Are you are the only one on a restrictive diet in your family or social circle? Keeping it a secret for fear of criticism? Do you find yourself still struggling even though the results of your efforts are beginning to pay off? Or, does shame and embarrassment keep you from sharing your pain with others?
Trying to combat loneliness when no one is around to provide support is hard for even the toughest of individuals. No matter what diet you’re on, Keto, Paleo, Whole30, Atkins, e.t.c. many of the foods that you used to enjoy may be off the menu until you achieve your goals.
Being on a restrictive eating plan means it takes sheer willpower to resist going by the bakery to pick up one of those delectable pastries to have with your morning coffee. Even harder to resist, indulging in an extra serving of your favourite dessert when out enjoying a meal with friends.
Whatever the reason for changing your eating regime, if you are tackling the challenges alone, then chances are you could have some reservations about your decision to diet. These feelings can sometimes lead to depression and/ or isolation. You might even consider quitting and abandoning all the progress that you’ve made so far.
This is a critical part of the journey. What you decide today can have a significant impact on how successful you will be in the end. But fear not. There are plenty of resources to help you through this stage.
Below, I’ve listed a few tips to keep you feeling positive and staying on track with your progress.
Here are 7 effective ways to combat loneliness when dieting:
- Join a support group that focuses on your diet regime
- Avoid punishment and self-pity
- Eat foods that are similar to what everyone else is eating
- Eat at the same time that everyone else is eating
- Take a break periodically and on special holidays
- Share your dieting success. Don’t hide it.
- Seek medical intervention if there is little or no change with your feelings
Find like-minded People to Support You
Doing a diet without support is like trying to find your way through a maze in the dark! It’s near impossible to figure out on your own. Without others to provide guidance, you are more likely to make mistakes; which in turn can lead to setbacks. There is no point in going at it alone if you don’t have to.
There are many types of social media groups that exist on platforms such as ‘Facebook,’ ‘Twitter,’ and ‘Meetup‘ that are geared towards a variety of lifestyle choices. Look for one that is closest to your area. Free to join, you can connect with the organizer to host your own gatherings and/or participate in group activities.
Social media groups are great for gathering at the following events:
- mall walks
- group meals
- coffee & chit/ chat sessions
- special event attendance
Although, the first couple of meetings might seem a little awkward, take comfort in knowing that you all have a shared interest. Build conversations around those commonalities and make the most out of this networking opportunity. Spending time with a group that understands the stress and struggles of dieting helps to ward off isolation.
The more meetings that you attend to share your story the more you will meet people just like you that are facing the same issues. It’s also much easier to find resolutions when you work together to solve the problems that need them.
You can also find communities within lifestyle apps on your mobile phone or websites on the internet.
It’s estimated that over 5 billion people have mobile devices with the largest group of them between the ages of 18-29 years old. In 2018, over 76 billion downloads were made on to these devices sparking a trend to create more applications that seamlessly integrate with our lives.
These applications remove the awkwardness that can sometimes occur when meeting face-to-face. Adding a picture of your choice to your profile can encourage others to engage with you on topics.
Commercial gyms and other fitness-related activities are another great way to find people that share your interests. Assuming that you incorporate fitness goals as apart from your plan, you can find a whole host of people there who’ve taken on a healthier approach to living well.
Punishment and Self-Pity are Toxic to Progress
Several factors like age, heredity, lifestyle, and fitness level can affect your ability to lose and maintain body weight. Fortunately, we can make great improvements in some of those areas but it starts with the right mindset. It goes without saying that having a positive self-image improves mood while helping to attract other people who also feel positive about themselves.
However, if you are more focused on being mad at the way you look and feel, or suffering embarrassment because of limitations brought on by weight gain, you’ll never accept that you have all the power to change what you see in the mirror.
Stay confident by knowing that where you are now is a direct result of choices that you made in the past. Don’t remain a victim to it. Moving forward, make alternate choices that will encourage wellness. Seek out happiness in every aspect of your life.
Eat Similar Foods to what Everyone else is Eating and at the Same Time
Having to watch what you eat all the time can be frustrating. Counting calories, monitoring carbohydrates, trimming fat, it’s an exhausting process. In addition to these routine chores, you could be eating outside of the regular window in which others consume their food.
These actions isolate you from the surrounding people. It’s an easy way to lose touch with friends and shut out family members who would otherwise be cheering you on.
