Family Encyclopedia >> Health

Why eating a little too much is disastrous for your weight

Why eating a little too much is disastrous for your weight

Together with Mieke Kosters we help you to realize your intention to become tighter. Not necessarily by eating healthier, but by creating habits that you can maintain.

Eating a little too much? Doesn't matter, I'm doing pretty well, I'm still exercising

You know that feeling:that somewhere you know that you have to change something, that things have to change, that you have to tackle yourself (once again) because things are not really going the way you want? I do. Especially when it comes to overeating. The greatest danger in this regard, as far as I'm concerned, lies in 'a little' overeating; cracker here, ice cream there, candy extra, wine or at least 2 in the park, etc. All in itself not a disaster. But every day that cracker and that piece of chocolate and yet one more glass of wine doesn't feel right.

If you've lost control, you know what time it is

If I'm in a period in which I have completely lost control, when I'm really slacking off and no longer exercising, I know very well that I have to do something about it. That I have to take time for myself; what's really going on? What need is behind this excessive eating behavior? Then I usually know the answer pretty quickly. The real solution (sleep more, take more rest, accept my worries, start a difficult conversation, etc.) with that. Sometimes it takes a while before I really get into action, but not long. I am so rationally certain that I will only improve if I take back control that I can no longer fool myself.

A little too much can go on for a long time

If you eat a little too much, you can really put yourself to sleep:it's going pretty well, isn't it? I'm not really gaining weight… I'm still working out well. It's just a busy period, you say. And then you just continue with 'okay, one more then' and you don't change anything; the need to scrutinize your eating behavior does not seem so great. Direct action not necessarily desired.

Or is that the danger?

But is it really so innocent? Or is it precisely this 'little' (over)eating behavior that lurks the danger of yo-yoing and giving up control? I can't, YOU, on the other hand, know that for yourself.

The following three questions can help you:

  1. Is this 'little too much' a pattern for you:giving up usually starts with being (too) gentle with yourself? Or:are you very strict, and is this behavior exceptional?
  2. Have you already gained more than 1 kilo? Ounces count too.
  3. Be honest:has a kind of restlessness lurked in you for quite some time? Or:do you feel comfortable with your behaviour?

Eating a little too much? You might like it

Do you answer 2 of the 3 questions:'NO'; for example, are you normally very strict with yourself and are you still under 1 kilo? ENJOY! Enjoy this period when you finally let go of the reins a little bit. You deserve it. Don't be scared, but be happy. This behavior is also part of a healthy eating relationship. Enjoy the nice weather with an ice cream and wine every now and then. There's nothing wrong with it:you take back control if it (still) goes too far. And that is not necessary for anything yet.

Put those dots on the i

Do you answer at least 2 of the 3 questions:'YES'; are you more than a kilo heavier and do you feel that restlessness? Make a RESTART. Don't kid yourself. Don't let your weight increase any further, but tackle yourself and your eating behavior.

Otherwise you will be sitting by the sea a bit too much this summer holiday. And do you hear yourself say (again):Oh dear, you only live once', after the summer holidays I will really start. And that is precisely the powerlessness. You don't want to feel powerless when it comes to food, do you? You're the boss! You are not responsible for what you put in your mouth, always!

So make that fresh start! Take control. Not tomorrow or later, but NOW. Then you can enjoy the best (not all the goodies) &yourself again!

Good luck,
Mieke

Read the previous blogs

  • I know, I just have to do it
  • Why you don't need discipline to lose weight
  • The reason why you are unable to lose weight (anymore)
  • Motivate yourself to make a healthy choice
  • I just don't want it badly enough, otherwise I would

Mieke Kosters is the founder of Skinnyminds. The approach to stop dieting and dieting and start losing weight permanently through behavioral change.

Are you already on your way to a lean mindset? Download the free checklist here.