Keep The Weight Off

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/162

Hey there!

Are you ready to embark on a journey of profound personal evolution?

Dr. Angela and Marchelle are back with another empowering episode of the Keep the Weight Off Podcast, and you won't want to miss it!

In this episode, Dr. Angela and Marchelle dive deep into the power of visualization and shifting beliefs to unlock your potential for lasting weight loss transformation. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn:

🔹 How to develop a compelling vision of your future self, thriving in a healthy vibrant body you are proud of. 🔹 Understanding the role of your primitive brain in resisting change and maintaining old beliefs. 🔹 The concept of cognitive dissonance and how it impacts your weight loss journey. 🔹 Practical strategies for bridging old beliefs with new empowering thoughts. 🔹 Why losing weight and keeping it off is more of a mind game than anything else.

Plus, Dr. Angela shares insights from her Empowered Weight Loss students, offering real-world examples and actionable advice to help you overcome mental barriers and achieve your goals.

It's time to overcome limiting beliefs and shine in healthy vibrant bodies we are proud of!

PS: Ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? Join the Empowered Weight Loss membership and gain access to expert guidance, group coaching, and the support you need to break free from the yo-yo diet cycle for good. Invest in yourself today at www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/yes

Episode Highlights:

(02:03) Thriving means that you're not just trying to make it through your day; So many of us get up and think: "How am I going to make it through another day?" We all have a few days like that once in a while, but if that's your experience on most days, then what that means is that you're struggling.

We want you to be thriving so that most days you're waking up and you're feeling well rested, and eager to do things that are enjoyable to you.

When I say a healthy, vibrant body, what that means is that you have the disease of obesity under control, your blood pressure is excellent, you're nourishing your body with whole foods, you're exercising regularly because you enjoy it, you have all the energy you need to do the physical things that you want to do and you're just full of vitality.

(07:45) The job of our primitive brain is to keep us safe, to not make waves because right now we're alive and we're surviving. So anything that we do differently could jeopardize our survival. This means that any kind of change is very scary to the primitive brain. Anything new, anything different could mean impending doom, and our primitive brain will fight against it and keep us in that safe cave where we belong.

(09:49) To make this transformation, we have to develop an entirely new set of thoughts and beliefs. Beliefs like: I am vibrant and healthy, I know how to nourish my body correctly, I know how to manage my emotions without using food or alcohol as a buffer. All new beliefs.

And these thoughts may be in complete contradiction to your current thoughts. There's a term for this that comes from psychology, it's called "cognitive dissonance". It's when we're thinking two different contradictory thoughts. Being in cognitive dissonance is very uncomfortable, so we'll instantly go back to the old practiced thought in a heartbeat.

#weightloss #lastingweightloss #Mindset #cognitivedissonance #PrimitiveBrain

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/161

Hey there!

We're thrilled to announce the latest episode of the Keep the Weight Off podcast, where we delve into the insightful and empowering "Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution" Oprah special that aired recently on ABC! 🌟

In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn:

🔹 The significance of recognizing obesity as a disease and the importance of reducing stigma and shame around it.

🔹 Insights into Oprah's personal struggles with weight and her journey through dieting and its aftermath.

🔹 Understanding the body's signals and the futility of overriding them, illustrated with an analogy from Dr. Angela's recent stress test.

🔹 The societal discrimination faced by individuals with obesity and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches.

PS: It's not too late to sign up for the Belly Buster's Challenge, which is in full swing this week! Thousands of people are discovering what it takes to blast belly fat… don't miss out! Sign up HERE

Episode Highlight:

(12:15) Oprah talked about how people like her with obesity are discriminated against all the time in our society. She said that discriminating against people with obesity is one of the last acceptable biases. Insurance companies put up all sorts of barriers for people getting treatment and they tell people over and over again "You should just diet and exercise, this is a cosmetic issue". So the insurance companies are perpetuating this bias, and we know well how hard it is to get people the treatment that they need.

(19:59) Marchelle: It was hard for me to accept where I'm at now; I feel like it's not real because I was so used to living the life of somebody that's overweight…when I look in the mirror I can still see that other person that I used to be. Which is something that I'm working on. I know that this is a journey for me.

