Ep 290 Happiness First, Weight Loss Second Why You've Had It Backwards All Along

Are you still waiting for the number on the scale to give you permission to feel confident, happy, or worthy? Do you find yourself trapped in a cycle of self-criticism and stress, thinking that losing weight will finally make everything fall into place? What if the key to lasting change isn't in the number, but in how you treat yourself now? This constant self-criticism not only keeps you stuck but also ruins your ability to make lasting changes. The more you wait for "the right moment," the more you delay your joy, peace, and dreams. Every day spent in stress or shame robs you of the energy and motivation you need to create a fulfilling life. The solution lies in shifting your mindset from punishment to self-care. By prioritizing inner peace, self-worth, and emotional safety, you can break free from the cycle and create the transformation you desire. It's time to put your happiness first—right now. "You are worthy of joy now. You don't have to earn your happiness. You are worthy of joy right now. You don't have to earn your happiness and your freedom is not 10 pounds away or 20 or 30 or 50 or a hundred. It's one decision away. Please say yes to the version of you who puts peace first." - Leslie Thornton What you will learn from this episode: 01:11 - How positive reinforcement, not shame, is key to lasting weight loss 05:35 - Why self-criticism keeps you stuck and life is too short to wait to be happy 12:06 - Sharing how happiness makes weight loss easier, while stress keeps you stuck 14:19 - Why obsessing over weight loss delays joy, purpose, and truly living your life 15:56 - What loving yourself now—not after weight loss—leads to: Real, lasting freedom and healthier habits 17:45 - Highlighting how true, lasting change comes from building inner peace and self-worth, not from punishing yourself into weight loss 21:24 - An invitation to start your journey to food freedom and self-trust now Valuable Resources: Join my next LIVE masterclass Join the 8-week Fastrack to Food Freedom Program -Guaranteed mental and emotional freedom from food Connect With Leslie Thornton: Book A Clarity Call Website Facebook LinkedIn Email: Leslie@hpwl.co If you enjoy the podcast, Would you please consider leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes in under 60 seconds? It brightens our day and helps us bring you incredible guests for top-notch content. Plus, I cherish reading every review! Click here to make a difference!