For Weight Loss Seattle

 Emotional Roadblock 2: Discomfort

Any sort of change can be uncomfortable. "Dieting" for weight loss is almost always in the discomfort category. It implies that it's temporary and so we just have to muster up enough courage and strength to get us by for awhile right?

But this "discomfort" comes in many forms and disguises. There are all the old food and drink rituals such as stopping at Starbucks and getting that morning latte; having that Krispy Kreme donut; lunch with friends at work; that trip for the Snickers bar in the afternoon; enjoying that glass of wine and cheese while preparing dinner; and, of course, let's not forget about those late night cookies after everyone else has gone to bed and the house is finally quiet.  Many folks are in a deep state of fear about "giving these pleasures up."

Also, we have a culture centered around all of those rituals above and more. Just try to spend a weekend with some friends and relatives and see if it doesn't center around food, drink and mealtimes. We all want to fit in and be alike so it can be very uncomfortable to be different. On top of all of that, there are some mild physically addicting qualities of food that the manufactures have been brilliant at creating just for you and your waistline!

Many processed foods, especially cheese and chocolate, stimulate the same pleasure centers of the brain that responds to heroin and sex.

Sometimes we use the food to stimulate the deepest parts of the brain when what we really need is friendship and love. And if the part of the brain that keeps us interacting with others - talking, flirting, dating, or just being together- can be satisfied with a bowl of chocolate ice cream instead, well it's no wonder we find ourselves becoming more and more alone.

You've got to find ways to become comfortable in your own skin now and then direct your intention toward having more fun and enjoyment in your life in whatever way works for you. Then you won't need the junk food.

Some people say they are hooked on carbs. I don't think so as I have yet to run into an overweight person addicted to carrots, broccoli and beans. Those have plenty of healthy carbs in them...fuel for movement and vital functions of the body. No, what they are really hooked on is sugar and fats.

But what about the mental and emotional discomfort? Sometimes it is used as a reward for a job well done or to sooth a bruised ego. Those of you who find comfort in food also know very well that those discomforts only go away temporarily.

It's like if we were driving a car and the "oil" light went on. The light (discomfort) is telling us that there is something wrong. And that makes us feel bad. So what do we do? We say: "I know, I'll go to Dairy Queen, or the liquor store because that will make me feel better." And it does...for a time...but the car still needs oil.

Any plan for weight loss in Seattle or anywhere else must address this for you to be Slender For Life.

Craig Sigl  Seattle wa