24 Dec 2010 A new year, a new outlook on food

Believe it or not, it is entirely possible to lose weight with this approach. For a new food outlook, here are some things to consider:

Reject the diet industry. Let common sense prevail over all the false promises of easy, quick weight loss. You’ll be bombarded with advertisements for diets and fast weight loss gimmicks in the month of January.

No more black and white thinking. Reject food rules and the notion of “good” or “bad” foods. Reject labeling yourself as “bad” just because you ate cookies.

Honor your hunger and fullness. Don’t deny yourself a meal or snack when you are hungry and learn to recognize when you are full. Take your time eating and put the fork down when you’re full.

Take pleasure in eating. Legalize and enjoy all foods in moderation.

Find alternative ways to comfort yourself and handle stress without turning to food.

Be realistic about your body shape and size. Respect your body and avoid being critical of yourself.
Choose foods that are healthy supporting. Try new fruits and vegetable recipes and be open to healthy foods.

Try to be more active. You don’t have to run a marathon or exercise two hours a day. Just find ways to add activity to your day and make sure that your exercise is fun and enjoyable.

You may be thinking that these things are easier said than done and it certainly won’t happen overnight. These tips are actually ways to become more of an intuitive eater.

Intuitive eating is paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. We are all born intuitive eaters. Crash diets and listening to the diet industry turn us completely away from intuitive eating. It disconnects us from our natural need to eat.

Try to move beyond being negative and preoccupied with eating and weight. Disregard all the false promises of quick and easy weight loss and make it a new year of working toward a healthier relationship with food.  

Changing your attitude and outlook about food can help to change your weight for the better.