Party party party 5 there tell us that all we have to do is eat the way they tell us and the weight will just fall off. This is usually true, as there are very few diets that don’ t cause weight loss. But what they don’ t tell us is how difficult it is to eat this way for the long-term. It doesn’ t matter how effective a diet is in causing weight loss if we can’ t maintain it indefinitely. Whenever you start a diet you must ask the question,‘ Is this something that I can see myself doing in six months, a year, or in six years’ time?’ If the honest answer is‘ no’ don’ t put yourself through the heartache and roller-coaster of the weight-loss cycle. This is the essence of‘ begin as you wish to continue’. It is about being honest and admitting it to yourself right upfront if you cannot see yourself keeping up a new behavior for the long-term. Trust yourself to answer this question. Just ask yourself and listen carefully. You know what you can and can’ t do once the initial enthusiasm falls away. I suspect you have very probably embarked on a weight-loss plan before! Listen to your inner wisdom. Through the following chapters I am going to show you how to do it all somewhat differently. For the love of food Many years ago I began working as a psychotherapist. A psychotherapist is a clinician who helps their clients to change without relying on drugs or – for that matter – on self-discipline. For well over a decade now I’ ve had the honor of helping hundreds of people change their behavior, change their relationships and change their lives. I use the word‘ honor’ because it has been a special privilege to be a part of the courageous struggle with personal growth that only a small percentage of the population is prepared to embark on. Along the way, I