17:34:46 Hey friend, welcome back to Concierge Weight Loss. I'm Kara Hackleman, Certified Life and Weight Loss Coach, and this
17:34:52 is the fourth week of our Overcoming Weight Loss Challenges series.
17:34:56 All the roadblocks to weight loss.
17:34:59 This month, we've been talking about the 5 biggest challenges people face on their weight loss journey, and how to actually overcome them.
17:35:07 We've talked about plateaus, emotional eating, and why willpower isn't the answer.
17:35:12 And today, we're talking… we're tackling…
17:35:15 Something that every single one of my clients deals with.
17:35:19 Creating boundaries with food,
17:35:21 And family. Because sometimes, it's not your cravings that trip you up, it's other people.
17:35:27 You probably know exactly what I'm talking about, the comments.
17:35:30 The questions, the helpful, air quotes,
17:35:34 observations. People say things like, are you still trying to lose weight?
17:35:39 You don't need to lose any more.
17:35:41 You should eat more. You should eat less!
17:35:44 I could never do what you're doing. Sometimes it's curiosity.
17:35:48 Sometimes it's concern, and sometimes it's just people figuring things out.
17:35:52 out loud. They comment on what you're eating, what you're wearing, how your body looks, and half the time, it's not
17:36:00 even really about you. It's about them.
17:36:04 Their own relationship with food, their body image,
17:36:07 or their health, and their own insecurities or beliefs.
17:36:10 When you're in the middle of your own journey, especially when it's new, those comments can sting.
17:36:17 They can make you question yourself.
17:36:19 I used to get so triggered when people would comment.
17:36:22 on what I was eating, or how I looked. It felt like everyone had an opinion, and somehow my body had become public property.
17:36:30 But the turning point came when I realized something really important.
17:36:35 I needed to decide ahead of time what I thought.
17:36:38 Once I had clarity on what I believed about my goals, my body, my choices,
17:36:44 I didn't need everyone else to agree.
17:36:47 So, now, when someone comments, I remind myself, they're either misinformed about me,
17:36:52 My body and my intentions, or I just simply disagree with them.
17:36:56 Either way, it doesn't require me to change anything. Definitely doesn't usually trigger me anymore.
17:37:02 Here's the truth. Most people are just noticing something. They're processing it out loud.
17:37:07 And in their minds, they're often trying to be supportive, or even helpful.
17:37:12 They're being as lovingly concerned as they know how to be. So, I try to smile, assume the best,
17:37:19 And sometimes even pause to consider. Do I even agree with this? Or…
17:37:23 Is there something here I haven't thought about? Maybe there is.
17:37:27 And then I make my own decision, because here's the boundary. No one is entitled to an opinion about my body, my food, or my choices.
17:37:36 If I decide someone is close enough to me, maybe a partner, my coach, a doctor, then sure, they can have input.
17:37:44 But everyone else, they get a polite, calm…
17:37:47 boundary. Here are a few I love, and my clients use all the time. When someone comments on your food or weight,
17:37:54 Hmm, that's interesting.
17:37:56 Or, I'll think about that.
17:37:59 You just did, right? You said you'd think about it. Maybe it was for a moment.
17:38:03 Or, I appreciate your concern.
17:38:06 I think I've got it handled.
17:38:08 When someone pushes food.
17:38:10 You might say, it looks delicious, but I've had all I can eat. Or maybe later!
17:38:15 Or, no thank you, I'm full.
17:38:17 When someone crosses the line with my body comments,
17:38:21 I prefer not to talk about my body, or I'm working on listening to what my body needs right now.
17:38:28 Or, you know, I… sometimes I just…
17:38:31 say, oh, huh, how about that?
17:38:34 You don't owe anyone an explanation. You can be polite and simple, but firm.
17:38:41 It's all about a boundary needs to be.
17:38:44 So, a lot of people think boundaries are walls.
17:38:46 They're not. They're guidelines for how to stay connected without losing yourself.
17:38:51 When you set clear boundaries around food and body conversations, you're not shutting people out.
17:38:59 You're protecting your peace, your progress, and your energy.
17:39:03 Because when you know what you believe, what matters to you,
17:39:06 And what feels right, other people's opinions, they just simply lose power.
17:39:12 Take a moment this week.
17:39:14 And think about this question.
17:39:16 What do I believe about my food, my body, my choices?
17:39:21 The clearer you are on your answers, the easier it is to stay calm and confident when others comment.
17:39:28 You don't have to defend yourself.
17:39:31 You just have to decide for yourself.
17:39:33 What do you think? So, if this episode hit home,
17:39:38 I have a free guide that goes along with all of these podcasts this month.
17:39:43 5 weight loss roadblocks and how to fix them.
17:39:46 It'll help take you to the next step.
17:39:49 It walks you through the most common challenges, including boundaries like this, and how to overcome them with clarity and confidence.
17:39:56 You can grab it at www.coachingcarra.com forward slash roadblocks. That's CoachingCARA.com forward slash roadblocks.
17:40:07 Alright, boundaries aren't about keeping people out.
17:40:11 They're about staying connected without losing yourself.
17:40:14 I also want you to remember, you don't have to
17:40:17 to explain your choices. You don't have to earn their approval, and you don't have to let anyone else's comments.
17:40:23 change how you feel about your body or your goals.
17:40:27 They can just be wrong.
17:40:29 You get to decide what you believe, and that's the only opinion that matters. So, next week, we're gonna wrap up
17:40:35 Our overcoming weight loss challenges series with one of my favorite topics.
17:40:41 Building self-trust in your choices, because…
17:40:45 Sometimes those comments do hurt, and we want to have our own trust in ourselves.
17:40:49 Until then, take a deep breath,
17:40:52 Hold your head high, and remember, your peace is worth protecting.
17:40:56 See you next week.
