“I need to lose weight but l like food…” I have heard this so many times. Is there anyone who doesn’t like food? I don’t know anyone personally. But I know for a fact that some people who say that they don’t are just restricting themselves and made up this story, so it seems natural.

And here is my opinion: Food doesn’t make you gain weight. Do you agree?

But saying that, I need to clarify what I mean when I’m saying food: It is wholesome nutritious food without “chemical bombs”, that wasn’t processed and refined in a factory. Healthy, wholesome, nutritious food will not lead to weight gain, but junk food will.

But saying all of this, I am assuming that an individual has a healthy relationship with food. If there is no healthy relationship with food, then the food, of course, can be considered a major reason for weight gain. (except any outstanding medical issues of course) If you establish a healthy relationship with food and educate yourself on proper nutrition, and incorporate it as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle – there is no need for you to fear it.

From my experience and from what I’ve observed in others, it’s when we allow unhealthy emotional connections to our eating habits that we get into trouble. Be aware of your triggers, learn non-food coping skills, and take back control of your life. 🙂

So here is the bottom line: I think everybody should enjoy food. We’re supposed to eat and we’re designed to like it. So if you are one of those people who feels like your life is controlled by food, you need to analyze your set of rules that you have created for yourself. All of us are creating rules for ourselves in life. But sometimes, some of these rules are unmanageable or conflicting with each other. When we set up a vast list of forbidden things and another long list of unmanageable obligations, we cannot maintain it. Analyze your rules and see if it might be time to change it up a little. Which rules can you maintain and enjoy your life, at the same time?