Do you recall an experiment years ago which concluded that left to their own devices and surrounded by foods of all types, toddlers will actually automatically choose a balanced diet over a period of time? This is what I want for you, once you have readjusted your perception of food.

To draw an analogy from chemistry – before it becomes obvious that any reaction is taking place there is a period of time when nothing appears to be happening – this is due to the activation energy – the energy required to set the reaction in motion. It is the same when we proceed with any course of action – many people give up in the early stages when all the progress is invisible under the surface. Be patient. It's all happening. In any chemical reaction breaking bonds requires energy. In the same way when you attempt to cleave your strong (but unhealthy) bond with food you will need to draw on your energy reserves of motivation and willpower to change the habits of a lifetime.
 
Here's what works

1. Design a life that excites you – this is the ONLY way that you will eventually be able to conquer your urges to eat when you're not hungry
 
2. There are absolutely no forbidden foods. Chocolate fudge cake is not a banned fantasy – it is...well, chocolate fudge cake...
 
3. Throw away the weighing scales. A mere glance in the mirror will tell you all you need to know.
 
4. Only eat when you're hungry, not when you're tired, angry, bored or upset. I appreciate that this is not easy. After all these years of ignoring the signals with rigid diet plans, how do you recognise when you're really hungry? (More about that later)
 
5. When you are hungry, eat the food you really want. For example if it's a cheese sandwich then go ahead and have one BUT don't replace it with something else instead; you won't get anywhere near the same level of satisfaction.
 
6. Stop eating when you're full, regardless of how much food is left. It's totally irrelevant.

Let me interrupt your thoughts at this stage. I KNOW what you're thinking; "this all sounds great but surely I need to shed my excess two, three or four stone before I follow this advice?" NO! The bare truth is that until you adopt these rules and break your unnatural relationship with food then you will never lose weight permanently. Admittedly, this is not an overnight process as the first few weeks or months are taken up with redesigning your attitudes to food, hunger and eating. But the time involved is minimal when compared to the average woman in her forties who has spent a staggering twenty years battling with food.

Exploding the diet myths..
 
Q. Do I have to eat breakfast?
A. Only if you're hungry! You can always pack a sandwich in your bag to eat later. When? When you're hungry!
 
Q. Can I eat after 6pm?
A. Only if you're hungry!
 
Q. Can I eat anytime then?
A. Anytime you're...you get the picture!
 
There are two areas we must address before we go on. You must establish the answers to these crucial questions:
 
1.How do I know when I am hungry?
 
2.How do I know when I am full?
 
The reason many of us are not so sure of the answers anymore is due to a lifetime of conditioning and both ignoring and overriding our body's signals.

What is true hunger?
 
Most often a gnawing sensation in the pit of the stomach perhaps with rumbling. Some people experience lightheadedness and irritability. Trust your body.
 
Am I full?
 
Watch out for the beginnings of a pressure sensation in your stomach wall. Stop eating. Some people experience a lessening in the taste appeal of their meal. If you feel 'stuffed' you have overeaten. Don't panic – you can eat again as soon as you are hungry.
 
Above all - do not fear your hunger - it is simply a natural signal from your body that it's time to refuel.