To alleviate this, prepare diet meals ahead of regular meals or if you’re not in a hurry, all at once. Get as many people involved to help with the prep work (the most difficult part of cooking) as possible. That way, everyone feels like they contributed. A sense of pride in one’s own work promotes feelings of satisfaction.
And you will actually get the cooking done faster with so many hands at the helm which is a real plus!
Consider ‘Batch cooking‘. A simple process of cooking large amounts of different foods that are then assembled into customized meals for the week.
For example: preparing a big batch of chicken breasts with vegetables that can be later used in salads, tacos, and soups. Include any of the following starches – bread, pasta, rice or potatoes to complete the meal for those who are eating without restrictions. Divide portions accordingly but don’t forget to store some of those meals in the freezer.
Sooner or later, there is bound to be a late-night or 2 were throwing something in the microwave is about all that you can do with the energy you have left before calling it a night. These homemade “TV” dinners work out nicely on those evenings.
Working together to prepare foods ensures that “meal” time will be a special time to be enjoyed by all those who contributed to making it a success.
Take a Break Periodically and on Special Holidays
Do a search on the Internet for “Things I wish I knew before starting…(insert the diet of your choice here)” and chances are you will find an assortment of posts from people who had regrets on how they handled the choices they made as apart of their new way of eating. Don’t be one of them.
It’s okay to step away from a restrictive plan from time to time especially during events like vacations, birthday parties, and holidays. You’ll be glad you did when you look back knowing no sacrifices had to be made that you weren’t ready to live with.
Remember, there is a social aspect to eating. It allows us to enjoy eating together while we share compelling facts about ourselves in a comfortable setting. Moments like these are soothing to the soul. We get back to what really matters in life like family, friends and, our own happiness. The last thing you ought to be doing is counting calories and managing portions on your plate!
Keep in mind you need to be sensible about what you’re eating as this is not a free pass to binge on food. Learning to manage your appetite in the presence of others is essential to keeping your diet on track. Don’t let the fun you have today come back to haunt you tomorrow!
Celebrate your Success
No matter how big or small the challenges are, go ahead and show off your achievements. Any of the ideas listed below are great ways to get the word out.
How to celebrate your dieting success:
- Buy something new
- Change hairstyle
- Book a vacation
- Throw a party
- Post pictures and/or videos of your before and after images
- Write a blog highlighting your accomplishments
People love to know what other people are doing with their lives. They’ll even provide feedback, good or bad, whether you want it or not. Why do you think ‘YouTube‘ is so popular? It’s a visual platform where the average “Joe” can share anything and everything about themselves to anyone who will watch.
It’s also a good way to hold yourself accountable to your own opinions in front of an audience. Don’t think that this is a bad thing. Look at it as more of a reinforcement of all the positive vibes flowing into your life right now. Become an inspiration to your audience so they can make changes in their lives as well.
Related Post: Host An Awesome Party Featuring Your Favourite Low Carb Alcoholic Drinks
Consult with your doctor if you are still feeling lonely
Being sad all the time is a real concern. It’s not just in your head. And, if all the above ways don’t help to combat the loneliness or alleviate the depression towards your self-image, then it’s time to visit a health practitioner to take a closer look.
Diet, medications, hormones, and stress affect the body in many ways. These mood-altering factors can lead to poor performance at work, leisure time, or even disrupt sleep patterns. It’s best to consult with a health professional who will dive deeper for an in-depth review of your situation.
Final Thoughts
Solo Dieting Shouldn’t Scare You
It’s inevitable that at some point in your lifetime you will have to start a project alone. It’s difficult and sometimes exhausting. The ‘to do’ list for becoming successful at it is overwhelming. Thoughts like “I can’t…” Or “I don’t know how…” play like a recorded song in your head.
Take comfort in knowing that it’s not impossible to make changes to what you eat thus promoting a better self-image in the long run. An eating plan designed to create a ‘better you’ can only be seen as a positive step in the right direction. With the help and support from communities around you, it gets easier as long as you stick with it.
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Here is some additional information to understand loneliness and our inherent need for social connection.
Change is hard. But who says you have to go at it on your own? Reach out and let others help you along the way.
If you have any questions or want to highlight other ways to help combat loneliness, please mention them in your comments below.
To Your Health,
welowcarbliving.com
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