Most diets only last about 72 hours. The reason is that most diets use will power and that is strictly a conscious process. Your behaviors are all programmed in your subconscious mind and that 88% of your mind will always win out over the conscious 12%. A behavior that you repeat frequently becomes a habit.

Habits are created by our thinking. Our thinking whether positive or negative has a huge impact on our lives. The self- talk (thinking) of each individual is influenced by their beliefs. To create more positive eating habits we first change the beliefs about food and about ourselves, which changes the way we think about eating. Soon our self-talk changes as well and we are on track to create healthier ways of eating.

So how do we change our beliefs, and thoughts? One of the most effective and quickest ways to change beliefs and self talk is through techniques like hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and behavioral therapy. Other methods that you might consider are meditation, yoga, affirmations and positive visualization.

1. Take responsibility for your actions. Recognize that the food you put in your mouth, the exercise you do and your reaction to your environment are your choices.
2. Learn to identify what motivates you. To lose weight you need the motivation which comes from within. If you are doing it for someone else you will not have the determination to stick with it.
3. Know what triggers you to eat. Everyone has obstacles in their lives that make it difficult to lose weight. Some people may eat in front of the TV, others may eat to cover up frustration, anger or boredom.
4. Change the way you think about yourself, by noticing the messages you're sending yourself. Keeping a journal is a great way to make these thoughts more conscious.
5. Stop the sabotage!! Don't let one bad day or an emotional upset trigger an eating binge. If it does, instead of feeling guilty and going completely off your diet, get right back on your healthy eating plan.
6. Notice what you are doing right!! Keep a list of successes.
7. Create an attitude of gratitude in your life and you will feel less like eating for emotional reasons.