I've tried so many diets - what if I fail again?

"I’ve tried so many diets and I always gain the weight back. Am I a hopeless case?” some of my clients ask. NO, they are not and you are not! We are all on a healing journey, we all have lessons to learn, obstacles to overcome, heal old wounds and recreate what was not given to us.

The work (and therapeutic goal) is to create an inner reservoir of self-love, which is yours alone, not dependent on other people or external factors. It takes time to fill it slowly but once you learn to nurture yourself well you can’t unlearn it. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to look inward and fill yourself up with your own love and compassion, and then share this love with the world around you. If this sounds too esoteric for you, let me give you some practical examples of what loving yourself could look like:

Let’s say you overeat and start beating yourself up: “I can’t believe I just did that. I know better. Stupid me. I feel so uncomfortable.” The loving way of helping yourself out in that moment would be to say to yourself: “Oh well, I just ate a lot and wasn’t even hungry. I wonder what’s really going on? I know I have been anxious about that presentation at work. Ahhh… that’s probably why. Oh well, I love myself and will plan for a lighter meal later on. May be I’ll call a friend or write in my journal.” Done, end of story, no guilt necessary. Just kindness and compassion for yourself.

Self-Compassion Exercise

Each night before you go to bed, write down three things you are grateful for and three things you are proud of. We all do many things well every day and take them for granted. Once you start acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments your sense of wellbeing will shift. Show yourself some love. Wish yourself well.

You can end the yo-yo dieting cycle.

The key for leaving the yo-yo dieting cycle in the past is to explore the core needs (and emotional triggers), which cause you to eat when you aren't physically hungry. My treatment model is deeply rooted in positive psychology, mindfulness practices and self-compassion research. I am here to help you find peace with food and your body. Reach out to me to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. I look forward to hearing from you. Contact Me.

With compassion,

Petra