7 Women Share How They Bounced Back from Their Weight Loss Setbacks

The struggle to drop the extra pounds is very real. How often have you promised to set goals, improve your eating habits, and exercise more, only to find these vows as distant memories a month or two down the road? The truth is, you are not the only one dealing with this either.

But, as they say, we only have one life and one body to take care of, and we better do it right. Today, if you need some weight loss motivation, here is how these seven women managed to get going despite the challenges they faced in their weight-loss journeys.

“I remind myself that I have come too far to let a setback hold me back.”

“Losing weight is far from easy. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I view them as opportunities to learn and grow. I took a moment to reflect on what went wrong and what I could do differently next time to avoid similar setbacks. I take progress photos to track my physical progress and the changes in my body. Seeing my progress can be a powerful motivator and reminder of how far I have come.

Also, don't compare your journey to anyone else's. Everyone's body is different, and it's important to focus on your own progress and celebrate your victories along the way.”

– Kayla, 36, who lost 73 pounds.

“For my weight loss motivation, I focus on the very reason why I embark on this journey in the first place.”

“Just like any goals, when you stumble and fall, you really need to go back to your ‘why’. Well, there were a few factors that motivated me. Firstly, I was unhappy with my appearance and did not feel confident with what I saw in the mirror. I also noticed that my weight was affecting my health, not to mention I was experiencing a lot of physical discomfort. Additionally, I want to set a good example for my children and show them the value of living a healthy lifestyle. All these keep me focused on my goal and helped me push through”

– Emilia, 35, who lost 55 pounds.

“I say self-nudging has helped me make healthier choices even when my progress has stalled.”

“I have been trying to make small, sustainable changes to my lifestyle, and self-nudging has become a powerful weight loss motivation for me. For example, because I want to exercise more, I put my running shoes next to my bed as a reminder to go for a run in the morning. I have also rearranged my refrigerator and reorganized my kitchen so that healthy food options and snacks are easily visible. This way, I am more likely to grab them instead of the unhealthy ones. I've been focusing on eating healthier foods, drinking more water, and increasing my physical activity. I've also been tracking my progress and celebrating my small victories along the way.

Also, the last part is important - when you nudge yourself towards a healthier choice, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your success. This positive reinforcement can help you stay motivated despite the plateau and continue making progress towards your goals.”

– Crystal, 32, who lost 59 pounds.

“I remind myself how amazing I feel when I sweat out after a workout session and make healthy choices.”

“There have been multiple times throughout my journey to losing weight when I have fallen off track and indulged in unhealthy food choices or skipped workouts. However, I remind myself that setbacks are a natural part of the process and that getting back on track as soon as possible is essential.

Back when I was on the plus side, things were more problematic, and now I find it easier to shop for outfits that make me feel confident, and I now have the energy to keep up with my active toddler. To stay focused on my goal, I tell myself that I am making healthy choices that benefit both my mind and body. I use positive affirmations to remind myself of how amazing I feel when I work out and make healthy choices. By doing so, I realized that my body is capable of amazing things when I push myself.”

– Melissa, 28, who lost 85 pounds.

“I reignite the flame by treating setbacks as opportunities for a comeback.”

“After four months of seeing significant progress, I suddenly had a plateau, and I was so frustrated back then. I reminded myself that consistency is key when it comes to weight loss, so even when I experienced setbacks, I tried to stay consistent with healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Though setbacks can be discouraging, they can also be an opportunity to learn and come back stronger. Instead of giving up entirely, I reassessed my goals, figured out what went wrong, developed a plan for moving forward, and stayed positive, which helped me get back on track.”

– Amira, 25, who lost 35 pounds.

“My weight loss motivation is celebrating small wins – besides, I never eliminate anything completely!”

“In my case, I knew that making physical transformation is vital for my physical and mental well-being. I tried to celebrate the small stuff as often as I celebrate the big stuff. I know I’m not the fastest when it comes to losing weight, but I know I am doing my best, and I take pride in every pound that I lose. Meanwhile, instead of depriving myself of that tasty dessert, I practice moderation and portion control. I let myself indulge in a scoop of ice cream on Fridays so I don’t feel like I am missing out on the food that I love.

Yes, dropping those excess pounds would not be easy, but I would say to start small and focus on making sustainable changes. I tell myself to breathe - putting on weight is not an overnight thing, so it is going to take some time to lose it. It is important to set realistic goals and not be too hard on yourself if you slip up.”

- Daphne, 42, who lost 30 pounds.

“I tell myself that delaying short-term gratification will set me up for long-term greatness.”

“For me, when it comes to losing weight, it is all about resisting temptations and choosing a healthier option that may not provide immediate satisfaction but will help you achieve your weight goals and benefit you in the long run. In other words, you consider the long-term benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise, rather than just focusing on the immediate satisfaction of indulging in unhealthy foods or skipping workouts.”

– Camilla, 34, who lost 90 pounds.

As with anything goal-setting, when you have a setback, accepting exactly where you are without criticizing yourself and sabotaging your progress makes you more likely to succeed. Shedding those unwanted pounds can be challenging, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Take a moment to reflect on how far you've come and the progress you have made towards your weight loss goals. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.