Dieting and Self-Esteem: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

(www.weightingline.com) — The thing about dieting is that it’s no fun. Lifestyle changes are better for you in the long run, but also not a lot of fun sometimes. And although we may embark on these efforts to lose 5 lbs or just eat healthy to feel better about ourselves, often the  struggles we face along the way make us feel worse instead of better, and we get frustrated. What’s a girl to do?

In theory, losing weight is easy. Says one author who writes about practical cooking,

The secret to natural weight loss is easy if you just obey it; do not eat more than your body requires through normal activities and exercise.

Easier said than done.

Our bodies may know what we need, but our minds are another story. We want, want, want things that aren’t good for us. We keep eating when we’re not hungry anymore. We reach for huge portions of stuff that we should be eating at all, much less in huge quantities. And when we give it up (which we know we should do!) we feel deprived. So we “cheat.” And then we feel horrible. Repeat ad nauseam.

I’m saying “we” though I mean “I.” But I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who does this cycle over and over and over.

Though I haven’t managed to successfully apply this theory, I think the trick is to focus on what’s actually helpful and healthy to our bodies rather than what we think we want. To feel good about doing the right thing for yourself. To be proud of the little victories.

What do you think? How to you break the cycle of bad habits and low self-esteem? Or am I alone in this?

- Kristen

Contents © Copyright 2008 by Kristen King