(27:19) No miracle medication's going to fix all this, despite what we want and what we hope for. There's no gastric bypass, or pill, or injection that is going to cure this disease because it's so complex and you have to really deal with the entire disease of obesity and that means what's going on in your heart and in your mind as well. That's why you need to get with a community that you can work on that part of it. It's not just the eating part… If you don't get with a professional that knows about this disease, you're just going to keep "yo yoing." The stuff that goes on inside your brain, inside your emotions, and your emotional attachment to food, are so important to treat as well. And I don't think that you can do one without the other and have long term success.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/160

Hey there!

Are you tired of struggling with stubborn belly fat? 🤔 Do you want to reclaim your confidence, vitality, and health?

If so, you're in the right place! In this episode of the Keep the Weight Off Podcast, we delve deep into the topic of belly fat and how to banish it for good.

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn: - The emotional and physical toll of belly fat, as shared by real people just like you. 😔 - Insights into why belly fat isn't just about appearance but is actually a sign of a deeper health issue. 🩺 - Practical tips and strategies to understand, combat, and ultimately eliminate toxic visceral fat. 💪 - An exclusive invitation to join our free Belly Buster's Challenge, where you'll embark on a journey to transform your health and lifestyle. 🚀

Ready to take control of your health and bid farewell to belly fat? Join us for this empowering episode and discover the keys to a happier, healthier you! 🌟

Join us in the challenge right HERE.

Episode Highlights:

(03:02) What I want all of us to know is that this belly fat causes us a lot of pain. It's not just physical pain, it's emotional pain too. And when I did the last Belly Busters Challenge, back in late January of this year, I put up a post in the challenge Facebook group and I asked "What would banishing belly fat mean to you?", and I got 239 responses to that question

(07:59) Belly fat affects all aspects of our lives. We carry it with us everywhere. A lot of people carry a lot of shame along with it, and I hope that if you're listening and you feel resonance with some of these comments, it helps in some way to know that you're not alone in your suffering.

Here's what I want all of us to understand; belly fat is not a character flaw. I think that's one of the reasons why people have so much shame about it, they think that they've done something wrong. And I want you to know you haven't done anything wrong, this is a disease.

(09:25) I want you to understand belly fat at a whole new level, and learn about what causes it and how to get rid of it. And we're going to do it together as a community in a dedicated Facebook group. So we'll all be learning together and I give you little exercises to do every day. There's nothing quite like this out there for you to really help you understand a lot of what causes so much disability and early death in our country and exactly what to do so that you can have a happy, healthy life.

I'm teaching you the science, but I'm teaching it in an easily understandable way so that you can just take it bit by bit and you can ask questions along the way. It's a ton of fun and it's a great learning experience for anyone who signs up.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/159

Get ready to dive into insightful conversations with Dr. Angela and Marchelle as they explore the power of self-reflection and goal-setting on your birthday.

Here's what's in store in this episode:

🎈Discover the thought-provoking questions Dr. Angela asks herself each year and why it's essential for personal growth.

🌟 Learn how to evaluate your life's direction, proudest accomplishments, areas for improvement, gratitude, and future aspirations.

💡 Gain insights into Dr, Angela's journey as she shares her proudest achievement and a surprise upcoming milestone!

🌱 Explore the importance of nourishing your body and shifting your perspective towards holistic health.

📝 Take away practical tips for implementing these reflection exercises into your own life.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable wisdom and inspiration!

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead, and we'll catch you on the airwaves!

Episode Highlights:

(06:42) Do you like the way your life is going and why or why not? Asking ourselves this question is really important; time is a resource that you never get back and how you spend your time matters. If you're not happy It's important to make the changes that are going to improve your life.

(13:07) I've always been grateful for a strong, healthy body. And this year though, it became even more poignant because I decided to become a living kidney donor, and I've been going through the evaluation process. They examined everything, and I was shocked because everything was unremarkable; the liver, the pancreas, the spleen, the gallbladder, the kidneys, no stones, no cysts, nothing. I'm 62 years old, most people my age have already had their gallbladder out and they've had hysterectomies and they've got arthritis and they've got diverticulosis, I've got none of that.

What it told me is that all of these diseases that we attribute to aging, all the digestive issues that people struggle with, and heart disease, are not inevitable. What we have is a toxic food supply, and this is what's causing most of the chronic conditions that we deal with.

