Have you heard of this? The set point theory of weight loss says that there’s one weight that your body is comfortable with, and even if you lose or gain, your body will always try to return to this set point.
The reason for this has to do with a survival mechanism built inside of us. That instinct says, “I’ve made it this far doing what I’ve always done. If I change something, I might die.” This is protective in nature, of course. But that survival instinct can play tricks on us. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say (or said, yourself), “I’ve gained and lost the same 20 pounds so many times!”
This is the set point theory. Our bodies get used to being at one weight, and if we deviate, our body and mind will try to get us back there. Remember that instinct, “I’ve lived this long. If I change, I might die.”
Here’s the good news: THE SET POINT CAN BE OVERCOME!
Hooray!
Because your body is searching out normal, comfortable, what it’s always known, everything in you is driving to get back to it. BUT if you persevere in the habits that are giving you good health, eventually your body and mind will catch up. You can override the tendency to revert to your old, unhealthy weight, and give it a new norm. Be patient with yourself as your body adjusts.
Stay steady. Honor what your body is trying to do. Relax, don’t panic. Your body will respond. But you have to be the boss. You have to get your mindset right. Speak truth to yourself. Talk yourself through it – out loud if you have to. Keep doing the things that are bringing you to better health and soon you’ll have a healthy new norm.
You’ve got this!
