Key Concepts Index

Acting As If

You can't "think" yourself into a new way of acting, but you can "act" yourself into a new way of thinking.

The way to become a healthy and fit human being is to live and act like one. Overcoming clinically severe obesity and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) require lifestyle changes. These can happen one small step at a time, but "action" is the only way to make that happen. You must do it to be it.

You can't become a healthy and fit person by waiting for the right motivation. You can't do it by starting tomorrow one more time again. You can't do it by spending most of your free time staring at a TV or computer screen. You can't do it by eating candy and chips every day. A sedentary life and poor nutritional habits do not a healthy person make.

Acting as if implies that change IS taking place, because you are in fact, living as if. When we strive to act as if, we are on the road to recovery and not simply wishing we were. Action precedes motivation. We don't have to do any of this perfectly—just to the best of our abilities each day.

As long as you always do what you always did—you'll always get what you always got. It is your choice.

• Key Concepts Index
• First Things First – Establishing a stable pattern of regular eating.
• Refuse to be "Powerless" — Realize that you do have choices. Don't give your power away.
• Become Health Centered – Focus on improving health. Weight loss is a byproduct.
• Keep A Journal Of Your Foods And Moods – Gaining awareness is empowering.
• Eat Like A Healthy Person – Eat healthy whole natural foods now.
• Empower Yourself – Use every tool and resource necessary.
• Educate Yourself – Become an expert on nutrition. Forget what the diet gurus say.
• Don't Go Hungry – Eat your way to optimum health. Hunger only leads to binges.
• Act As If – Act yourself into a new way of thinking. Action precedes motivation.
• Dump Perfectionism – Progress is good enough. We learn from our mistakes.
• Easy Does It – Practice moderation and have realistic goals. Practice self-compassion.
• One Day At A Time – Focus on today and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

Dave's web site is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with a professional dietician, nutritionist, physician, or mental health professional. None of the information presented on this web site is intended to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any medical ailments or conditions.