But first … a quick reminder that Food Obsession Boot Camp LIVE begins this Tuesday April 3^rd and I will be walking you through the whole curriculum, giving personal feedback and troubleshooting insight along the way.

Enrollment closes this Monday April 2^nd. Be sure to grab your spot here!

Next …

One of the hardest things about giving up the all-or-nothing approach to eating (aka “all in” on strict dieting or totally off the wagon) is that the transition takes time and practice.

Time. Practice.

Tiiiiiiime. PRACTICE.

And more time. And practice.

People often tell me, “Ugh, I’ve been practicing moderation for about 6 months now and things have gotten a lot better—I only binge or overindulge once every 4-6 weeks versus every week like I used to, but will I ever just get there??”

OR, they’ll ask, “Jill, do you really never overindulge? Like, don’t you ever want to just have an all-bets-off cheat day?”

These are SUCH great questions, because they are signs that one had the courage to start on the path, and that they are indeed on the journey.

So what I told the first person was yes. You will get to the point that you’ll go months—if not years—without a big binge-y day. It will happen.

And in the interim while you’re still navigating days you want to overdo it, honor that. Have what you want, just stay mindful, show yourself compassion, take note without judging yourself and then move on—right back to practice.

As for the second question, I really don’t have days when I just want to crush a bunch of junk. Not anymore. BUT I DID for sure when I first started! It took me about 3 years to fully make the switch (!!!) and no, I have not had a balls-out cheat day in years (as opposed to every week for the years I spent obsessed with food).

It’s not because I am trying minute-to-minute to resist like I used to when strict dieting. It’s because if I want something, I just have it. A couple bites, a taste, satisfy myself and move on.

And I know it sounds impossible, but over time, that urgency and desire to EAT ALL THE THINGS RIGHT NOW does dissipate. I promise. And this is coming from someone who would’ve laughed in your face if you’d told me 10 years ago to “just have a couple bites,” like that was possible!😂😂😂

The time it takes is something not a lot of people have the courage and tenacity to pursue.

But it’s the price we pay to never have to diet again, and hardly ever obsess about food anymore.

The reward is that healthy eating is now a lifestyle, and what anyone else is doing/eating doesn’t phase you because you know that you’ve created and honed the BEST eating strategy for you, for life.

So how do you know when you’re there?

Here’s a quick list I put together to help guide you based on my experience and the successes of my clients:

1. You can dine out anywhere and choose the best option available, and neither feel deprived nor eat with abandon.
   
   
2. You eat the same on Saturday that you do on Monday. Not exact foods necessarily, but same level of satisfaction and volume, no more highs and lows.
   
   
3. You know that missing a workout doesn't mean you're going to blow up. You trust your appetite to adjust and you resume your training when you can. No stress.
   
   
4. Likewise, if you miss a workout, you don't make it mean you're just "off plan" so you then also proceed to eat everything in sight.
   
   
5. Going on vacation is not a vacation from your normal eating. You simply do the best you can wherever you are. Not trying to be perfect, but also not opening up the floodgates just because “it’s vacation.”
   
   
6. You never "start on Monday." You just eat, do the best you can at your very next meal and understand that this process goes on forever.
   
   
7. You know that the faster it comes OFF, the faster it goes back ON, so you consciously CHOOSE a slow, steady, sustainable approach to eating and even fat loss, playing the detective along the way.
   
   
8. You understand that negative motivators like guilt, shame and remorse don't actually help, so you've given them up. And instead focus on being as resilient as possible.
   
   
9. You know that depriving means eventual binging, so you include "built-in nutritional relief" into your daily eating plan, like preemptive cheats and nonnegotiables.
   
   
10. You've given up "the rules" and only focus on what works FOR YOU and what you can picture yourself doing forever.

What do you think? Where are you on these things?

Give yourself a grade from 1-10 on where you are on each, and congratulate yourself as you move up the ranks with patience and practice! It's 100% possible.

And if you’re ready to accelerate your practice, jump in Food Obsession LIVE next week! Grab your seat in the class here.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Xo,

Jill

P.S. I shared my 15-lb difference progress photos on social media yesterday, outlining exactly what I’m doing in each circumstance. If you missed it, I’d love for you to check it out, here. Xo