Have you ever tried a new diet only to find that, after a few weeks or months, the initial excitement has worn off and you’re back to your old eating habits? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, this phenomenon is so common that it has a name: the “honeymoon period.”
The honeymoon period is the initial stage of any diet or lifestyle change when everything is new and exciting and we’re full of motivation. We’re laser-focused on our goals and convinced that this time, things will be different. Unfortunately, for most of us, the honeymoon period doesn’t last. So, what can we do to make it last?
Why the Honeymoon Period Ends
There are a few reasons why the honeymoon period comes to an end. First of all, humans are creatures of habit. We like routine and familiarity, which is why it’s often so difficult to stick to a new diet or exercise regimen. When something disrupts our usual routine, we have to use willpower to stick with it—and willpower is a finite resource.
Another reason why the honeymoon period ends is because we often approach diets with an all-or-nothing mindset. We think that in order to see results, we have to be perfect. But when we inevitably make a mistake or fall off the wagon, we feel like failures. This can lead us to give up entirely, rather than getting back on track and recommitting to our goals.
How to Make the Honeymoon Period Last Longer
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to make the honeymoon period last longer.
Prior Flexibility
One of the best ways is to build in some flexibility into your plan. Rather than thinking of your diet as a set of strict rules that you have to follow perfectly, think of it as guidelines that you can adapt based on your individual needs and preferences. This will make it feel less restrictive and more sustainable in the long run.
Focus on Progress
Another way to make the honeymoon period last longer is to focus on progress, not perfection. Rather than beating yourself up for every little slip-up, focus on the positive changes you’re making. This will help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Start Slow and Be Patient
This stage of going all in and enjoying all the foods you are craving, regardless of whether or not you allowed them in your diet before, takes time. For some people, they move on from it in a few months. For others, it can take years. This is probably one of the biggest parts of the intuitive eating process, and it can look a little different for everyone.
It is okay to start slow, with just one food at a time. Think of a food you don’t let yourself eat when you are dieting or restricting, and buy that food to enjoy as much as you want. Eat it whenever you crave it or when it sounds good, in whatever quantity you want it, until it starts to lose its interest and the thrill and guilt are gone.
Finding Balance Between Eating Enough and Not Too Much
The intuitive eating principle of “honoring your hunger” is probably the hardest one for people to get used to. It can be really scary to think about letting yourself eat when you’re hungry, especially if you’ve been dieting for a long time. But it’s important to remember that hunger is not the enemy—in fact, it’s a normal, healthy biological response.
Of course, there is such a thing as eating too much, and that’s something you’ll want to avoid. But the best way to find a balance between eating enough and not too much is to listen to your body. When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re full, stop. It’s really that simple.
Get Rid of All Labels You Have for Food It is All Allowed
Remember that all foods are allowed when you’re intuitive eating. This means that you should get rid of any labels you have for food, such as “good” and “bad.” When you label certain foods as “off limits,” it can make them even more tempting and can lead to bingeing. So, instead of thinking of certain foods as forbidden, try to think of them as neutral. This will help you to feel more in control around food and less likely to overeat.
After you get through this phase, you will likely find that your relationship with food has changed. You’ll be more in tune with your hunger cues and will be able to eat what you want, when you want, without feeling guilty.
Look for Signals it is Time to Stop Eating
Over time, you are likely to develop a pretty good sense of when you’re actually hungry and when you’re just eating for the sake of it. But in the beginning, it can be helpful to look for physical signals that it’s time to stop eating. These signals might include feeling a slight discomfort in your stomach or feeling like you’re about to feel full.
When you notice these signals, it’s a good idea to put down your fork and take a break. See if the feeling goes away after a few minutes. If it does, then you were probably just eating out of habit or boredom. But if the feeling doesn’t go away, then it’s probably true hunger and you can continue eating.
Make It a Lifestyle
Finally, make sure that you’re thinking of your diet or lifestyle change as a permanent shift, not a temporary fix. If you approach it with the mindset that you’re going to make small, sustainable changes that you can stick with for the long haul, you’re more likely to be successful.
If you try to make too many changes at once, you’re likely to become overwhelmed and give up. So, take it slow and focus on one change at a time. Over time, these small changes will add up to big results.
Final Thought
Dieting is hard enough on its own, but add in restrictive diets and unrealistic expectations then it becomes even harder! Honeymoons exist in all aspects of our lives, but the intuitive eating honeymoon period is a very real and essential part of finally finding success with food and your body. Just like any new relationship, it can be scary at first, but if you go into it with an open mind and heart, then you’re sure to find success!
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