What is self regulation, anyway?

In the Psychological Review journal all the back to 1982, the behavior theorist Bandura proposed that people administered rewards and punishments to themselves in an attempt to control their behavior.

Think about food. Who hasn’t rewarded herself with a food treat? Life wouldn’t be so fun if we didn’t. And that is surely not always a bad thing. We absolutely do need to celebrate once in awhile. But here comes the kicker.

What happens to you when you use food for your biggest reward most of the time? Bet you’ve already been down that street. Emotional, compulsive, and binge eating are there right around every corner. Then the ate-too much-guilt-eat again cycle. Does that sound like celebrating to you?

But you’ve had bariatrics. It will help you quit this cycle, right?

Tell me it ain’t so…But not necessarily.

Surgery may help cravings, help you to feel full, etc., and get you on the road to quick bye bye weight success.

But you are emotionally addicted to food, your brain has a memory. Full or not full, you may still want and feel the need to eat. Or angry, frustration, and disappointment was rear their ugly little heads.

Like Janie. She was happily losing weight after her surgery. Then he mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Janie was her caregiver, and she felt alone. Food had always been her friend, or so she thought. But does a true friend ruin your life? She turned to food for comfort, and her Lap-Band couldn’t hold in her tears or sadness. And her weight crept back on.

Your emotional self needs to be coached HOW to combat these urges. So what to do?

Game plan:

• Get a bariatric surgery coach to support your efforts
• Commit to losing weight and do not depend on surgery.
• Journal your BEST SELF positive attributes. Review them everyday.
• Meditate, pray, or get out your inspirational readings. Read them out loud.

Also give these a whirl:

• Use Emotional Freedom Techniques. I can help you with that and refer you to my friend Carol Solomon, an EFT pro.
• Accept yourself. You are not perfect. Be patient. If you make a slip and eat too much, forgive yourself. No inner critic allowed!
• Get your butt moving. Walk. Get away from temptation. Walk in place when you watch TV. Life small weights. Smile!
• Love yourself up. Look into the mirror and be proud of who you are becoming. You will get there.

Want self mastery?

Master your emotions. Easier said than done.

If you get stuck, I love to help you soar!

Come on, I’ll fly with the eagles with you!