It’s really NOT about the food.

Have you ever noticed that the moment you tell yourself you can't have something, you want it even more?

It’s like the forbidden apple in the Garden of Eden—Adam and Eve had all kinds of delicious fruit, but they fixated on the one they couldn’t have.

We do the same thing with "forbidden" foods. We end up wanting them more and feeling deprived, leading to a cycle of craving, giving in, and guilt.

Here’s the good news: a subtle shift in how we think and talk about food makes all the difference.

• "I'm not allowed to eat this" feels terrible and disempowering, but

• "I don’t like how I feel after eating this" or "I don't like the result of eating this" puts us in control .. and there’s nothing humans love more than to feel in control!

It’s not about the food itself; it’s about what we tell ourselves.

Need proof?

Think about the winner of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th. Do you think Joey Chestnut is beating himself up for overeating? Or is he more likely feeling proud of his achievement?

Still skeptical? Try it yourself.

Instead of thinking of certain foods as forbidden, remind yourself that you’re choosing not to eat them.

You might be surprised how much easier it is to say no when you realize what you’re actually saying yes to.

Give it a shot and let me know how it feels!