(17:38) If you can stop focusing on "how many pounds have I lost?" and start focusing on envisioning that your liver is healthy, your intestines are healthy and you don't have arthritis, or that it's improving. If you can start focusing on that instead of focusing on actual weight loss, you'll make changes that will last for the rest of your life.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/158

Hey there!

In this episode, Dr. Angela shares a powerful revelation that she had recently, and it's a game-changer for anyone who struggles with stress eating. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover:

🔍 Uncovering the Hidden Stressors: Dr. Angela opens up about a common scenario many of us face - feeling overwhelmed by our to-do lists and seeking comfort in food. Can you relate?

🧠 The Power of Perspective: Learn how Dr. Angela's "aHa" moment shifted her perspective on stress and self-talk. Discover a simple yet profound technique to reframe your thoughts and reduce stress instantly.

💡 Transforming thoughts: Dive into the discussion about the language we use internally and how it impacts our stress levels. Hint: It's not about denying responsibilities but shifting our mindset.

🌞 Finding Inner Joy: Explore how adjusting your language can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. Say goodbye to unnecessary stress and hello to productivity and inner joy!

Tune in to the episode to discover how a simple shift in perspective can make a world of difference in managing stress and keeping the weight off. Trust us; you won't want to miss this empowering discussion!

Episode Highlights:

(03:02) A MODEL is a tool, a way of helping us understand how our thoughts create our feelings, our actions, and our results.

(04:30) When I omitted the word "need" in "List of things I need to do," the circumstance became a more accurate statement that just said "List of things to do". And that's when it hit me; How often do I walk around all day telling myself about all the things I NEED to do? "I NEED to clean off my desk", "I NEED to clean up the kitchen" and then when I get all stressed out from everything I need to be doing I tell myself "I need to calm down". It's a vicious cycle, right?

(07:47) Some things do warrant our attention and focus. But I actually think we put way more stress on ourselves than is good for us. I just know that I have this pervasive inner voice trying to keep me motivated by telling me all the things I need to be doing or all the things I should be doing. These types of thoughts actually rob us of our inner joy and stress us out. Wouldn't it be great to just start to notice all those times when we stress ourselves out for no good reason and see what we can do to correct that?

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/157

Hey there!

Get ready to dive deep into one of the most beloved yet potentially addictive foods - pizza! 🍕 In this week's episode of the Keep the Weight Off podcast with Dr. Angela and Marchelle, we're unraveling the mysteries behind why pizza can be so irresistible and even addictive.

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn: 👉 The science behind why pizza is so pleasurable and sets us up for addictive-like responses. 👉 Six reasons why pizza can be highly addictive 👉 How the accessibility and social factors surrounding pizza contribute to its addictive nature. 👉 Practical tips for enjoying pizza in a healthier way, including alternative crust options and mindful toppings. 👉 Insightful reflections on finding alternative rewards that don't compromise your health goals.

Dr. Angela and Marchelle will guide you with their expertise and personal insights, offering valuable strategies for navigating cravings and making mindful food choices.

Take care, and we can't wait to catch up with you next week for more empowering insights!

Episode Highlights:

(05:56) Michael Moss wrote a book called "Salt Sugar Fat", in which he interviewed food scientists. He explains that the food industry has zeroed in on this combination of salt, sugar, and fat because it triggers an intense reward activation in the pleasure centers of the brain. The food industry has even named this phenomenon, and they call it triggering the brain's "Bliss Point". Pizza is a "Bliss Point" food. It contains all of these elements: salt, sugar in the tomato sauce, fat in the cheese, and the crust containes flour that gets turned into sugar, and all of this activates the reward center. (07:54) Cheese contains casein, which breaks down into casomorphins in the body. "Caso" is cheese and morphine is like an opioid. So casomorphins can bind to the opioid receptors in the brain, and that will relieve pain and bring pleasure similar to the effects of other opiates like heroin and morphine. Now, think about combining it with all the other ingredients in pizza; this really can contribute to the addictive nature of pizza. (10:42) Pizza is often associated with social gatherings, parties, and events. You're relaxed and you're having fun. It's easy and everyone loves it. So this social aspect can create positive associations in our brains. In other words, pizza means happy times, and this really reinforces its appeal and makes it all the more pleasurable and addictive.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/156

In this week's episode, Dr. Angela and Marchelle dive deep into the topic of Identity and how it shifts as we embark on our weight loss journey. 🏋️‍♀️

From shedding old labels to embracing our newfound confidence, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate this transformative process.

