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Why Food Isn’t the Problem
If you feel like you “can’t control yourself” around certain foods—like chocolate, ice cream, or pizza—it’s tempting to blame the food. But the truth is:
Food isn’t the problem. It’s what food does for you.
For many, food becomes a coping mechanism. After a stressful day at work, chocolate feels like a reward. Feeling lonely? Ice cream seems comforting. It’s not about the food itself—it’s about how we use it to manage emotions.
Ask yourself:
- Do I eat when I’m stressed, bored, or procrastinating?
- Do I reward myself with food after a long day?
- Do I feel guilty after eating certain foods?
If you answered “yes,” you’re not alone. Emotional eating is common, but with the right strategies, it’s manageable.
The 80-20 Principle: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Weight Loss
Forget “good” and “bad” foods. The 80-20 principle focuses on balance, not restriction:
- 80% of meals: Whole, nutrient-rich foods like lean protein, veggies, and minimally processed ingredients.
- 20% of meals: Foods you love, guilt-free—like chocolate, wine, or pizza.
Why does this work? Because it eliminates the “all-or-nothing” mindset. When you allow yourself to enjoy indulgent foods, you stop obsessing over them.
Example:
If your weekly calorie target is 11,900, around 2,380 calories can come from indulgent foods. This could be a night out, a croissant at breakfast, or dessert with dinner. The rest focuses on wholesome, satisfying meals.
From Scarcity to Abundance: The Mindset Shift You Need
Diets often create a scarcity mindset, making some foods feel “off-limits.” This leads to cravings and overindulgence when you finally allow yourself to eat them.
An abundance mindset changes everything:
- No food is off-limits.
- Trust yourself to enjoy chocolate or pizza without overdoing it.
- Realize one meal or dessert won’t ruin your progress.
When you approach food with abundance, it’s easier to regulate your eating. You’re no longer driven by guilt or fear, but by confidence and intuition.
Practical Tips for Emotional Eating
Overcoming emotional eating involves finding healthier ways to process emotions. Here are a few strategies:
- Build Awareness: Keep a journal of your eating habits and emotional triggers.
- Practice Mindfulness: Before reaching for a snack, pause and ask, “Am I truly hungry, or am I feeling something else?”
- Try Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
- Take a walk or spend time in nature.
- Listen to uplifting music.
- Swap evening snacks for herbal tea (rooibos works great).
Addressing the emotions behind eating helps you maintain a calorie deficit without feeling deprived.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re tired of dieting and ready for a sustainable approach to weight loss, we’re here to help:
- Join our free Masterclass to learn how to lose fat without deprivation.
- Sign up for 52 days of fat loss tips delivered straight to your inbox.
- Book a free call to explore personalized coaching options.
We’ll show you how to enjoy your favorite foods, feel confident, and achieve lasting fat loss.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. By addressing emotional eating, applying the 80-20 principle, and embracing an abundance mindset, you can create a guilt-free, sustainable approach to fat loss.
The best part? You can enjoy the journey—chocolate included.
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