Hi! I'm Donna Reish, IF teacher, weight loss coach, blogger, and half of "The Minus 220 Pound Pair" as my husband and I have lost over 220 pounds together (160 of that in the past couple of years through the Weight Loss Lifestyle habits and strategies I teach!).

In this episode, I shed some light on that common term, self-sabotage. In weight loss terms, this is used to say that we thwart our own efforts at losing weight.

But what does it mean? Is it helpful to use that term? (Language Arts Lady says that words and thoughts DO matter!)

I start out defining self-sabotage then explaining what the term really is---a euphemism for little quits, giving up, giving in, choosing something besides our goals in that moment, etc.

Euphemisms are words that help soften the reality of that moment. They are helpful for us in dealing with crises, loss, and more—and should be used in those instances. However, when it comes to what we call deviations from our plan, euphemisms are not very helpful.

We would do a lot less self-sabotaging if we called our deviations what they really are—going off plan or choosing a food in the moment rather than our long term goals during that moment. AND extending grace to ourselves as we do it (as opposed to “beating ourselves up” for our deviations).

Next I move into what “self-sabotages” start with---a Thought. They start with a Thought such as “this won’t matter” or “a bite won’t hurt” or “I’ll start Monday.” I teach the importance of capturing that Thought in the moment and how we can replace it with a Pocket Thought (a thought we have prepared ahead of time and store in our “pocket” for a “rainy day”!).

Another anti-self-sabotage tip I teach is that of learning how to “sit with urges” rather than trying to use will-power or white knuckling through them. If we know they are coming, and we are ready for them, we can sit with them more easily. (Find more about this in “10 Ways to Sit With Urges” in Think-Feel-Eat Episode #9: https://donnareish.com/think-feel-eat-episode-9-10-ways-to-sit-with-process-food-urges/)

Finally, the last two tips have to do with two of my favorite weight loss strategies: Deciding Ahead of Time and Creating a Protocol. (More on both of these can be found at https://donnareish.com/perfectstorm)

Join me next week in Episode #26 for Part II of the Self-Sabotage two parter—specific food and daily tips to stay on—and stop “obstructing your own weight loss efforts.”

Find all of my episodes, outlines, and articles for my two weekly broadcasts:(1) Weight Loss Lifestyle broadcast (formerly Donna's Intermittent Fasting Broadcast) https://donnareish.com/intermittent-fasting-journal-index/(2) Think-Feel-Eat broadcast at http://donnareish.com/think-feel-eat/

Sign up for my free webinar: https://intermittentfastingwebinar.com

Watch episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByFO1WliYbM&feature=youtu.be

See full article here: https://donnareish.com/think-feel-eat-episode-#25:-self-sabotage-in-weight-loss-part-i-(of-ii)

Watch new episodes live in free private FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/318664198605086/

See Index for my other broadcast, Weight Loss Lifestyle (formerly Donna's Intermittent Fasting broadcast) here: https://donnareish.com/intermittent-fasting-journal-index/

See index for Think-Feel-Eat Videocast/Podcast here: http://donnareish.com/think-feel-eat/

Check out my Intermittent Fasting Course: https://iintermittentfastingcourse.com

Free Intermittent Fasting Start Up Charts: https://donnareish.com/daily-intermittent-fasting-start-up-charts/

DISCLAIMER: This is an intermittent fasting support group, blog, podcast, and/or course. None of the information/advice shared is considered to be medical advice. Information shared here is for inspiration and/or informational purposes only. Please consult your physician or medical professionals with any specific medical questions including treatment options, medications, dosages, and other medical concerns. Again, no specific medical advice is given herein. No discussion in this group, blog, or course should be considered to be a substitute for medical care.