Dieting is tough, and even if it’s successful to begin with, around two-thirds of people eventually gain the weight back. Most people begin their weight loss journey with enthusiasm and commitment, only to give up at the first, second, or third hurdle. This is often repeated in a cycle which leads to frustration and feelings of hopelessness.

For these reasons and others, setting yourself up for success with a realistic diet plan is so important! Doing it through the help of a dietitian can help. A dietician can help identified a style of eating appropriate for your needs and help identify areas that have prevented you from being successful in the past, i.e. stress!

Before we move on, let us address the word diet!

Diet is defined by the Oxford Dictionary in two ways, (1) is a special course of food to which one restricts oneself, either to lose weight or for medical reasons; (2) the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. For purposes of this blog and ALL blogs related to our discussions on eating, the word diet is meant only as the kind of foods and pattern of eating that one participates in and not in a restrictive or medically prescribed way.

Consult with a Dietitian to Begin Your Eating Plan (Diet)

Most diet plans start from a place of confidence and hope. You’re sure you will be able to meet the demands of your new eating style and your motivated and full of willpower. However, after a short period, you find yourself “falling off the wagon,” by stress eating or accusing yourself of “cheating” on your plan. Usually, this is followed by a recentering with promises that you will start again tomorrow. Why does this happen to you every time?

The problem could lie in your mental health. Many people have learned to treat food as a coping mechanism. This means that when times get tough, they turn to food to help them get through it. Life often becomes complicated and more difficult when we attempt to change our eating patterns.

The best way to combat this is consulting with a certified dietitian supported by therapy from a mental health provider. Think of it as healing the mind and body through a healthier diet. This will assist with preparing and implementing strategies so that you are not reliant on willpower but scientific methods leading you toward a balanced mind and body.

How Can Therapy Change How You Eat?

By understanding why you turn to food for comfort, you can handle this situation better when it next arises. Discussing your diet and health with a dietitian will help you do this.

To get you started with new eating patterns and choices, your dietitian will recommend taking very small steps. Walk just an extra ten minutes a day or learn about correct portion sizes. By taking small steps through education and support, these changes can have a lasting effect without the added burden of guilt, shame, anxiety, and additional stress.

Learn About Food Addiction During Times of Stress

Does it go even deeper? Food addiction could be one reason why you have a difficult time changing your eating patterns.  For example, you may feel you are unable to cope unless you are constantly full and satisfied. Treating food addiction requires much more than attempting to change your eating habits. You may need the assistance of a dietician and a mental health provider to create awareness, healing, and lasting change.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can help in treating eating addiction or other eating disorders. You will be given new coping mechanisms to handle stress and make healthier choices.

Don’t Let Your Anxiety Control How You Eat

With the right support of a dietician and mental health provider, you can work towards and successfully achieve your goals. Whether it’s just shedding a few pounds or making lifestyle changes!

If you’d like to learn more about seeing a dietician or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provider, contact us today. We will walk beside you in the journey of discovery and assist in answering the questions you have.