine, don’t. I used to eat for the sake of eating, but once I listened to those body cues, it was “easier” to be healthy. Do you ever eat at certain times bc that was your routine and you just felt like you needed to adhere to a certain schedule? Sometimes, I’d eat lunch at noon even if I wasn’t hungry just so I can stay consistent. While routine and consistency are key, being off by an hour won’t break it either.
Set realistic goals for YOURSELF + your lifestyle
Do you follow a bunch of food/health/wellness bloggers + influencers that are all similar but also different? It can get pretty overwhelming as you’re “see-sawing” between options. For instance, intermittent fasting might work for some but it may not work for you. Or someone might be doing 75 Hard! While it’s great to challenge yourself, set realistic attainable goals based on your schedule and lifestyle.
Fall in love with your food + workouts
I remember being all into weights for the longest time… and then it became pretty routine. I wasn’t excited anymore, and then COVID hit and I was “forced” to explore different online workouts. Now, I just follow whatever workout my body craves that day. This holiday season, I literally did anything holiday-themed (shoutout to MadFit!), and it made workouts fun!
Overall, what has worked for me is tweaking areas in my personal life. I don’t aspire to follow those whose lives don’t parallel mine only bc it might set me up for failure. I hope you found these tips to be helpful. As always, please take what you need and leave what does not resonate <3
Stay well and safe,
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