Instead of dieting I would like to offer a different approach this year when everyone seems to wanting to diet more in January.  I have a book called Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield, RDN ( Registered Dietitian Nutritionist ). It's to transform your health from inside out and never say diet again. This book shows you how to create a healthier and happier life by treating yourself with compassion rather than shame. Body Kindness is based on Four principles. 

WHAT YOU DO: the choices you make about food, exercise, sleep, and more

HOW YOU FEEL: befriending your emotions and standing up to the unhelpful voice in your head

WHO YOU ARE: goal-setting based on your personal values

WHERE YOU BELONG: body-loving support from people and communities that help you create a meaningful life

Freedom from Diets!

I noticed that usually people are over weight as a child, but not in my case. I was not skinny and not heavy. I was just in the middle. In high school 9th grade I was the same way and I would say it was because I never ate. Once in awhile I'll eat something but I never ate three meals a day and I could go on not eating a lot. I was not very healthy, but I never gained weight. It was when something tragic happened to my older brother that I started spiraling down hill and using bad fast food as a comfort to all the bad emotions that I was feeling. It was very sad and I just about hated myself. I then started exercising again in my twenties and then in my mid twenties I was really bad with food again and gaining all the this weight. Eventually I just would try dieting and failing and exercising and dieting but failure would ensue. I am now 37 and I am coming to terms with how much I appreciate my body nowadays. As much as I was looking good when I was younger inside though I was extremely unhappy and VERY unsure about myself. As I am older I think more about body positivity and not much shame. It's still a working process but it's getting there. For example I would feel so guilty being over weight that I wouldn't allow myself to go meet with old friends and hide from the world. I was embarrassed and that is fucked up shit right there! I am more than just over weight. I have a heart, emotions, feelings, I am a loving person, I have wants and dislikes, etc. I am human!

So lastly, I would recommend this book and books about good body positivity ones. This is my favorite quote, " Because the pounds aren't really the issue. Your state of mind is." Jess Baker