Moving On After Toxic Relationships Can Be Hard, But Focusing On Your Health Is Key
Getting out of a toxic relationship can be one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do. Especially when you've invested so much time, energy and emotion into that person. The aftermath can leave you feeling drained, insecure and unsure of yourself and your future.
It's very common to experience a rollercoaster of emotions - relief, anger, sadness, fear. You may even miss your ex at times and question your decision to end things. This is all totally normal.
But now it's time to start prioritizing yourself again. And one great way to do that is by focusing on your physical and mental health.
Losing Weight Can Be Part Of The Healing Process
Many people find that they gain or lose weight during and after being in a toxic relationship. This can happen for various reasons:
- Emotional or stress eating
- Loss of appetite from depression or anxiety
- Fluctuating self-esteem affecting diet and exercise habits
- Picking up unhealthy habits from your partner
So getting back on track with your weight can be an important part of the recovery process. It's about feeling more like your old self again. Focusing on healthy eating and regular exercise helps boost endorphins which improve your mood.
Losing extra pounds helps you regain confidence in your appearance. And sticking to a regimen requires self-discipline - which proves to yourself that you don't "need" your ex in your life.
Set Reasonable Goals And Expectations
It's important not to be too hard on yourself as you get started on this journey. After all, you just got out of a draining relationship which took a lot out of you.
Set realistic weight loss goals of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Drastic changes rarely stick. Making gradual lifestyle tweaks helps you form long-term habits.
Accept that progress will come slowly some weeks. There will inevitably be setbacks like missed workouts, skipped meals and bad days. Don't beat yourself up or give up. Just get back on track as soon as you can.
Cut Out Emotional Eating Triggers
Many people tend to reach for food when upset as a form of self-soothing. So emotional eating is common during and after toxic relationships.
The first step is identifying your triggers - situations, feelings, times of day you typically overeat. Note them in a food journal or app.
Next, find healthier alternatives when those triggers arise. Go for a walk, call a friend, meditate, drink herbal tea instead of snacking mindlessly.
It also helps to remove tempting junk food from your home so it's not staring you in the face during weak moments.
Meal Prep Healthy, Portion-Controlled Foods
Plan out nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for the week ahead of time. This helps ensure you always have quick, balanced meals and portions readily available.
Focus on high protein foods like eggs, chicken, fish, Greek yogurt and veggies to keep you full and satisfied. Avoid empty calorie snacks like chips, cookies and candy.
Having prepared meals takes away the temptation to make impulsive, unhealthy choices when hunger strikes. It also saves time and mental energy when you've got healthy food ready to grab and go.
Find An Accountability Partner If Needed
Making lifestyle changes on your own after a breakup can be challenging. Enlist a friend, relative or coworker who can help keep you on track.
Check-in with your accountability partner whenever you feel yourself slipping - whether it's motivation to workout or cravings kicking in. They can provide an objective, supportive perspective.
Having someone join you in healthy eating and exercise can also make it more fun. You'll inspire each other to meal prep, hit the gym, go for walks and resist junk food temptations.
Focus On Self-Care And Stress Management
Aside from changing your diet and activity levels, be sure to nurture your overall wellbeing after a breakup.
Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing can help relieve stress, anxiety or depression. Get ample sleep, take relaxing baths, enjoy nature, listen to music - anything that brings your calm and joy.
Let go of the past and your ex as much as possible. Spend time with positive, supportive friends and family who uplift you. Rediscover old hobbies or learn new skills.
Be patient, kind and speak encouragingly to yourself each day. Recognize that you're still healing and allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come.
Consider Seeing a Counselor or Therapist
If your mood remains very low or your eating is out of control weeks after the breakup, it may be beneficial to speak to a therapist.
A counselor can help you work through unresolved feelings, identify destructive patterns and build your self-esteem back up. Cognitive behavioral therapy can teach coping strategies to combat negative thoughts.
Seeing a psychologist also gives you a safe space to process the grief and pain of the breakup. They can impartially validate your feelings and experiences.
Having additional support through counseling may make it easier to stay on track with healthy behaviors. It can help accelerate your healing process.
Be Patient With Yourself on This Journey
Losing weight after a toxic relationship ends requires reshaping both your body and mind. It will take time to undo the damage done and rebuild your confidence.
But have faith that you absolutely can establish new healthy habits, reclaim your self-worth and achieve your ideal weight.
Each positive choice you make, from eating a healthy meal to blocking their number, builds upon the last. Progress will start small then gain momentum as you continue moving forward.
Stay focused on all the reasons you're better off without your ex. Let your bright future motivate you, rather than past mistakes. You deserve to be happy, healthy and treated with love and respect.
If you ever slip up or have a setback, don't waste energy feeling guilty. Just refocus and continue making progress at your own pace. Be kind, be patient and believe in yourself. This too shall pass.
With consistency and self-care, the old, confident and vibrant you will shine through again. And you can proudly say that leaving your toxic ex was the best decision you ever made.
FAQs
How can I motivate myself to lose weight after a bad breakup?
Focus on how good you'll feel about yourself once you start seeing results. Make goals to fit into your old favorite jeans or feel confident at an upcoming event. Having an accountability partner or joining exercise classes can also boost motivation.
What are some emotional eating alternatives?
Go for a walk, call a friend, meditate, drink herbal tea, take a relaxing bath or listen to upbeat music instead of mindlessly snacking when upset. Remove tempting junk foods from your home to eliminate triggers.
How much weight loss per week is reasonable after a breakup?
Aim for 1-2 pounds per week. Drastic changes are hard to sustain long-term. Make gradual tweaks to your diet and exercise for a lasting lifestyle shift.
How can I stop stress eating after a toxic relationship ends?
Identify your emotional eating triggers and find replacements like calling a friend or going for a walk. Meal prep healthy snacks and meals so you're not tempted by junk food. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, therapy and self-care.
Should I see a therapist to help with weight loss after a breakup?
If you're struggling with depression, anxiety or emotional eating, speaking to a therapist can provide additional support. They can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and work through unresolved feelings.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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