But I Deserve This Chocolate!

Book excerpt: Most of us are really, really good at devising reasons to indulge in foods that derail our diets and healthy eating plans. Who among us hasn’t thought, “I had a stressful day, so I deserve this chocolate,” or, “Buttery popcorn would go so well with this movie!” When we view food as a reward, emotional eating can be difficult to overcome. Most fad diets tell you to “control” your eating, use willpower, ignore your cravings, or just stop eating. Recall for a moment where this got you in the past. Feeling frustrated or hopeless? Maybe it led you to make more excuses? Perhaps you’re thinking I need to get control. This is a sign that the diet mentality may be deeply ingrained in you. Rest assured that there are alternatives to fad dieting and trying to “control” your body. In But I Deserve This Chocolate!, psychologist Susan Albers takes aim at the fifty most common self-sabotaging thoughts and excuses that keep you from eating right and looking great. This guide dismantles each excuse and offers a mindfulness exercise to help reroute your thoughts so you can meet your health goals. Whether you’re a man or woman, teen or adult, this book is for you if you are trying to eat more mindfully, manage your weight, lose weight, or take charge of your eating habits. Forget the chocolate and unwrap some truly nourishing habits you can feel good about—your body will thank you!