As I was losing 80 pounds, my coach challenged me with my old belief patterns.
I was convinced that the only way to lose weight was to only eat “perfectly” Meaning high protein, lots of veggies, low carb, low fat, blah blah blah… and If I deviated from that “Diet mentality” all would be lost. 😩
My typical pattern was that I could manage to eat “good” food for a while. Until I had some stress in my life, or I would come up against a challenging situation, and then my “good” intentions went out the window.
Once I realized that I didn’t have the bandwidth to eat “perfectly”, I’d give up.
…… Until I learned the concepts that I teach my clients about how to think about all kinds of food.
The ONE essential factor is to never talk to yourself like you’re not enough. when you attach morality to food you’re in essence stating that If you eat “right” you’re enough, and if you don’t, you’re not.
But that is simply NOT TRUE.
You’re already ENOUGH.
What you choose to eat at any given time does not have the power to change that.
When we attach morality to food there are 2 problems with this.
When you eat “ the right food”, you may feel morally SUPERIOR….
Until you realize you can still overeat that kind of food and the scale doesn't move.
So you’re telling yourself that you have deprived yourself, you’re now feeling depleted, and have convinced yourself that you have given up so much and it was totally NOT worth it!
When you choose to eat “bad” food, you may feel morally INFERIOR.
Thinking, “of course I can’t lose weight and eat this way" so then give up on your dreams, never even considering how you could level up a little bit.
My coach taught a technique called “Good - Better - Best”
The premise is ALL food is GOOD there is no BAD food. But some choices are a bit better than others, and then there’s an option that is the BEST for YOU.
For example:
A McDonald’s quarter pounder with cheese and a side of fries is GOOD.
To Level up a little, eliminate the cheese, and substitute some fries for a side salad to make it BETTER. (At one point in my weight loss journey, I’d order a Happy Meal) with kiddie fries because, let's be honest, McD’s fries taste amazing 🙂)
If you want the BEST choice in this scenario maybe choose to eat the contents without the bun and sub in a salad.
Some think that the only way to lose all the weight you want to lose is to only choose BEST foods. Even if that was the case, it’s most likely not sustainable for the long haul.
I teach my clients to plan for the food you will actually eat.
Eat it with awareness.
Eat it when you’re physically hungry
Stop when you’ve just reached satiation.
If the scale doesn't go down, I’ll have them explore to see if there is ONE small tweak they can make for the next time?
Can they stop eating just a few bites sooner?
Can they add in some vegetables?
Maybe try adding in healthy fat?
Have you remembered to include some protein?
That’s it. It really doesn't have to be complicated.
Be patient. This work takes practice, courage, and compassion.
You’ve got this!
Amy
