Hello,
Today I want to mention a few things that can get in our way when we are controlling what we eat.
The first one is food addictions. These can be strong and create urgent cravings. When dealing with this you need to be strong and turn the other way, just like an alcoholic or person troubled by drug addiction. There is no easy way around this. The good news is that this cycle can be broken.. Once you get to a ‘clean stage’ especially with sweeteners, caffeine or chemicals found in processed food
You notice the cravings are almost always gone or very weak.

there are tools to help you with this. Since we are all different, there is a variety to appeal to many people. The first tool is a support group, or this site. Reading and posting here can be a great benefit to yourself and others. If you can start a group or have someone else that will go through the plan as well, it will help your resolve.
Another tool is hypnotherapy. Also guided meditations or imagery can be very helpful. These are offered in classes, on the internet or you can buy a CD to listen to.
For some of us keeping records or journals and charting our progress is very effective to keep us on track.

Another thing that causes problems for us are emotional or mental blockages. Some people eat to compensate for feelings or to numb feelings. This is something that the above tools may help with. These problems and patterns can be very difficult to find on ones own. A psychologist or therapist can help as well.

A third thing that interupts our eatting plan is social or cultural patterns. Eating is a very social behavior that shows acceptance of ourself and others. We show affection by cooking for others and by eating food they have provided. This is a real problem in many families. Not eating the same food feels like rejection to the group.
In this situation it is best to be very honest and outspoken about why you are following your eating plan. Make sure they understand it is for your health and longevity. Have them understand that it is not about turning your back on their ways or habits. You are not trying to be better than them, you just value your health.
If you do not get encouragement and acceptance from others as time goes by, you might want to examine how healthy those relationnships are for you.
I have been on this plan for 14 weeks and now everyone that knows me understands the BSS plan is not going away. Friends ask if a restaurant will have what I can eat, or have a dish that is compatable with the plan. They care enough to understand.
The one thing that no longer stands in our way is ignorance. We now know what can help us and will give it a try at the right time.
Do any of you have other issues that are preventing you from following this plan?
How have you dealt with these roadblocks?
Enjoy your weekend, Margaret