Have you ever watched someone effortlessly maintain a healthy weight while enjoying delicious food? That was me observing my dad. Intrigued by his intuitive approach, I tried to copy him. Initially, the freedom felt overwhelming, but it sparked a journey that led to my current passion: helping emotional eaters develop a healthy relationship with food and themselves.
My dad’s secret? Simple – 2-3 meals of food he genuinely loved. This philosophy became the foundation of my “Breakthrough Method,” a successful approach to lasting weight loss for countless women. But before we dive into the “how,” let’s explore the powerful “why” behind it.
The 3 Whys of Eating What You Love:
Freedom from Deprivation: Restrictive diets fuel the fire of overeating. When foods are forbidden, they become irresistible. My method flips this script. By allowing all foods, we eliminate the fear of scarcity and build trust in our ability to manage emotions around food. Food loses its power over us.
Effortless Portion Control: Enjoying your favorite foods, not depriving yourself, leads to greater satisfaction. This makes it easier to stop eating when you’re full. We ditch the “last chance” mentality that drives overeating. Knowing food is always available allows your brain to relax and stop seeking more in the moment.
No More Food Shaming: Forget “good” and “bad” food labels! Judging food creates a vicious cycle – unsatisfying “good” food followed by “bad” food to numb the discomfort. All food is simply food. Enjoy it mindfully, without guilt.
How to Truly Eat What You Love:
Give Yourself Permission: Chronic dieters struggle to rewrite their food narrative. Make a list of forbidden foods and gradually add them back in.
One Food Category: There are no longer “good” or “bad” foods. There’s just FOOD. All options are on the table.
The “Food Isn’t Going Anywhere” Mantra: This simple phrase changed my life. It reminds us that food is always available, so we don’t need to overeat in the moment.
Eating what you love is a form of self-care. It’s a way to show yourself love, respect, and honor. Let go of deprivation and embrace a life of freedom with food.
By Kristin Jones, CEO/Owner of Kristin Jones Coaching