Welcome to a new section called: Q & A!! If the question’s been asked, it’s likely that all of us are struggling with the same problem. Let’s share and raise our Jedi mind trick knowledge together.
I’d love it if you’d ask questions in the comment section below and — if you’re okay with it, no names of course — I’ll include your thoughts in a future post. (Or email me at Wendy@TheInspiredEater.com!)
I’m Smart. Why Can’t I Make It Work?!
A reader writes:
I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I’ve done all the “head work” related to my eating/food issues and can clearly mark the problem areas and even how to fix them. So – if I know where the problems are and what to do – why aren’t I losing?
My response:
It took many years for me to truly connect that eating several brownies starts with a (rogue) thought in my brain. Let me give you an example. Say my company is downsizing and I’m laid off. I then have a thought about being let go. From this one situation, there are many responses:
- First the thought: Omg. My husband is out of work. We’ll lose the house! Then the feeling: fear.
- Thought: Wow. I’ve wanted to start an e-business forever. Looks like now’s the time. Feeling: apprehensive, but excited.
- Thought: Awesome! We’ve been talking about moving to a new state for ages. Adventure: here we come! Feeling: thrilled.
After having our feeling (fear, excited, thrilled) we then kick into action. Most of us — on this site – feel a feeling and overeat. It might be stress-eating or what I call the 3Es: every-emotion-eating.
One more example.
A young woman has been 30 pounds over her preferred weight since middle school. She often tells friends, “No matter what I do, I can’t lose. The weight will not budge.”
Our young woman gets engaged and drops thirty to fit into her dress.
Nothing changed.
Except everything changed: her thinking.
Losing and maintaining always begins in our brain. Every poor food choice starts in our synapses. Once you make this internal shift, you’ll approach weight loss in an entirely new way.
The diet industry has done a number on our culture. They’ve long framed weight loss as a food or a willpower or a “Just Do It” kind of thing.
It’s not.
It’s much bigger: it’s a thinking thing. ♥
Happy early July everyone!
And remember, it is NOT your imagination. Heath is hard.
♥, Wendy
P.S. Are you new to the Inspired Eater? Welcome!! This blog won’t make much sense until you first read the Aunt Bea post (and you’ll find Aunt Bea on this page to the right under my short bio). On your cell you’ll see it immediately following the first post. After you enter your email address, the Aunt Bea article will be sent to your email’s inbox. If it’s not there, you might check the spam folder. And always feel free to email me at Wendy@TheInspiredEater.com and I’ll get Aunt Bea right to you!
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14 Comments
I love the Q & As – great idea Wendy! No matter how much I know, I still need the idea that “it’s my thoughts” hammered into my head over and over! Here’s my question – What about the menopause belly? I’m losing weight, but the belly’s not budging. Any tips on how to shrink it up? Thanks, and Happy Monday!
The fun of the after 50 pot belly. How to reduce body parts is way above my pay grade. The only things I know to help the menopausal tummy is Spanx, tummy surgery, or reframing (I think of my tum as a souvenir from the babies). Reframing is by the far the cheapest, but Spanx isn’t a bad idea.)
I’m at a lower weight, and while my tummy is still there, it’s not as annoying as it was ten pounds ago.
I wish I had a better answer.
♥♥♥
Ah – that’s what I thought, but wanted to hear it from an expert! 🙂 I’ll keep going with the Spanx for now, then! Thanks!
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Was very nice to read this post. You have a writing talent I must say.
Have a great weekend!
Very sweet of you to say Sinziana!
You have a great weekend too!
Wendy
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your posts. It is like you read my mind on some of the things I have struggled with and thought for the last couple of years. I can’t wait to visit you site and read even more. #HomeMattersParty
Thank you Donna. What a nice thing to say. I love your site and am following on Instagram (the upside down doggie is adorable and the GSD is gorgeous. We have a shepherd too). ♥♥♥
Wendy
Yes, it’s the thought that needs changing first. I’m currently struggling with the additional 8lb I’ve put on since I stopped smoking. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
Stopping smoking is huge!! I hear that it’s super difficult. When was losing he said that he “missed his little friends.”
You should be proud.
Wendy
This is such a great word!
Thanks Lauren!! Have a great weekend!
Wendy
I’m so glad you joined the Share the Wealth party at My Big Fat Menopausal Life. Can’t wait to see what else you’ll bring! Thanks.
Thank you too!
Wendy