Have you ever gained weight on a “diet”? It sounds insane, but I’ll be the first one to admit that I have. So why don’t diets work? Let’s explore one of the main reasons that I have uncovered: restriction.
Restriction is often our biggest pitfall. Why? Because the human response to restriction is rebellion. You are the parent AND the toddler arguing in your brain. “You shouldn’t have it”; “But, I want it!” Ring any bells?
The “shouldn’t” you burden yourself with makes it a moral decision which adds guilt to the war in your brain.
Here’s the solution – allow the consideration of all foods in your brain, knowing that you always have the choice. You may not like the consequence of eating certain things, but it’s still your choice. When you boil it down, weight loss is just a series of many decisions.
Keep the brain parent in charge. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this?”. Try to answer without acting on the urge. This approach can diffuse the toddler’s screaming fit.
It takes practice and time to learn to deal with our inner toddler. But invest in the parenting, because growing an inner food adult is so worth it.
