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10 Phrases and Words to Never Say If You Want to Lose Weight

Do you believe that your speech can impact your weight loss? I sure do. A big part of my coaching is to help women understand that their words proceed their actions. So a good place to begin to change your negative actions is by changing your speech.

Continue reading to learn about the power of your words and how they can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

If your goal is to lose weight, here are 10 phrases to eliminate from your vocabulary:

1.  “IT’S HARD.” People often say exercise is hard—that making time for your health is hard. It’s not hard—it’s just new for you. But as you continue to tell yourself it’s hard, your mind will come into agreement with your words and it will continue to get harder and harder for you.

2.  “I KNOW.” People often say “I know”. But the essence of truly knowing something is to do it. Until you do it, you don’t really know.

3.  “BUT, ….” Every time we say “but” we cancel out everything before the “but”. When I tell someone to exercise for just 10 minutes a day I would hear, “I would love to exercise ‘but’ you don’t know how hectic my schedule is.” Essentially this means, I really don’t want to exercise.

Proverbs 15:4 – “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

4.  “I SHOULD”; “I WANT TO”; “I MUST”; “I HAVE TO”; “I WISH.” These are all future tense words that keep you procrastinating and making excuses. They only keep you stuck in the cycle.

5.  “I’LL TRY.” This is another non-committal word. Use proactive, definite words that your mind will get excited about and find creative ways of obliging you—use words like, “I commit to” and “I choose to”.

6.  “I’LL START TOMORROW OR MONDAY.” The best time to start is now. Deferring your goal intensifies the perceived pain.

Proverbs 16:24 – “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

7.  “I DON’T KNOW.” This phrase is equally as bad as “I know”. It prevents you from thinking or taking action. If I ask someone when do they plan on exercising and they respond, “I don’t know”, it’s a clear indication that they are not committed to their fitness program.

8.  “I CAN’T.” People often will say, “I can’t” even before they’ve tried. A more appropriate response is, “I will do my best”.

9.  “I HATE.” Clients say to me, “I hate cardio” or “I hate working my abs”. The word hate has strong emotions tied to it, and like other words, when you say it enough it will become part of your subconscious mind which is beyond powerful. Instead, focus on the benefit of the activity you dislike.

10.  “I DON’T HAVE THE TIME.” This phrase is never the real issue. People who say they don’t have the time have not made exercise a priority yet. You give your time to what you deem as important. If you are ready to get in shape, then you will make time.

Proverbs 18:20 – “Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction.”

Did you notice any of the words on the list that you say often? Share them below and I challenge you to notice when you say them and start to replace them with something affirming instead—scripture is always a great option, too!

Your words precede action, so if you’re really ready to make a change in your health, then it's time to get present to these words that you use and start to eliminate them from your speech. Share on X

Proverbs 20:15 – “Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.”

P.S. if you are tired of circling the same mountain over and over and want a Christ-centered approach to lasting weight loss without feeling guilty, deprived, or overwhelmed, be sure to sign up for our video course program right away at cathymorenzie.com

Until Next Week,

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28 Comments

  1. My favorite thing to say is “I’m trying”, even when inside I know I’m not. This article really opened my eyes to the words that come out of my mouth.

  2. I’ve said every one of these phrases and I commit to stop right now in Jesus’ name!!!!! Truly, He’s the only one who can help me with each step of this journey!!!!

  3. I have used a lot of these words, excuses myself. I am working on thinking positive for I have the mind of Christ. To speak positive, blessings and not curses. The word says that life and death is in the power of the tongue. Asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to show me when I’m speaking negative or thinking negative thoughts to bring it my attention and deal with it rightly. I know the more we put it into practice it will eventually become our nature not that you won’t have to deal with it anymore but it will become an automatic response. Shutting it down before it even gets a chance to take hold. I believe that we have the nature of God because we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. God just wanting to bring it out in us:)

    1. Amen Andrea. I love everything you shared. We’ve got to continually practise “shutting it down before it even gets a chance to take hold” as you said. The word says, ‘Do not give the devil a foothold.’

  4. A lot of these words/phrases are things that I say to myself. Today I am going to watch for them and work to eliminate them from my vernacular!

  5. These are all phrases I have used that keep me stuck in my state of inertia and prevent my breakthrough. Another phrase that causes trouble for me is “I’ll just…” As in, “I’ll just have one” or “I’ll just have a bite” or “I’ll just eat this big meal because I will start tomorrow”. It’s a lie. there is no such thing as “just”. Every choice matters. 🙂

  6. I have learned to eliminate (or use much less frequently!) these words through WLGW! I’ve also learned to kick out “I need to” and just do what I need to do instead. This 10 Phrases blog is so wise!

  7. I say that I don’t have the time, I should, I want to, I have to, I wish and I know are all phrases that I use. While it is not on the list another phrase that I use is – what about my hair. When I have been successful in working out I have had a set schedule or a trainer and I was not consumed with my hair. With that said, I am off to the gym right now. Thanks.

    1. Haha Josette, that used to be a big deal for me too. I did not want to sweat out my fresh hairdo. Soooooo, I cut my hair off. Hope you had a great workout!

  8. I used to say “I’ll do it tomorrow (not just about exercise)” and it never happened. However since going through the 21 day challenge I do it everyday(exercise) even if I think I don’t feel it….I just do it!!! And I’m always so happy that I just did it!!! I no longer desire to keep procrastinating in any form. I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me!! Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!

  9. 😳I say too many of these things…too often…about too many parts of my life!! I am taking action about that right now! I copied these words/phrases onto an index card with an affirmative word/phrase below them. I am committed to reading this each time I fill my water bottle (4x/day) this week and reevaluating to see which I have made progress with! I do not plan on living the rest of my life in “procrastination mode”! God has revealed some really great truths about this to me recently and I’m praising Him for this opportunity at spiritual growth!!🙌🏻❤️☺️

    1. What a great idea to copy them on an index card and making your cue filling your water bottle. Brilliant! What an exciting season this is going to be in your life as God reveals His truths to you.

  10. Oh, yes! I have a habit of saying a few: “I don’t have time, I know, but, I’ll try, I’ll start on Monday (my favorite), I want to”. Thanks for shedding the light on my sabotage! I will commit to using positive words and affirmations and confessing what scripture says!

  11. My husband says I know all the time and he doesn’t know. I will talk to him about being diabetic and he immediately says I know. He doesn’t have diabetes so he doesn’t know the struggles I have. I try to make sure I know before I say I know. These phrases are very informative, I will definitely take notice if I say these, and I have,and change my thinking. Thanks.

  12. How do I get started? What do I eat? What do I do? How do i change my mindset, that I will never lose weight no matter what I do?

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