Is Food the Enemy?

When you're trying to lose weight, it can certainly seem as though food is the enemy. To lose weight, you obviously have to reduce your calorie intake, which means eating less and making wiser food choices. However, there will always be foods which you prefer over others, and these tend to be the high-calorie, fatty foods which you turn to when you're feeling emotional. Not everyone eats because of their emotions, but there are many people who find it comforting to eat a big bar of chocolate or a packet of biscuits when they're feeling a bit depressed about their situation.

Clearly, if you're someone who eats when you're feeling low then sticking to a calorie-controlled diet can be a challenge. It is hard sticking to a diet, anyway, but when you encounter problems at work or at home; if you're having relationship difficulties or are worried about money, your commitment to weight loss may be somewhat reduced and it becomes easier to just eat what you want. It may not be food that is enemy, but it can cerainly feel that way when all you want to do is lose weight, but then end up falling at the first hurdle. Eating gives you a temporary high, but ultimately it doesn't make you feel any better about yourself.

Indeed, many people who are struggling with their weight also suffer from self-esteem issues. In a world where skinniness is very much valued, you can end up continually comparing yourself to individuals who are slim, which only makes you feel worse about yourself. Of course, you can take positive steps to change the situation and it is possible to lose weight, but you do need to have the willpower and commitment to succeed, as otherwise the temptation will always be there to just give in. Food isn't really the enemy - the chances are you are your own worst enemy, and so it is simply a matter of finding other ways to deal with your emotions.

Even if you're not an emotional eater, if you want to lose weight you obviously have to make some lifestyle changes. You have to focus on weight loss as your main goal, so that when you're tempted to eat too much junk food, you are able to resist the urge. It is also worth bearing in mind that the more active you are, the more calories you use, and so the greater the number of calories you will be able to consume. Whatever your reasons for being overweight and staying overweight, there is no getting away from the fact you have to eat to live - it's just that you have to learn to control your calorie intake more effectively if you want to reach your goal weight.