At this time of year, many people find themselves slipping into old patterns. It’s colder, darker, and the energy we had in September can feel like a distant memory. Comfort food becomes more tempting, and those old thoughts creep back in — I’ll start again in January… there’s too much going on right now… what’s the point?
This is the moment where years of dieting can rear their head. You might hear that familiar voice telling you it’s okay to let things go for now — that you’ll sort it all out in the New Year. Then the guilt sets in, and you start to feel like you’ve failed again.
But here’s the truth: you haven’t failed. And there is no wagon to fall off.
What you’re experiencing is self-sabotage. It’s often triggered by stress, tiredness or a long history of stop-start dieting. When I surveyed 4,000 Slimpodders for my book The Weight’s Over, an overwhelming 85% said self-sabotage was the main reason they couldn’t sustain diets. Slimpod helps you change these patterns, by rewiring the way you think and behave around food, so motivation doesn’t have to come from willpower alone.
Now is a great time to start experimenting with what works for you. That word — experimenting — is important. Slimpod is not about getting it all right or following rules. It’s about discovering new ways of thinking, eating, and living that help you feel more in control and make the change sustainable.
How to combat Self-Sabotage
Set realistic and achievable goals
One of the most effective ways to reduce self-sabotage is by setting goals that are realistic and sustainable. If goals are too big or vague, they can feel overwhelming — and that often leads to giving up entirely.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress
Stress is a major trigger for self-sabotaging behaviour. If food has always been your comfort, it’s easy to fall back on old habits when life gets tough. Experiment with what works for you!
Developing new coping strategies
Such as walking, deep breathing, or simply stepping away from the situation — can help interrupt the old pattern. These don’t have to be perfect or complicated. The aim is to do something different that helps you feel more in control.
Build self-awareness
A useful tool is a food and mood diary, these can help you to understand your emotional patterns. Notice what triggers your eating: Is it the smell of something, a certain time of day, or a stressful interaction?
The more aware you become of the connections between emotions and habits, the easier it becomes to change them. Awareness is the first step towards choice.
Create a support system
Sharing the journey with someone can make a big difference. Whether it’s a friend, family member or another Slimpodder, support and accountability matter.
You’re much more likely to stay on track when you know someone’s in your corner!
The Slimpod Your Way Challenge
This November, we’re inviting you to take part in our Slimpod Your Way challenge — created to help you stay motivated through winter by doing things in a way that works for you.
Week one focuses on food, exploring what satisfies you and makes you feel good, without rules or restrictions. Week two is all about movement, trying different ways of being active that feel enjoyable and doable. Week three looks at daily life, setting small, achievable goals that boost your confidence and support your wellbeing.
It’s not about pressure. It’s about building your version of success, one day at a time.
Why Accountability Helps
Research shows that when you share your goals with someone, you’re significantly more likely to follow through. In fact, if you check in regularly with someone, your chance of success rises to 95 per cent.
So if you’re finding things a little harder at the moment, why not invite a friend to join you?
Right now, there’s a limited-time offer. If you refer someone:
- They’ll receive 15 per cent off their Slimpod programme.
- You’ll get £15 for each person you refer
- We’ll also donate 15 per cent to charity.
It’s a simple way to stay motivated and support someone else along the way. Sign up here
A Thought to Leave You With
Winter will always bring its own challenges. But you don’t have to give up or go backwards. You’ve got tools now. You’ve got support. You’re not starting from scratch — you’re building on progress, no matter how small it might feel.
Be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Keep experimenting. Keep going. And if you’re approaching the end of your 12-week programme, remember there’s extra support available with Slimpod Living, including live events and expert guidance to help you carry on through the winter months and beyond.
