He showed the words “chocolate cake” to a group of Americans and recorded their word associations. “Guilt” was the top response. If that strikes you as unexceptional, consider the response of French eaters to the same prompt: “celebration.”
If you could have been a spy in my head 10 years ago, I’d imagine you’d find something like: It’s hard to lose weight.
I don’t have the time or energy. I’m fat. Ugh, my thighs. I’ll buy that new dress when I’ve dropped 10 pounds.
I have no self- control. How many calories are in that? I screwed up. Might as well eat the whole bag!
I hate exercise. I’ll start tomorrow (that was my favorite!).
Doom and gloom. Misery and struggle. Deprivation and binge.
The result: a continuous battle with my body and weight.
C’était terrible!
For years, I thought if I could change my weight, my beliefs about myself would change.
Come to find out, I had it all wrong.
It took several trips to Paris to realize an important principle: if you want to be a naturally slim woman, you must stop thinking an overweight one. TWEET IT!
This is why the diet industry fails women time after time. You can tell a woman what to eat, but if she doesn’t know how to think, she’ll sabotage her efforts over and over again.
Granted, I’ll never be French no matter how hard I try, I did learn how to create a belief system à la française. (And, if I can do it, you surely can!)
What you believe is what you create. If you want to create something different, you must learn to think differently.
So, I’m going to let you peek into my more French la tête to see how a Slim, Chic and Savvy woman thinks:
I love caring for my body.
It’s easy maintaining my weight.
Food doesn’t control me; I guide me.
Food is pleasurable.
My curves are so feminine!
Moving my body feels so good.
I can’t wait to throw a dinner party!
Ooh…I ate a little much. No biggie. I’ll just cut back a little tomorrow.
I am creating my best body ever! (notice: I don’t think about weight loss).
I love chocolate!
My body deserves beautiful clothes NOW!
The number on the scale does not dictate how I feel about my body or life.
From this new mindset, my body reached its ideal weight, without struggle or dieting. I enjoy food and wine more than ever. I host fabulous dinner parties. I eat what my body desires. My life is full of simple pleasures. I rediscovered joie de vivre.
If you could have seen me 15 years ago, you wouldn’t recognize who I once was. It took me coming back home to my truth – those beliefs that remind me that life is a wonderful journey, and I am the creator of my own experience.
Simply put: my mind changed, and my world changed as a result!
This isn’t just true for me. I’ve seen hundreds of women change their belief systems in the Slim, Chic and Savvy Immersion program and their worlds changed too – weight loss, new careers, art shows, marathons, new loves, trips to Paris, more abundance & luxury and self-confidence oozing from their pores.
These women are living, not struggling.
In the very near future, I will begin to work with an lovely group of ladies in learning how to think, eat and live like a Slim, Chic and Savvy woman. 10 weeks of support, lifetime access to the program and one of the most supportive communities that I’ve ever encountered.
And, let me know in the comments below: are your current beliefs supporting the life and body you desire to create?
À bientôt !
Tonya
Self-Image Makeover
Live Your Life With Style, Flare, and Elegance
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The way I feel about myself now began as a rebellion against a highly critical mother. One day, I realized that nothing she stated about me was true. The only struggle I had with weight was rising above being underweight. I eat to enjoy and to keep my curves, not lose them. Curves are a beautiful part of being a woman.
I take care of my body because I view it as my vehicle in life. Deprivation is not in my vocabulary though I do believe in moderation. And, I can always have more tomorrow. 🙂
What I think of me trumps any criticism these days. What I love most about the French mindset is self-acceptance. I want to further foster the philosophy in all areas.
I have joined your SCS group and can't wait to start.
I have half my body weight to lose and a whole lot more of life to live. Can't wait to live the life of freedom you mention above.
Bring it on 🙂
J'adore this post! I have a mantra of late: Je suis Julie a table!! It helps me access my inner French woman when I eat, the one who loves savoring a perfectly portioned meal slowly and taking great care of herself!