As an emotional eating expert and a person who has over 25 years of recovery from food addiction and binge eating disorder, I am often asked by people what was instrumental in my recovery. The following is a multi-part article and brief summation of my wisdom and experience on the path to permanent weight loss, peace, joy, and freedom. 

Make a commitment to recovery. Invest in yourself. You are worth it. Without a solid commitment to show up for yourself day after day, once your initial enthusiasm wears off, you won't stay the course. 

Get honest. Is this the life you really want? If not, develop the willingness to do the work that's involved in healing and moving forward. This means engaging in some long range thinking. Be patient and willing to give yourself the space of 6 months to a year to make solid changes. Long held patterns and thinking do not leave you overnight. In a year from now, you will be amazed at how far you've come.

Learn to meet your needs with other things besides food. Practice self-care by learning what your real needs are and meeting them in life affirming ways that don't involve food. 

Learn to be kind and compassionate with yourself. Tame your inner critic and become your own best friend. Has beating yourself up given you the life you've wanted? I doubt it. You have to love and emotionally support yourself through the changes you are wanting to make. Change is humbling and you need to be on your own side.

Get a handle on your sleep issues. Sleep deprivation leads to overeating, food cravings, lack of exercise, and obesity. 

Be willing to be uncomfortable and move forward into the unknown. Develop trust that you have the strength and capacity to change. You are far more powerful than you believe you are. You wouldn't have come this far if you weren't capable of change.