Do You Resent that You Cannot Eat Everything You Want?

     When you eat, do you feel deprived because you cannot eat everything you want - and as much as you wish - without gaining weight?  Do you resent how little you can eat without gaining weight while envying how much others can eat? 

     No, there isn't a magic way to eat unlimited amounts of everything you want and lose weight permanently.   However, it is possible to lose weight without feeling restricted or deprived. Yes - it is possible to enjoy all foods - but not all at once! 

     Our thoughts create our feelings.  When you think, "It is unfair that she can eat that – and I can’t," then you feel deprived.  However, when you think, "I want to eat in a way that will make me healthier and give me more energy," then you select foods to eat that help you become your "future self" - healthy, energetic, and confident that you're looking good in your clothing. You don't feel deprived when you eat foods that make your body feel good and support your health.  

     You already restrict your food choices some of the time. You choose to avoid foods that you don't like or that make you ill. If you dislike liver (like I do), Brussels sprouts, or even chocolate (Is that even possible?), then no amount of those foods will tempt you to eat them. 

     When you plan to eat foods you love (including desserts, chocolate, and fried foods) and learn to savor your food, you can include some "non-healthy" foods in your diet, knowing that small amounts of these foods will satisfy you. 

     Put the foods you love on your eating plan - in amounts that will enable you to reach your goals.  Eat them only when you're hungry, and savor them. With practice, you'll be able to include any food some of the time on your eating plan, and you will still lose weight or maintain a normal weight.

     To successfully eat any food without gaining weight, be very clear about why you want to weigh a certain amount and envision your future self - how she looks, acts, and feels.  Your reasons to lose or maintain your weight should be compelling enough to enable you to decide not to eat something “in the moment.”  When you choose to eat those foods you think you should avoid, eat them intentionally and in small amounts.

     Occasionally, you will be somewhere where there is a very special food that is not on your plan.  If you like your reasons for eating that food - then eat it with intention and enjoy it. 

     If you frequently feel deprived or restricted, your eating plan could be more optimal for you. Your plan should be a "doable" one you can and want to follow. Your daily eating plan should contain foods that you look forward to eating. If you know that a particular food will cause you to feel awful tomorrow, then maybe you don’t want to eat it right now.  If you know that your aunt will be serving your favorite pie – put the pie on your plan.  Make a food plan that works for you and your lifestyle.   

     If you would like help in figuring out a food plan that you can follow throughout your life, or you want to be able to eat in a way that does not cause you to feel restricted or deprived, schedule a free, no-obligation, and no- pressure, consultation call with me at: https://calendly.com/coachbarbarakatz/60min

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