Dec 03 2023 11 mins
In this episode, I cover the 'perfection myth' in dieting, arguing that it sets unrealistic standards and overlooks the natural unpredictability of our daily lives, leading to cycles of self-judgement and disappointment.
The all-or-nothing approach makes it harder for us to deal with setbacks, and focus on progress over perfection. To prevent this, we can use self-compassion, setting realistic but flexible goals, being mindful of eating habits, and getting support from others as more manageable and sustainable strategies towards weight loss and healthier living.
The moments of joy and pleasure in our lives shouldn't be viewed as failures or setbacks in one's diet and ultimately, letting go of perfection can transform one's relationship with food and increase chances of long-term weight loss and sustainable behaviour change.
00:00 Introduction to the Perfection Myth in Dieting
00:59 The Problem with the Perfectionist Mindset
01:43 The Impact of Self-Criticism on Dieting
02:42 The Importance of Balance and Adaptability in Dieting
03:28 The Reality of Dieting and Life's Pleasurable Moments
05:11 Shifting Away from the Perfectionist Mindset
06:31 Setting Realistic and Flexible Goals
08:54 The Role of Mindfulness and Support in Dieting
09:51 Conclusion: Embracing Imperfections for Sustainable Weight Loss
Want to change how you view food, and work on being less perfect? Take my 2 minute Food Mindset Mastery Quiz to work out how to do that: https://foodmindsetmastery.scoreapp.com