Copyright 2006 Carol Solomon

What's the best weight loss skill?

Very simple.

What researchers have found is that most overeating occurs when you are in the state of "tense tiredness". If that is the case (and I think most people would agree), then fighting fatigue is a worthy goal.

It just makes sense that if you can work on being less tired and less tense, overeating will decrease.

If you are reaching for food in the late afternoon and evening, when you aren't physiologically hungry, then you are feeding your fatigue, not your hunger.

Many people use food to push through the day, or to give themselves a little "pick me up" or a "treat" for working so hard. Yes, you do deserve something good. But there are better ways to be kind to yourself.

Remember, diets are broken in the late afternoon and evening, when mood and energy levels are low.

Today, I will teach you the best way to stay in touch with yourself, so that you can avoid mindless overeating when you start to get tired.

There are a lot of good life skills to learn that will aid you in losing weight. One of the very best skills is to learn to stay in touch with yourself throughout the day.

I know that it sounds simple.

But it's easy to lose touch with ourselves.

So here's how:

The easiest way to reconnect with yourself is to do the "check in." Simply "check-in" with yourself at least 10 times per day. (Yes, 10 times!). It only takes a few moments to do.

Ask yourself these 2 questions:

1. How do I feel? 2. What do I need?

Accept whatever answers you get without judgment. Then try to meet your own needs in whatever way is possible.

And be honest with yourself.

For instance, suppose you are tired and what you really need is a nap. But it's not possible at the moment.

What could you do instead?

You may not be able to take a nap, but you might be able to honor your need in some other way.

Perhaps you could just do some breathing exercises, or take a short walk to feel a little more refreshed.

You could use energy techniques, such as Emotional Freedom Techniques see http://www.EFTtips.com to reduce stress and fatigue. It only takes minutes to do, and can be applied specifically to food cravings and weight loss.

Be especially concerned if you are starting to get that "fuzzy" feeling . . . or if you are numb and having trouble identifying how you feel. That is an indicator that you need to take a break.

You may even need to schedule your day differently once you start to identify your patterns . . . in order to meet your needs better.

Now there's a concept!

Start using this skill on a regular basis and you WILL notice a difference.

You won't be as tempted to eat in the late afternoon and evening when you start to get that tense, tired feeling.

When you can take care of your needs more directly, it's easier to make progress with weight loss.