By Michelle Borthwick
The emotional connection to food is more powerful than we recognize. Especially if we decide to change our diet and eliminate foods that we perceive to give us “comfort”. We eat certain foods when we feel lonely, bored, or stressed. We eat other foods when we are happy and want to celebrate. And, sometimes we just don’t want to cook so we eat foods out of convenience. Whatever the reason, when you start changing your diet your body goes through a detox period and craves that sugar rush and carb binge. It doesn’t understand why you aren’t complying like you used to and giving in to the cravings. This can be overwhelming. What do you do to manage this emotional roller coaster so you can get healthy and lose weight? Here are some of my tried-and-true hacks for overcoming emotional challenges with food so you can reach your diet goals and keep it Keto/Low carb.
- Gratitude.
Find something to be grateful for each day. Start to notice the things you are grateful for especially the small everyday details of your life and things you take for granted. These are moments when you say to yourself, “Oh, wow, this is amazing!” or ” “I’m doing this Keto thing and it’s working!”. Start showing your heartfelt appreciation not only to yourself but others as well. By “paying it forward” our world becomes a better place and somewhere along the way we stay grateful for our food, our healthy lifestyle and newfound confidence because of our Keto diet.
- Not Having Food in the House.
Don’t have food in the house that doesn’t support your diet. Period. You will just set yourself up for failure when you have a moment of weakness…and it will happen! Have plenty of Keto foods that you enjoy in your refrigerator, freezer of pantry at all times. You will avoid temptation and it will keep you satisfied. Empty your cabinets full of sugary snacks and salty, over-processed junk food and get rid of it. Not only does this keep any “cheating” at bay but it also demonstrates a strong emotional commitment to your desire to get healthy!
- Some Form of Gentle Exercise Daily
Keep exercise simple and be kind to yourself. Take a walk for 20 minutes a day. Ride a bike. Do a gentle form of yoga. It’s not about sweating at the gym or pounding a treadmill. Just keep moving every single day and find an activity you enjoy. This will affect your mindset and keep you happy and confident.
- Your Keto Why
Honestly, this IS the foundation upon which you build your Keto… t’s your WHY. Ask yourself WHY are you doing this? WHY will you stay on this diet plan and convert it to a lifestyle? Make this a living document that changes as you grow. Keto is often an emotional mindset shift. Use your Why to keep you on solid footing when things feel shaky, or hard or frustrating. It will get you past many temptations and you will feel stronger, more confident and committed.
These tips will help and there are many others. If you feel you cannot gain control and find tactics to help with your emotional eating, please reach out to me for support to manage your Keto diet. There are lots of healthy ways to deal with food, one bite at a time, and keep it Keto.
Keto On!
About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto customization expert and coach. Keto weight loss results can be greatly improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability, and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, goal setting, ongoing support and more. If you are interested in a Keto lifestyle designed to get you lasting results, book a 30-minute complimentary private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach.com
