I appreciate this. As a non-dieter, I eat what I want, but this does not include more than a bite once in a while of foods that are not part of my regimen. My regimen is primarily what is typically called “paleo”; low carb, no grains, high healthy fats, moderate protein. I have gone from sugar to fat burning, so I do not have cravings and staying lean is pretty much effortless. I understand that part of this is genetic, but another part is the structure I have built and maintained over many years. (I’ve never been obese, but if I ate whatever I wanted, before I switched to low-carb, I could pretty easily gain some weight, then would struggle to get it back off.) My current regimen requires consistent commitment. Over time this commitment is easier to keep.
I am a psychotherapist and practice a type of mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It is about working to increase conscious awareness, so as to make more conscious choices that involve acceptance of some discomfort in service of values we are committed to. I work frequently with people on health related issues. Often, they call that rationalizing part of them the “Fuck its”!