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn: 🔍 Understanding how our identity evolves as we lose weight 🔄 Shifting our mindset and rewriting our internal narrative 🎉 Celebrating non-scale victories and focusing on what we've gained 💪 Cultivating a supportive network to boost morale and motivation 💬 The power of accountability and emotional support in our weight loss journey

Dr. Angela and Marchelle share personal experiences, expert advice, and actionable strategies to help you embrace your new identity, celebrate your progress, and keep the weight off for good! 🌟

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Whether you're facing challenges or celebrating victories, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Episode Highlights:

(04:47) Losing weight isn't just about numbers on a scale, it's about a complete transformation. There's a mental transformation, an emotional transformation, and even a spiritual transformation, that's why I always say "The journey to lasting weight loss is a journey of profound personal evolution". And one of the biggest challenges that we face is letting go of that old identity as the overweight person. We've carried that label for so long that it kind of becomes ingrained in our self image and the idea of going to a smaller clothing size doesn't even seem like it fits.

(10:27) We have to shift our internal dialogue; so instead of focusing on what we've lost, and I don't mean weight loss, I mean all of the treats and things that we've lost, we want to celebrate what we've gained. It's about reframing our thoughts and recognizing the incredible progress that we've made. Every pound of fat lost is a victory, and every healthy choice that we make is a step toward our best selves.

(17:06) Focus on what you're gaining rather than what you're losing. And seriously, you're not really losing much more than a few sugary or floury treats once in a while. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifices. We are not only boosting our morale and our motivation, but we're laying the foundation for long term success. It's a really powerful shift in perspective that can transform not just our bodies, but our entire lives.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/155

Hey there!

In this episode, we dive deep into strategies for maintaining healthy habits, even when life throws curveballs your way. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn:

🧠 Understanding the importance of kindness and compassion towards yourself during challenging times.

🌅 Tips for adapting your routines and habits when faced with unexpected disruptions.

🤝 The power of accountability and how having support can significantly boost your success in your weight loss journey.

🚀 Practical advice on starting small, building habits gradually, and never giving up on your goals.

Don't miss out on this insightful discussion filled with actionable tips to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals!

And remember, your journey to a healthier, happier life is not a solo endeavor. Join our community of like-minded individuals in the Sugar and Flour Buster's Society on Facebook, or take your commitment to the next level by joining our Empowered Weight Loss Community.

Here's to a week filled with progress, positivity, and empowerment!

PS: Healthy habits are easier with like-minded friends! If you're ready to take control of your health and well-being, join us in the Empowered Weight Loss Membership HERE!

Episode Highlights:

(06:36) Here's a quote from Habit expert James Clear: "In the long run, the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you'll end up with the same results. With better habits, anything is possible. In many different areas of life, changes seem relatively small and insignificant on a daily basis. The difference between eating a burger and fries for lunch or eating a salad on any given day is pretty insignificant, it's only 2 or 5 or 10 years later that you're like 'Oh, those daily choices really do add up'".

(12:18) I grew up in Kansas, and I like to compare building new habits to building a new 90-mile-an-hour freeway in the middle of a wheat field. It's going to take some time; first, you have to cut down some wheat, and make a path, then you have to widen the path, and then you have to smooth it out and pave it, then as time goes on you make lanes in your freeway and you add some on and off ramps and more lanes. Years later, you'll have a new freeway going 90 miles an hour in the direction of your desired new habit, but it takes time and consistency to develop it.

(17:48) As you're developing new habits and new routines, if life throws a monkey wrench in your plans, and you go back to eating crap food for a bit, be kind and gentle with yourself. You've got a normal brain that's currently rejecting the idea of developing anything new because right now you're in fight-flight trying to manage whatever the stress is. It's okay. Just don't give up and remember that you want to come back to working on the new habits so that someday they will be just as easy as the old ones were.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/154

Hey there!

🎉 Exciting news! We've just released a brand new episode of the Keep the Weight Off podcast with Dr. Angela and Marchelle, and you won't want to miss it!

In this episode, we delve into a common phenomenon that many of us experience but might not fully understand: Why we're never satisfied, even when we've achieved our weight loss goals.

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn by tuning in:

🔍 Understanding the root cause: Dr. Angela and Marchelle share insights into why our brains are wired to constantly seek more, even when we've accomplished remarkable milestones in our weight loss journey.

