An important lesson I learned during my years of losing 100+ pounds is self-compassion during weight loss. If you beat yourself up or put yourself down because you are overweight, read on for this crucial message.
Feeling Guilty for Being Overweight
Do you feel guilty when you overeat?
Should you feel guilty for being overweight? How about eating junk food, like chips and chocolate, that you know isn’t good for you?
I’m not sure a day has gone by that I haven’t had some guilt in the realm of food or health. My first 30 years were so thick with it. I remember those years as if a dark blanket of guilt wrapped around the memories. Read the story of my 100-pound weight loss here.
Logic tells me guilt is part of the deal. Gluttony is a sin. Overeating is wrong. It’s unhealthy, it’s sinful – done deal.
I do not necessarily disagree with any of the above statements.
All I can say is that I spent 30 years of my life beating myself up over my eating, and it didn’t do one bit of good in healing me of my eating problems.
The truth is that I was full of shame.
Understanding Guilt vs Shame
Guilt has a place in the Christian life. Guilt is recognizing that we messed up. On the other hand, shame is the belief that you are not worthy as a person.
- Guilt says I made a mistake.
- Shame says I am a mistake.
Guilt is helpful because it guides behavior toward making a healthier choice the next time. Shame, on the other hand, drives us to hide, run away, and often continue to engage in unhealthy behaviors.
Self-Compassion: Accepting God’s Compassion
When I started lovingly treating myself with compassion, my behavior changed. For me, as a Christian, it’s not about giving myself compassion as much as it’s about accepting God’s compassion for me.
You must not downplay the sin but do not downplay the grace either. Christ offers full and amazing forgiveness, and you must embrace it to stop the cycle entirely.
I know it seems weird. Beating yourself up when you mess up seems much more normal.
“Shame on you, Sara, for not doing better! Get your act together!” -Me, countless times
This seems like the way to whip yourself into shape, right? Problem: it never works.
See the sin. See the Savior.
Accepting God’s grace is the only way. This is why you cannot guilt yourself thin.
Research proves the importance of self-compassion during weight loss, too.
Self-Kindness Encourages Healthier Behavior
The next time you overeat, skip a workout (or 10), go on a junk food bender, or your pants don’t fit, do this:
Accept that it’s wrong, but stop the thought process there. Do not go into the mental tirade. Ask God for forgiveness and help.
Treat yourself with compassion.
When you do this, you will see progress.
More Weight Loss Posts for You
When You Have a Lot of Weight to Lose
Why You Are Overweight…and It’s Not the Reason You Think
I Can Do Hard Things Journal: 30 Bible Verses for Strength
New! When you download the free printable of these Bible verses, you will be given the option to invest in the I Can Do Hard Things Companion Journal.
Use this 37-page daily reflection journal to find renewed motivation as you grow in faith and aspire to reach new goals.
With this journal, you will receive:
- 30 Daily Scripture journaling pages to grow in courage and power from God.
- Hand-writing God’s Word to hide it in your heart.
- Gratitude list to increase your thankfulness for God’s blessings.
- Physical health tracker to rate your daily pain, energy, or symptoms.
- Priorities planner so you will easily stay on top of your to-do list.
- Prayer so you are in communication with your Father.
- Reflection questions to ponder how God has developed your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.
For more reading:
It’s Not About the Food — This book was a huge help to me during my weight loss journey. It’s about changing your thought process about food and how to let go of guilt. This was the best, most balanced book I found on the subject.
When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies — These two books were also helpful for me. I don’t agree with everything they recommend but the overall concepts I found insightful.
Geneen Roth — When Food Is Love — Geneen Roth has written a large collection of books about women, food, and emotional eating. (I’ve read most of them.) Again, I don’t agree with everything she writes, but I found her books helpful.
Wow. This article was short, powerful and to the point. It’s a great reminder that God wants to be part of ALL of our life, not just the big parts. Thank you!! This has helped me shift my perspective. We are made in Gods image after all and he sees us as beautiful! We cannot believe the lies that the evil one tries to sell us. Going to check out these books. Thanks again for the encouragement! I needed this.
Beth, thanks so much for your comment. First of all it totally made my day. These types of comments make writing this blog totally worth it — it’s hard sometimes to be vulnerable about my weight issues, even today all these years later. Second, please do check out these resources and keep in touch and let me know what you think. I would love to keep the conversation going. Thinking of you!
Needed this today! I’ve been out of control for a couple months.
I’m glad this was helpful for you! I can relate to the struggle! xoxo
Such beautiful encouragement! I love that: See the sin, see the Savior. Your words apply across the board when it comes to our sins. He can deliver us from anything!
You are right, Bree, He can deliver us from anything. Your comment is an encouragement to me today. Thank you!
Whew, that makes me emotional. I am not alone in this.
((HUGS)) Paige. You absolutely are NOT alone!
Paige, I’m glad you found it helpful! (HUGS)