Weight Loss - Give up the Battle with Chocolate

Weight Loss: Give Up The Battle With Chocolate
by Wendy Hearn

What are you going to do when faced with the decision whether to eat chocolate eggs this Easter? Do you eat what you want or do you find yourself battling over whether to eat chocolate or not? I've found that many people who want to lose weight, battle with themselves, instead of occasionally allowing themselves something they really enjoy. But the battle isn't with the chocolate; it's within you.

We spend all that time and energy thinking about chocolate, and often give ourselves a hard time because we shouldn't eat it. The more we think about something we can't have, the more we want it. So what happens? When we finally give in and decide to eat some chocolate, we find it hard to eat it only in moderation. We've built up such a craving for chocolate in our minds that we need a much larger amount before we feel satisfied.

If you're seeking permanent weight loss, one of the things I encourage you to do is to allow yourself, at this time of year, to eat some of the things you enjoy, like chocolate. When you give yourself permission to eat something, you're likely to find not only that you don't crave it so much, but also that when you do eat it, you don't want quite so much. Whatever you're focusing and dwelling on assumes disproportionate significance in your mind. Instead of focusing on chocolate and whether you can or can't have it, I encourage you to think about something which will move you forward with your weight loss.

Chocolate is one of those products which is generally hailed as unhealthy. This isn't necessarily true because it can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. Achieving this happy medium whereby you're able to eat chocolate in reasonable quantities usually involves giving up the battle with yourself. When you're kinder and more loving to yourself, sometimes allowing yourself the foods you enjoy, you move away from battling with yourself.

What do I mean by "battling with yourself"? I mean the thoughts which run through your mind, such as, "What's wrong with me for wanting chocolate?" or "I'm never any good at losing weight and saying no to chocolate" and "I'm so fat already, what does it matter if I eat any more?" Mostly, I believe that when we're battling with our weight, it's more of an internal battle with ourselves than anything else. The process of ending this can take time and effort, but it's worth it in the end.

What's the first step for you? The first step will be different for each of you. You'll each have different things you've battled with. Ask yourself "What can I do to reduce or stop the struggle?" or "What will it take so I can take this pressure off myself?"

It's focusing on chocolate, and the attention you devote to it, that causes you to eat more. I suggest that when you find yourself thinking about chocolate, instead of going into battle with yourself, switch your focus and think of something else. Something which will have a positive impact on your weight loss. What are you going to focus on this Easter? Chocolate - or spending time with the family, taking walks in the park and finding other ways of relaxing.

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