🧠 Overcoming shame: Explore the deep-seated emotions of shame that often accompany weight loss and learn how to address them effectively.

🎯 The Arrival Fallacy: Discover why reaching your goal weight might not bring the everlasting happiness you expect and how to navigate this common misconception.

🍽️ Tackling primitive brain talk: Learn how to identify and redirect primitive impulses that might sabotage your weight maintenance efforts, especially during vacation splurges.

P.S. 💪 Ready for in-depth support? If you're seeking comprehensive help with your weight loss journey, including medical insights, mindset shifts, and a supportive community, don't miss out on the Empowered Weight Loss membership. Just visit journeybeyondweightloss.com/yes to get started!

Episode Highlights:

(03:14) I just want all our listeners to know that there are people out there who are NOT going to just tell you, "Hey, this is all your fault, stop eating so much and exercise and that's going to solve all your problems!" If you need any help with this disease, and you're looking for a specialist in Obesity, just go to ABOM.org. That's the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Here you'll get a list of health care professionals actually board certified in Obesity Medicine who understand what you're going through.

(06:28) Here's what I discovered from my own experience; I was trying to fix an underlying sense of shame with my dieting, and some of the shame comes from our primitive brains because self-criticism is a survival instinct in the primitive brain. So when we feel threatened by something outside of ourselves that we can't control, we have a tendency to blame ourselves and to feel shame for it, and this is normal. A lot of us are walking around with this primitive brain that is criticizing us all the time and then we're feeling all of this shame.

(14:09) Your primitive brain wants its pleasure hit. It's okay. Nothing wrong. We just have to redirect. I do this by reminding myself that processed food, like cake and cookies and chips, are just really toxic and unhealthy things. I don't want to indulge in these things because I see them in the same way I see cigarettes.

For more details on this podcast visit:

https://www.journeybeyondweightloss.com/blog/153

Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Keep the Weight Off Podcast this week! Dr. Angela and Marchelle take a deep dive into the shocking biases and misconceptions surrounding obesity in the healthcare industry. 🩺💼

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn: 🔍 Uncovering the heartbreaking story of a patient facing judgment and prejudice from medical professionals. 🧠 Understanding the science behind obesity as a chronic progressive metabolic disease. 💡 Exploring the Joint International Consensus Statement for Ending the Stigma of Obesity and its crucial insights. 🚫 Confronting bias head-on and advocating for compassionate, informed healthcare practices. 🌟 Finding hope and support in a community that understands the complexities of weight management.

Remember, you're not alone in your journey. Let's challenge misconceptions together and pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive future.

Stay empowered, stay informed, and keep fighting the good fight!

Episode Highlights:

(04:53) Obesity kills 300, 000 people every year in the United States alone, and it takes eight years off of our lives. Most people with obesity have spent a lifetime trying to diet and exercise their way out of it, and very few succeed using that strategy alone.

Is that because all of these people have massive character flaws and are really just lazy gluttons? Absolutely not. It's because obesity is a chronic, progressive, metabolic disease that in most cases cannot be fixed with willpower.

(08:44) The Joint International Consensus Statement for Ending the Stigma of Obesity was published in 2020. There are 2 important points in the section titled "The science of obesity versus misconceptions in the public narrative of obesity":

1. "The assumption that body weight is entirely under volitional control and that voluntarily eating less and or exercising more can entirely prevent or reverse obesity is at odds with a definitive body of biological and clinical evidence developed over the last several decades".

2. "Popular expressions such as energy in versus energy out, or calories in versus calories out are misleading because they inaccurately imply that body weight and or fat mass are solely influenced by the number of food calories ingested and the amount of energy burned through exercise. This narrative is not supported by evidence, and provides a foundation for popular, stigmatizing views that blame individual's lack of willpower for their obesity".

(15:58) If you hear this sort of bias from your healthcare professional, you're not alone. Number one, obesity medicine professionals would never say these things. We understand that this is a terrible disease, and it's very difficult to keep it under control.

There are complex factors involved, including a processed food industry that is constantly advertising in your face all the time, your genetics, how early you were exposed to these toxic foods, and all kinds of social bias. There are so many factors going on that affect this disease and how it manifests. Not all of us but many of us understand that processed food is a drug, and so there's an addiction component to overcome too.