What Are Your Psychological Barriers to Dieting?

There are millions of websites that promote various types of diet plans, weight loss pills, dieting and exercise techniques, and other diet related issues. So how is is that in America we are in the middle of an obesity epidemic? With so much information on weight loss, why does the obesity rate continue to grow?

There are many reasons for the continued rise in obesity. The first is the convenience of fast food. After a long day working, many people do not want to continue being on their feet in order to cook dinner. The products used in many of today's foods are not healthy. Low fat foods have added ingredients that add flavor without adding fat. So you may be reducing fat but adding sodium or calories. Many times the more natural and healthy foods cost more money.

On top of all that, the information that is out there is somewhat inaccurate. Yes, these diets claim that you can lose weight. Yes, when you follow the diet plan you do lose weight. What about when the diet is over? What happens if you go off the diet just for a friend's birthday dinner? Most diets do not allow for long term weight loss success and maintenance.

Beyond the food and the problems that arise from dieting, we must take a look at ourselves. Is our mind holding us back from losing weight? Let's take a look back at the journey you have taken to reach the point that you are at now. I am guessing that you have tried many diets with little success. These diets are often followed by overeating and feelings of shame and worthlessness. Throughout the years of yo yo dieting you may have developed negative thought patterns about food and eating. These thoughts are what keep you from getting to a health weight and staying there.

Take a piece of paper and write a list of all the negative thoughts you have about your ability to lose weight. For many items on the list may include “I just like to eat”, “I am always failing at weight loss” or “I just can't seem to find the right diet”. These beliefs were developed over the years of pain and grief you experienced as you attempted to lose weight. We must overcome these psychological barriers of dieting. We must begin to challenge our thoughts on food and eating. By doing this, we can develop new and positive ways of thinking about weight loss.

We must also rethink the word diet. Diet is a word that signifies a program that helps you lose weight but it does not generally address how to maintain weight loss. Making lifestyle changes or following a non-diet approach are ways to both lose and maintain weight loss. Make changes that you can live with for the rest of your life, even on party days! These changes will bring results.

After years of dieting, it is time to overcome those psychological barriers that are holding you back. You have the wonderful power to change your thoughts, work through these barriers, and head for success.