September 7, 2011

Go Ahead, Indulge!

Interview by Ceri Marsh

Q: How does self-compassion help with weight loss?

A: “Most diets revolve around deprivation and neglect. ‘If you’re starving, [you] keep eating tiny portions. If you’re exhausted, keep moving—no pain, no gain.’ It’s not effective, and it’s no fun. What I’m saying is when you treat yourself with self-compassion, you’re more apt to eat when you’re hungry, and stop when you’re full; rest when you’re tired, and move when you feel energized. When you do that, you lose weight naturally.”

Q:  Why is self-discipline ineffective as a weight-loss tool?

A: “When you discipline yourself to stick to a weight-loss plan, more often than not you get trapped in a vicious cycle of under-eating and overindulging. Think about it. When you force yourself to eat puny portions of unappetizing diet food, isn’t it just a matter of time before you’re raiding the cupboard for cookies and chips?”

Q: How does one practice self-compassion?

A: “For 10 to 15 minutes a day, you can practice formally sitting in silence, or informally walking around the neighborhood, by mentally repeating these four phrases: May I be safe. May I be healthy. May I be happy. May I live in ease. Start by wishing yourself well, then extending well-wishes to your next-door neighbour or the postman. When you do, you’ll feel calmer, less reactive and less likely to indulge in emotional eating.”

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