Many years ago, when I was in my teens I came upon an advertisement in a women’s magazine. The ad was for a new diet food. I was overweight and I was desperate to try anything even though they did not say what it was – it was a mystery!
I received in the mail a jar of banana baby food. My heart sank. I was embarrassed. I imagined the creators of this idea laughing at me as if to say, “those fat people will eat anything.” I didn’t read the material that came with it because I was too shaken and hurt. I likely ate it in shame because of my addiction. I imagine the premise was that it was a controlled portion and healthy. Had they simply marketed it differently in adult packaging and explained the thought process and concept perhaps it would have caught on. We will never know because I have no memory after that of the gimmick.
In my weight loss journey, I also read to use baby utensils to eat your food so one would slow down their eating. I tried this also but for some reason did not look at it as shameful at the time. This concept was upfront about the goal of slowing down eating. As good as the concept was this did not help me either. I wasn’t ready to take miniature portions while eating. Plus, an “adult” size spoon is an adequate serving, it’s more about what’s on your plate than on a spoon.
What does work:
Find your ultimate goal and envision what it feels like to be there.
What are your habits now that keep you from losing weight?
Start each day with your “to-do” list that includes tasks and life events – not food.
There are so many different types of journals that you can use to help you plan your day. Many journals start with asking what you’re grateful for or writing your affirmations. If you cannot afford to buy a journal any piece of note paper will work. Set your intentions for a great day!! Celebrate you and please take care of yourself!!
It's Not About the Food 