Session four (part two) - super glue words

Super glue words are words that cause you to essentially get stuck in the sort of mindset that takes away your control. They aren't reflective of the truth, they rob you of a better understanding of what you are thinking, and eliminate flexibility.

Here is the list (along with some suggestions for replacement words):

never - it is absolute and untrue. (rarely, historically haven't)
always - same as above (usually, typically, historically have)
should - Reflects an outside pressure, not an internal desire (I want to, I wish I would have, I would have liked to)
good - this word is a moral judgement and is not an accurate descriptor (met goals, ate low fat, acting in a way I prefer)

bad - same as "good" (did not do what I preferred)
starving - it takes 3 weeks to start starving (hungry)

craving - there isn't really good research that we truly crave things Cravings are more likely mental associations (would like to have, want)
love - I love my husband and my kids, I do not love any food. (really like, enjoy, favorite)

hate - I do not have a vendetta against any food (don't like, don't prefer)
failure - as long as you are still living, you have not failed (struggles, slipped, mistake, learned)
cheating - cheating on your spouse (or your taxes) is not the same as eating a candy bar (did something you didn't prefer)

can't - you are capable, you choose not to (don't want to, would prefer not to, don't have the time)

need -  you need oxygen, water, etc. (want, really want)

The lesson is that these words do not belong in a conversation about food. They are emotional, they are black and white, and they don't express the actual truth. 

If you tell yourself that you are 'starving' you are likely to eat the very first food you come across. If you are 'hungry' you are more likely to think about what you want. If you tell yourself 'love' something you are going to have it - why would you not? If you 'like' something you retain control of making the decisions. Similarly, if you say you 'can't' do something (go to the grocery store, go to the gym) you won't. If you recognize that you can (but choose not to at that moment), you begin to think about it differently. 

I exaggerate in my speech nearly every time I open my mouth, so making these changes will be a challenge for me. I have been convinced that it is important so I am going to try. Plus, I love this sort of challenge. Bring it on.

Summary of week three: my hardest week so far, but feeling better by the end

Total weight loss: 13 lbs