Epi 21: Don't Diet! The Psychology Behind Healthy Living with Psychotherapist & International Author Karen R. Koenig

What is your relationship like with food? Is it the only pleasurable activity you have in your life? If it is, then you may need to consider re-evaluating that relationship. Karen R. Koenig has made it her life's mission to help people hop off the cycle of dieting and weight-gain. She herself found herself trapped in the cycle and broke through. She shares her path and how she changed her mindset around food which has changed her life. Karen and I chat about why dieting is not the way to obtain true weightloss. Instead you need to shift your mindset about the role food plays in your life. Humans like a healthy balance between structure and freedom which is why restrictive diets are doomed to fail. Listen as Karen shares her tips for being more conscious about the food you eat, the role it plays, and how you can better enjoy the food you're eating. There's no need to be super restrictive with what you eat, you simply need to understand your drives and desires per Karen. So what does your relationship with food look like? In This Episode: [01:15] Welcome Karen Koenig to the show to discuss the psychological aspect of food. [01:44] Karen shares her background in the field. [03:14] Why Karen doesn't recommend dieting at all. [05:43] How can you outsmart overeating? [07:55] Self-discipline does not work for biological imperatives… learn why. [10:50] Learn how you can be more kind to yourself. [13:06] Why negative self-talk becomes a vicious cycle. [17:58] Put your negative thoughts in the past-tense so your brain disassociates that behavior with your identity. [20:54] Write down the things you want. [22:39] Listen as Karen provides tips and tricks for thinking more about the food you're eating and why. [24:45] In terms of evolution, what would happen if we weren't able to tell when we were hungry? [26:31] Why being a fast eater is one of the first things you should be more mindful about. [31:12] What is one of the best ways to change your eating habits? [34:20] It's important to find pleasure in something other than eating. [37:10] You have to constantly shift naturally and go with what is happening in your life. [39:39] Humans have to have a balance between structure and freedom. [40:56] What are some of the ways you can switch off? [43:13] Connect with Karen. Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram Karen R. Koenig Karen's Books Karen's Blog Karen on Facebook Karen on Twitter Karen on YouTube Karen on LinkedIn