If we want to recover from overeating, this inner critic must be dealt with. We don’t need to get rid of the critic, what’s needed here is to give the critic a new role in our life: the one of an encourager. By practicing self-love and self-acceptance, we can embrace this critic and transform it into a helpful ally.

The first step to transforming the critic is to become aware of the things it says to us. Write them all down in a column. Then, for every negative comment and judgment it gives, find some kernel of truth in it and then challenge it with a more realistic and affirming response.

For example:

Critic: You’re a loser.

You: Why do you call me loser?

Critic: Because you can’t stay on a diet or eat well most of the time.

You: Yes, that’s right. I don’t seem to be able to stay on a diet or be consistent in my eating. I’m not perfect, and never will be. But I’m getting better all the time. Most people fail at diets. I’m learning a new way and that takes time. I’m making mistakes because I’m in the learning curve. Making mistakes makes me human, not a loser.

The key here is to catch our inner critic speaking and then practice replacing those harsh, judgmental thoughts with kinder, more encouraging ones. The more we practice this, the better we get and soon the old critic will begin to leave us alone.

Then we will be well on our way to becoming our very own cheerleader and best friend; and our eating will become a true act of nourishment, instead of an attempt to stuff down unwanted negativity.

Are my thoughts working for me or against me? Who would I be if I wasn’t chained by an internal critic? What might I be doing with my life?