Why Do We Yo-Yo?

Emotional and Motivational Issues

Sometimes, the thing that derails us is more the emotional side of things. There is a reason, however, that I put this last on the list. Part of this is that when the issues are more emotional, to many of it, this means "it's our fault" - and this attitude is often encouraged by others. The things we read, the people around us, and our own past "failures" point the finger directly at us. After all, WE are the ones who put that food in mouths, right? No one forced us, right? Well, yes, BUT. Daily doing battle with our own physiology is a tough row to hoe (and next to impossible at times), especially if we are armed with unrealistic expectations, the wrong diet, no support, and all the rest. Therefore, I think it's important that all the other ducks be in a row before considering emotional factors. As I write about elsewhere, the "compulsive overeating" which I battled for literally decades completely disappeared on the right diet. Still, I think there are some things to think about in this arena.

1) Are you ready to change your life?

People often go on diets for short-term goals - they want to lose weight for a reunion, a wedding, a vacation. It's not surprising that the results they get are short-term as well. Speaking for myself, in every single case when I did this, that event was the "low point" in my weight, and my weight has never been that low since. Usually, my weight gain began on the day of the event or shortly after and NEVER GOT THAT LOW AGAIN.

Now, some people can do this with relative impunity. They can gain and lose the same 10 or 15 lbs over and over. But if your genetics is tending to propel you upwards, this kind of biological activity is a dangerous gambling game that can bring your "set point" higher and higher. It is far better to wait until you are ready to make a real, permanent change, and then do it in a way that is most likely to bring about long-term success.

To be motivated, you don't need to be "fired up" or "excited". Those emotions won't sustain you over the long haul anyway. You just need the calm, certain conviction that you are ready for a real change. At that point, we can help you take those slow, steady steps.

2) Dealing with Change - When I found out that I am gluten intolerant, it came as quite a shock. A gluten-free diet brings pretty radical changes to people who live in countries with wheat-based cuisines like most of North American and Europe. As I went through my pantry, and the pile of foods to give away grew higher and higher, I became depressed, and I went through a period of real grieving. After awhile, like all grief, it subsided, and I got on with my life. But I am a firm believer that to get to the point of acceptance of a loss, we must let ourselves feel the grief. Making a permanent diet change sometimes involves such losses, as people find out they are sensitive to certain foods, or must substantially cut down on others. For the change to truly be permanent and successful, I believe that many people must do some grieving. If this does not happen, some never really accept the change, and constantly test the new way of eating, ultimately sabotaging it. I will be writing more about this process elsewhere on the site.

3) Untreated Depression and other Mental Health Issues - Depression, like obesity, is primarily a biological issue. Also like obesity, it can be helped with environmental and behavioral changes, but unlike obesity there is also good pharmacological intervention available for most people who suffer severe depression. When people are in the throes of a clinical depression, it is not a good time to make major life changes. Rather, it is a good time to seek treatment from a qualified professional. This is also true for other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others.

4) Life's Zingers - Many a well-intentioned lifestyle change has become derailed when we are "thrown a curve by life". A move, a job change, the loss of a loved one - these are only a few of the possible life events that can throw us off track. The more firmly established our new patterns are, the less likely a curve will throw us off, and more than ever we must get support from others to hold the "slow and steady course".

If we go into our new health adventure at a good time, with a positive attitude, and sources of support, we can weather the changes and come out strong, healthy, and vital.

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