Every action we take starts with a mental decision. We did not just accidentally find ourselves overweight one day. We have each made a series of little decisions over the years about what to put into our bodies, what activities to participate in, etc. We let ourselves lose control of our own health and become victims of things that happened to us.
For many of us these food decisions come from emotional responses to stressors in life. When we have a bad or stressful day, we find food comforting. Not just any foods -comfort foods full of sugars and fats. I have never gone to the fridge and stuffed my face full of carrots while I cried.
Sometimes people overeat merely because we are bored and have nothing better to do but eat and participate in a sedentary activity like watching television. Often if unhealthy foods are sitting around we will eat them because they are there, require very little preparation, and taste good. Sometimes people eat unhealthy foods at parties to fit in or they feel obligated to please a friend/host by trying a food. Perhaps you ate unhealthy foods because you never realized how bad for you they are.
Knowledge is power. Knowledge about ourselves and our own behavior is invaluable and really is up to you to determine. While you might relate to someone else’s story, you must face the reasons you let yourself eat unhealthy foods. Whatever the reason, or reasons, we gain weight -they ultimately stem from a mental decision. Unfortunately even if you start eating right/exercising you are quite likely to gain all that weight back. Why? Does it have to be a futile cycle? No, but you have to deal with the reasons you became overweight in the first place. Otherwise, you will find yourself flopping between dieting and binging in a very unhealthy cycle that is tough on your body and tougher on your mind and confidence.
Take a notebook out and write down any and all reasons/times you head to the kitchen. Once you identify why you are eating in excess, you have the power to consciously choose something different for yourself. For example, if you know you eat when sad/upset maybe you can find a physical release for your emotions in a game of tennis against a backboard or sort your feelings out on a bike ride or jogging trip. Often we indirectly made unhealthy decisions, almost unknowingly. But now it’s time to gain knowledge about yourself -and this knowledge will arm to you defend yourself from those destructive behaviors in favor of a healthier alternative.
When I am sad and upset, I don’t go near the fridge for fear that once I get started eating I’ll never stop until I feel sick. And, then I still have to deal with whatever made me sad in the first place as well as all those calories I just consumed. I don’t need to add to the problems in my life. We all say we are not on a diet, instead we have found a new way of life. Part of that new life must be managing boredom/emotions/etc and taking control of your eating decisions. You must stop the cycle in your eating habits and choose what is best for your health. Winning the mental struggle is half the battle. A strong mind creates a strong resolve when it comes to diet and a determination to exercise. Get your mind on your side, and you can achieve anything you choose.