Help! I want get off the hamster wheel of dieting!

When it comes to changing your eating habits and behaviors do you feel like this? 

Waaaaaah! I miss cookies!

Or perhaps you’re channeling your adolescence? Want to rebel or shock your inner parent?

This sucks! You can't tell me what to do! I'm eating candy anyway!

It can happen when you try to adjust to a "new normal" and change your eating habits.

What's your "same old story"?

People often tell themselves a story of how things "should" go, or how things have gone in the past.

The story goes like this:

1. In order to lose weight/be healthy, I have to deprive myself.

2. This deprivation should be very strict. I have to make a lot of rules!

3. These rules are "all or nothing". If I break the rules, even just a little, then I am bad and "off plan".

4. Once I am "off plan", then $%#! it!! I am eating whatever I want!

5. Ugh. I feel awful. I am weak. I probably need more rules.

6. In order to lose weight/be healthy, I have to deprive myself further.

And so it goes.

Kind of a lousy story actually.

Deprivation, restriction, and "food rules" seem like they should work.

But they don't.

There are many reasons why.

? You can’t bully nor belittle anyone into changing, including yourself. Being extra-strict and self-blaming (aka seeking deprivation) doesn’t work.

? Our bodies evolved mechanisms to prevent starvation. These mechanisms can shape our thoughts and feelings.

? Underlying this behavior is an assumption: I am deprived. I can “rebel” or “treat myself” with eating “forbidden foods”.

If you focus on all-or-nothing, deprivation-oriented thoughts such as I can never eat carbs or All carbs are bad, then you will be more likely to see carbs as the proverbial “forbidden fruit”.

Your inner child will throw a rebellious tantrum, and you may find yourself reaching defiantly for the sugar bowl.

How's that old story working for you?

Time to try the Opposite?

This is where I can help you. 

I can help you exercise the inner superhero (your inner parent) that all carry inside of us. This is the part of your brain that solves problems, understands cause and effect, thinks about long-term consequences, and acts like a good parent.

Just like a good caregiver knows when her child needs a nap or is cranky and overstimulated after a long day of activities, your grownup brain can recognize, calm, and comfort your kid brain.

Tell yourself an Opposite Day story

Next time you catch yourself thinking Screw you, I'm eating the cake! or Me want cookie! stop for a second, and tap in to that Wise Inner Caregiver.

Ask yourself:

? Get curious. What is really happening? (In other words, am I feeling like a toddler who wants a treat or a rebellious teenager?)

? What would my inner super hero or inner parent do or say right now?

My guess is that your inner caregiver would be kind, loving and compassionate, but honest and firm. He/She wouldn't let you over-restrict, but he/she wouldn't let you get away with BS either.

(And he/she might help you "break the chain" to figure out why you feel so out of sorts.)

Lots of men and women tell me they signed up for my Coaching to be a better role model for their kids. Why not start by being your own Wise Inner Parent?

Start writing yourself a new, grownup Opposite Day story . . . today.

A new story without harsh rules and punishment.

A story that's full of love, wisdom, and compassion.

A story where you sense in to what your body wants and needs, rather than relying on "rules".

A story that takes you where YOU want to go, following the gentle guidance of your own Wise Inner Parent.

Need help? Contact me to get started on your journey to long term sustainable health and wellness.

https://procoach.app/ann-marie-flinn