Losing weight is something that seems to be more and more difficult. Scientists and biologists have put this down to the increase in the amount of processed foods we consume, as well as the environmental pollution that is all around us. Their idea is, essentially, that it is becoming almost impossible to lose weight in the world as we know it today. However, a new group of people are suggesting that there are deeper issues at play as well. They suggest that what is really stopping us from losing that dreaded flab are the mental struggles we have in terms of our relationship to food. Food, in our day and age, is no longer something we consume because we have to, but rather because we want to. As such, the onus has gone from nutrition to taste.

But how do you deal with this? How do you go from years of conditioning that food is something to be enjoyed, to food as being something that helps you survive? There are a number of strategies that you can use, but according to various psychological experts, the starting point is to no longer rely on will power alone.

“Willpower is over-rated. Instead of trying to be strong and have willpower, people need to be more aware of behavior and actions, and their weak points. And the best way to do that is to change your environment so you can succeed.” – Real Jock

So, if will power isn’t going to work, you need to create a plan. A plan should include all the things you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve these. A plan is about defining what success means to you. However, giving success a definition can be incredibly difficult.

“Success is a mysterious thing, mostly because you are the only person who can decide what it is.” – About.com

The problem is, for instance, that a diet can promise that you can lose 10 lbs in a week. However, you may lose much less than that, because of the way your body works. This means that you will feel like a failure. The possible consequence of that, on a psychological level, is that you will give up on your efforts altogether. The defeatist attitude we get when we do not achieve somebody else’s definition of success (as that is what this is), is very well-documented and not helpful at all in terms of achieving your goals. In fact, it is one of the main reasons behind the yo-yo effect as well.

Last but not least, you need to query whether your relationship with food is really completely off balance. Some of us have started to turn to food as a friend, as a place of comfort. You have to be able to look inside yourself and be really honest in order to overcome this.

“This mental turmoil can often be caused by unaddressed relationship issues with family members, partners and friends. They are usually released with forgiveness (not acceptance).” – DAMY Health

Indeed, perhaps forgiveness is the place to start. Forgive yourself for not having the perfect body (yet). Forgive yourself and others, make a plan, and achieve success.