Do you know dieting doesn't work, and yet you're finding yourself feeling drawn to dieting during times of stress? Are certain necessary food restrictions pushing you towards a deprivation mindset? Listen now while I discuss some strategies with Laura Thomas on how to manage this part of the Food Peace™ journey.

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This episode is brought to you by my online course, Your Step-by-Step Guide to PCOS and Food Peace™. Enrollment open until January 31st 2018. You CAN make peace with food even with PCOS and I want to show you how.

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Episode's Key Points:

You're not the failure... the DIET is the failure!
During stressful times, we may find ourselves drawn back to dieting, even though we know that it doesn't work long-term.
Laura Thomas joins us to break down this letter and to help the writer find some solutions!
Honor how far you've come! All progress is good progress, so be compassionate about how much work you've already done. Do your best not to be hard on yourself if you're not exactly where you want to be in this moment.
Remember, there's no way to do intuitive eating perfectly, and in fact, intuitive eating is about moving away from perfection around eating altogether.
Diet culture is deeper than food!
Kristin Neff's work around self-compassion might be really helpful in being kind to yourself in this process.
We can't eat mindfully at all times!! We can only be mindful of so many things at once, and we're busy people. We have lots to think about, so don't get down on yourself if some of your eating occurs when you're distracted.
Stress happens, and sometimes we have to make eating choices that don't add to our stress. Sometimes that means you might be grabbing convenience foods, and they might not make your body feel at 100%, but you have to prioritize things! You're doing the best you can. Take a multivitamin if you're concerned that you aren't going to get your nutrients through your current food choices.
In the long-term, work on the self-judgment and perfectionistic tendencies. In the short-term, go out and get convenient and filling snacks that fit in your budget (think peanut butter, granola, or hummus!).
Processed, frozen food is a tool in your food arsenal! Work on the judgment around those foods, and embrace them as an option in your life.
The most important thing to remember is that there's no such thing as a perfect intuitive eater! Having flexibility in your eating behavior will protect you against diet mentality, so embrace it. Take care of yourself the best you can.
Online community is important! In-person folks might not be on board with the anti-diet movement, but Instagram, podcasts, and other social media platforms can act as valuable support.

Show Notes:

Julie Dillon RD blog
Link to subscribe to the weekly FREE Food Peace™ Newsletter. It is sent out every Tuesday morning. By signing up, I will also send you Love Food's Food Peace™ Syllabus.
Evelyn Tribole's work
Elyse Resch's work
Kristin Neff's work around self-compassion ---> This week's Food Peace Syllabus addition #1
Laura's podcast, Don't Salt My Game ---> This week's Food Peace Syllabus addition #2
Find Lauren's work on her website and on Instagram
Eating Disorder Dietitians can help your Food Peace™ journey. Get access to one near you here.

Do you have a complicated relationship with food? I want to help! Send your Dear Food letter to LoveFoodPodcast@gmail.com.

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