Weight Loss Understanding the pscylogy and sabatoge of weight | Page 17

The book in overview vii we find that alcohol in moderation does not contribute directly to weight gain , but its psychological impact can be a problem . Chapter 11 explores the powerful world of marketing food , particularly carbohydrates , and how ‘ low fat ’ diets have created the obesity epidemic . I explore how the marketing of food cleverly uses unconscious mechanisms to influence their unwitting audience ( us ) and how children are targeted to use their ‘ pester power ’ to empty their parents ’ wallets so they can fill their stomachs on fattening foods . Chapter 12 is the closest I come to dietary advice as I explain why carbohydrates are so problematic . I leave the actual food choice to the reader to develop while applying the psychological principles of ‘ low sacrifice switching ’. Carbohydrates , by far the largest and most diverse food group , are difficult to make sense of without understanding glycemic index and glycemic load . Chapter 15 looks at ‘ obesity-proofing ’ our children . I am still in two minds as to whether I agree with the argument that not working diligently to prevent a child from becoming obese , or actively contributing to it , is a form of child abuse – but I can empathize with the argument . Obesity or poor eating habits in childhood , more often than not , just like other forms of child abuse , destines the child to a life of emotional distress and physical ill health . In this chapter I put on my relationship therapist ’ s hat and I revisit the definition of true love . I explain the gift of instilling a healthy eating lifestyle in our children that then become a habit for them as adults . Chapter 16 attempts to introduce recent research and thinking into ‘ happiness ’ and deals with the confusion people seem to have that happiness is found through pleasures like eating . It explains how pursuing pleasure , like eating yummy food , can actually cause unhappiness . Happiness in life is found in a different direction . Chapter 17 discusses the power of support groups and provides guidelines on how to form and run a support group using the model of a book club that many people , women in particular , are familiar with .