Baby Steps to Change continued …

Small changes - baby steps - can make a big difference. Sometimes the simple idea of a small change can cut through the mental fog and kick start your weight loss program. In my work helping people to lose unwanted weight, it seems to me that there is too much information, much of it contradictory. If you had to absorb all the current evidence and eating guidelines before you started a diet, you’d probably be 80 before you could even begin. And by that time you’d be bored sick of thinking about it. And even more confused. I know that minds don’t like being bored sick. And they don’t much like big changes either. Big changes to your diet require a lot of mental and emotional energy, as well as considerable time and money. I’ve written before about how strict diets often result in a cupboard full of foods that you don’t like and can’t pronounce, let alone cook with. And strict diets that force you to change everything that you eat can also make you feel fed up, left out and deprived. Let’s face it, nobody looks forward to going on a weight loss diet. You never hear people expounding the joys and pleasures of dieting. But there is no good reason why losing weight can’t be made enjoyable. Making your meals enjoyable is something that is easily within your control. You already know how to do this! Your natural default is to seek enjoyment, so let’s focus on integrating enjoyment into losing weight. And that is my fix for your small change, the one you can easily do, the one that will begin your weight loss journey. Think of yourself as a pleasure seeker, deserving of enjoyment. And you can enjoy eating lovely meals three times every day. That’s a lot of enjoyment. I’m going to suggest that this is more enjoyment than you’re currently getting from your food. Why? Because many meals are rushed or bolted down or not tasted properly. What did you eat yesterday? And what did you really enjoy? Come on, own up. Did you really enjoy all your meals yesterday or did the experiences pass by in a blur? Now consider how much nicer it will be if you get the maximum pleasure and enjoyment from your food. You see, it’s not about quantity. It’s about quality. It’s about taste and sensation and the good feelings in your stomach and energy levels after you’ve finished eating. So here’s how you start that small change: Step 1: Choose your foods wisely, in accordance with what will give you pleasure, taste, energy and comfort. Don’t eat foods you don’t like and don’t eat foods that don’t like you! Step 2: Take time to enjoy your food properly. Cut out distractions, cut out noise, make your meal a quiet relaxing time for you to enjoy yourself. Put your phone down! Do it right now! Step 3: Now find out how much enjoyment you can get from what you are eating. Make it a competition. Challenge yourself to make your meals more enjoyable as you progress. Eat slowly, enjoy all the flavour sensations. Result: In no time you’ll find you are happy with less food. Huge portions that bloat you and upset your stomach will no longer appeal. You’ll have changed from an overeater to a more discerning eater who focuses on quality and taste. In my experience, half is a good benchmark to start with. Eat half of your normal sized portion and see how you get on. That’s not the end of the story, of course, but it’s a very good beginning. Find out how all these ideas combine into a powerful set of guided meditations: Slimmer and Healthier … the 12 tracks and the companion book will change your relationship with food for good. Back to Blog menu