I asked Rebels in the 10 Pound Takedown what they feel is stopping them from KEEPING the weight off.

Here’s an answer that caught my eye:

“Old habits are so easy and comfortable to be in. Change is so hard and you have to keep reminding your self I can’t eat that, I can’t drink that… It’ hard to change until it isn’t any more and it becomes your new habit. Reminding yourself you are worthy of being healthy and happy needs to become a habit too, sometimes I think that takes a little longer .”

This Rebel is spot on that old habits are easy and comfortable, even when the outcomes they produce in your life are hard and miserable.

It’s why people so often won’t change until the thought of staying the same is worse than the thought of changing.

It’s also why, as this Rebel so accurately points out, you have to be so mindful, at first, about what you’re doing differently…like what you’re eating and drinking.

It’s different from what you’re used to…

And because of that, it takes more concentration (at first).

So yes, remind yourself what you get to eat and what you need to avoid…

But NEVER say that you “can’t eat that” and “can’t drink that.”

Why?

Because “I can’t” is victim language.

It’s “I am powerless to do this/change this” language.

You are CHOOSING not to eat that or drink that.

You CAN have it, but you’re choosing to stay out of it.

You’re eating for a goal.

Saying those things to yourself is a LOT more empowering than “I can’t eat/drink that.”

If you still run around thinking that you “can’t” eat stuff, STOP.

If you still tell other people that you “can’t eat that,” STOP, because saying you “can’t” invites argument. They will tell you, “oh, sure you can!”

But if you simply say, “I don’t eat that,” what can they really say or do?

You CAN eat whatever the heck you want. Ain’t nobody forcing the food out of your hands.

You are CHOOSING to follow the Code Red foods and rules so you CAN drop the weight, keep it off, and feel better.

Remember: when it comes to how you talk to yourself, watch your language…’cause your voice carries more weight with you than any other human’s.