When I first started dieting I looked at it as a fun adventure. Something that would solve my “body problem” and make my life better. I was young, about 12 or 13, and dieting made me feel more like a grown-up.
What I didn’t realize at the time, was that I was hopping aboard a train that never ended. Dieting never worked longterm for me. I would lose weight and when I stopped my diet the pounds started piling back on. The endless cycle left me feeling like a failure.
I longed for a solution. I would dream about getting to my goal weight and staying there forever. How could I do that?
If only I could figure out a way to get my “perfect body” and somehow press the pause button and stay there forever. This became my fantasy. Lose the weight/press pause/stay slim forever.
Once I hit the pause button I would have free rein to eat whatever I wanted and never gain weight. My body would remain at my “perfect” desired weight no matter what. The pause button would protect me from the massive amounts of cookies, brownies, mochas, and whatever else I consumed.
Does this fantasy sound good to you? To me this was the MAGIC PILL.
Just a few years ago my Dieting Fantasy sounded awesome. When I dive deeper I realize if my fantasy were true, I would have never learned to truly appreciate my body. I would have no clue how to listen to my body and feed myself well. I would have never figured out how to get over my sugar addiction.
When I was dieting, I really didn’t care about my health, I only cared about my weight. In my teens and 20s, I sought out the “easy” route. Slim Fast, Diet pills, laxatives, eating frozen “diet food”, and calorie counting. I had so little respect for my body. I just wanted to “fix it.”
By closing the door on my diet fantasy I have learned to truly befriend my body and treat myself with care. I have learned that real, healthy foods are fun to make and are delicious.
Some of my favorite lessons:
Releasing weight does not have to be a struggle. Being at a healthy weight is simple once you learn to listen to your body.
Food is meant to be enjoyed not something to feel guilty about. Slow down, breathe and sit at the table. Your meals will be so much more pleasurable and you will know when you have had enough.
Working out everyday is not necessary. Your body needs a break from time to time. Find exercise you enjoy instead of focusing on pummeling off the pounds.
Your body is sending you messages all the time. Your body will let you know when you should get offline and go to bed, if you need to cut back on the java, whether or not a certain food works for your body, and so much more.
Getting on the scale everyday is stressful and can keep you stuck and unhappy.
The one thing I knew all along has become more and more clear. Dieting SUCKS! I am so grateful to know I will never, ever do it again.
If you are sick and tired of dieting and feeling hopeless, I wanted to share that I have two spaces available for personal one-on-one coaching. I am passionate about empowering women to break free from the diet roller coaster and body hatred.
With love and support- Michelle
