Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: How Prioritizing Your Health Helps You Lose Weight
Do you ever feel guilty for taking time for yourself? Whether it’s squeezing in a workout, preparing a healthy meal, or simply saying “no” to others so you can say “yes” to yourself, that nagging voice of guilt can be hard to ignore and when you combine the topics of self-care and weight loss, the guilt can seriously hold you back.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: How Prioritizing Your Health Helps You Lose Weight

For many women, especially those struggling with emotional eating or binge eating, self-care can feel like a luxury, or worse, a selfish act. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And when it comes to losing weight and creating a healthier lifestyle, prioritizing yourself is the ultimate form of selflove.

Let’s dive into why self-care matters, how weight loss is part of that journey, and how you can embrace it unapologetically.

Why We Feel Guilty About Self-Care

From a young age, many women are conditioned to put others first—our families, careers, and communities. We’re praised for being selfless and giving, but rarely for setting boundaries or taking time for ourselves.

This mindset often leads to guilt when we choose self-care over external obligations. But neglecting your own needs doesn’t serve anyone—not you, and not the people who depend on you.

When you’re exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, it’s nearly impossible to show up as your best self. That’s why self-care is so important—it’s what fuels your ability to thrive in all areas of life.

You’re Not Alone

If you have a habit of saying YES to everyone else except you, and find yourself in that dark corner of the kitchen at night trying to care for yourself with a box of Oreos, you’re not alone. Throughout the years since I became a coach in 2009, almost every single one of my weight loss coaching clients had this same problem.

They easily gave all of their time away to anyone and everyone in their life, and then didn’t have any time left to care for themselves. This left them overeating, overweight, and frustrated with themselves, and sometimes the other people they were helping! It was a difficult situation for them to be in.

The Good News about Self-Care and Weight Loss (great!)

The Good News is that taking care of yourself and losing weight doesn’t mean you can’t help others out, not at all. What it means is that once you establish healthy boundaries you’ll be able to care for yourself, your mind, and your body, to get that weight off and keep it off AND help your loved ones too. But keep in mind, there’s no guilt in caring for yourself first, because the healthier you are, the more you’ll have to give to your loved ones.

How can you truly show up for them if you don’t first show up for yourself?

Weight Loss as Self-Care

Losing weight is about so much more than fitting into a smaller size or hitting a number on the scale. It’s about taking care of your body, honoring your health, and creating a life where you feel strong, confident, and capable.

Weight loss is self-care because:

• It supports your physical health: Carrying excess weight can strain your body and increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Taking steps to lose weight improves your energy and longevity.
• It nurtures your emotional wellbeing: Emotional eating often stems from stress, sadness, or frustration. By addressing these triggers and caring for yourself, you can break free from harmful eating patterns.
• It’s an act of self-respect: Choosing healthy habits signals that you value yourself and your future.

Taking the time and effort to lose weight isn’t selfish—it’s an investment in your overall wellbeing.

The Journey Takes Time, and That’s Okay

In a world that glorifies quick fixes and instant gratification, it’s easy to feel impatient when results don’t come quickly. But sustainable weight loss isn’t about overnight changes. It’s a journey of small, consistent actions that build over time.

Remind yourself:

• This is your journey: Comparing yourself to others will only steal your joy. Focus on your progress, no matter how small.
• Patience is a form of self-care: Rushing the process often leads to burnout or unhealthy methods. Giving yourself time is a way of honoring your body’s needs.
• Celebrate every victory: Whether it’s skipping a binge or choosing a healthier option like journaling or going for a walk, every step forward matters.

Practical Ways to Prioritize Self-Care

If you’re ready to embrace self-care and reclaim your health, here are some actionable tips:

1. Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” to things that drain your energy and “yes” to activities that recharge you.
2. Practice Mindful Eating: Slow down during meals, savor your food, and listen to your body’s hunger cues.
3. Schedule Self-Care: Treat your workouts, meal prep, and downtime as non-negotiable appointments.
4. Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who uplift you, whether it’s a friend, coach, or online community.
5. Be Kind to Yourself: Let go of guilt and negative self-talk. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.

Embrace the Power of Self-Care

When you prioritize your health and well-being, you’re not just improving your life, you’re creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone around you.

So the next time you feel guilty for putting yourself first, remember this: Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation of a healthier, happier you. And you deserve every bit of it.

What’s one small step you can take today to practice self-care? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!