Using Willpower Not to Break

A little while ago, a post in the Bright Line Eating OFFICIAL Facebook group caught my eye and really got my wheels turning because it brought up such an important topic: the fundamental difference between BLE and traditional weight-loss plans. So I decided to record a vlog on it. Watch to hear my thoughts.


Comments

  1. Helen

    A superb explanation of BLE. vs. will power!! I still have Susan’s excellent will power gap vlog in my
    files which would be more than helpful to the questioner!

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  2. AMY

    This was helpful, as I have the same question. Would love to keep hearing more on this. Thanks Susan

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    1. Suzan E Hill

      Watch for the next release of the Food Freedom videos – or check out the book. Lots of good info about this in there. All the Best

      Reply ·
  3. Liza Lightfoot

    That was a wake up call. Sugar and flour no problem, but the rest of it is a willpower challenge everyday between meals.

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  4. Nicky S.

    So appreciative of the science behind will power. Thank you for sharing it.

    I’ve never done a diet without tremendous will power, and so, after 30 years of utilizing will power to succeed (over and over and over again), I consider myself an expert at identifying it when it’s I play. I’m on Day 5 of the bootcamp today, and haven’t broken my lines yet — an odd thing for me who never makes it past the second day in any other “plan” before the small cheats begin. —I’m NOT relying on will power. If I were, I could NOT say that I’ve had 4 whole, perfect days because I wouldn’t have gotten here. And worse, I would never have known anything other than failure.

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    1. Bright Line Eating

      Great job, Nicky! Keep it up, friend! We’re cheering for you! 🧡

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      1. Suzan E Hill

        Ahhhh – Taking refuge in our food plan. What I’m eating today is written down in ink – I don’t have to think about food choices at all. Zilch. I might have to think about food prep – but there are ways to automatize that as well. Bootcamp and Reboot R zoom were so important to me on my journey of figuring out how to make my food peaceful! All the best!

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  5. Laura Shaw

    It was really good to hear you talk about the automaticity of BLE. It is my saving grace! I have not binged since starting BLE on 11-13-19! I am so grateful you started this program! I love you Susan Peirce Thompson!!!

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  6. Chas

    Thank you Susan, you verbalized my thoughts and made them tangible. At first the sugar/flour craves were oppressive but as I got farther along my BLE path they just became a nuisance from my past habits. They still arise but hold no attraction for me. I love to eat on my BLE plan and it makes me stronger each and every meal!

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  7. Shelley Hess

    Best yet!!! Pretty sure I’ve made that comment before, as well.

    Is it feasable for you folks to post this vlog ON the Bright Line Eating OFFICIAL FB site? I don’t know the technical answer, but it’s invaluable information!!!!!

    A side note, it’s invaluable information to us, who are in maintenance mode and observe challenges and wonder why. Straight up answers here in your vlog! Word. For. Word. INVALUABLE!!!

    Thank YOU yet again, Susan!!!

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Hi Shelley! Yes! We share the vlog each week in Bright Line Eating Official! This vlog has already been shared there. 🧡🧡🧡

      Reply ·
  8. Barbara Gall

    Best Vlog so far!! You explained the will power question perfectly! Thanks 😊

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  9. Monica Dryhurst

    Thank you for the reminder. Excellent explanation on Willpower vs BLE. You handled that with science and grace!!

    Reply ·
  10. Ariann

    This was really good but not quite true for me. I have been on BLE for 2 years. I just watched a movie the other night and saw folks eating spaghetti the other night and I almost cried because I really wanted it and pizza that I have not had for 2 years. I have woken up in the morning crying from dreams eating pastries. I have mostly kept to my plan but my brain gets side tracked from smells and visuals that smack me in the gut with cravings for NMF. It get me depressed. I like my new body but sometimes it frustrates me that these things seem to trigger me.

    Reply ·
    1. Suzan E Hill

      Oh Arian! First congratulations for being in a body that you like!. And I hear the suffering that the addictive pull of food still causes you. So sorry that you have to go through that! I wonder if Parts Work would help? All the Best

      Reply ·
  11. Nicola Connell

    I do find my willpower an issue. I have the book and have done the 14 day challenge but have tried this way of life more than 4 times now. I go great for a week or two then something happens and I end up giving in and having to start all over again. That could be the next day or 6 mths later. I am so passionate about eating well and have even applied for a 4 yr degree course in public health nutrition as I have been so inspired by you and healthy eating but still I find myself starting this and giving in over and over. I feel like a failure all the time, so wish I could crack this! 🙁

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Dear Nicola, So glad you reached out and that you’re here. How is your support? It sounds like you need to really come all the way in. Have you considered the Boot Camp? It is such an immersive, supportive, loving experience. We’d be honored to support you in that way, in your journey. Please let us know how we can help. 🧡🧡

      Reply ·
    2. Suzan E Hill

      Dear Nicola! With the addictive power of food and the stressors that life throws at us, there are very few of us that get it perfect! A slip or a binge isn’t failure! The only failure would be giving up on yourself! As Susan says “We’re not called to be perfect. We’re called to be unstoppable!” Allthe best!

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    3. Sally

      I do not start all over again if I blur or break my lines. I have found it SO much easier just to continue along the path, one meal/ day at a time,.. by doing so I have released 100 lbs.. .. tastes change, no longer interested in bread/ flour products although still have to occasionally have to guard against the sugar.

      Reply ·
  12. Ellen

    WOW, that was so perfectly stated! Very, very well done! I found myself uncomfortable when Susan kept saying BLE is a diet, but then at the end she said it isn’t a diet which made me say yay inside of my head! It is a healthy way of eating for the rest of our life. I am not a crystal vaser, so I related to everything she said about how you can’t get the full BLE experience, nor take full advantage of all of the processes that are there to find peace around food, and not rely on willpower. LOVED this vlog!

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  13. Brenda

    This was a great reminder about the automaticity piece of BLE. In my thinking about what BLE it was all about no sugar, no flour, no snacks. I had forgotten about the automaticity piece.

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  14. Kay Tull

    Perfect timing as a friend yesterday couldn’t understand how I haven’t noticed a certain type of NMF at the checkout that they want to gift to front line workers. (which I wasn’t excited about). I explained I don’t even notice or look at the NMF at the checkout, so I’m not familiar with this particular brand. Automaticity must explain this. I’m celebrating 3 years of BLE. I’m not a crystal vaser with respect to quantities at dinner, occasionally, but the rest is just NMF! Love this explanation! Excellent vlog. I passed it on to my friend for an FYI. Thank you Susan for this top 10 vlog!

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  15. Ron Harris

    Great explanation plus reminder about the biological stuff. I needed a little boost today.

    Reply ·
  16. Stephanie

    I find the difference is BLE is based on healthy food and you could stay on it forever.
    You can eat anything you want on WW as long as you do not go over your points.
    The ones where your order food from you are required to eat a bunch of process food.

    Reply ·
  17. Stephanie

    I am one of the odd ones who once they decide they need to loose weight can stick
    to their eating plan until they have lost the weight. I know my body and I know what I need to avoid.
    I gave up Cakes, Cookies, Pie, Ice Cream, etc for Lent. Easter was two weeks ago and I still have not
    had any CCPI. I walked around the grocery store and was not even tempted by all the Easter candy
    that was 50% off. I admit I have binged on food. I once consumed a half box of Girl Scout cookies
    while driving home from work. This was back in the 70’s when they really good cookies.
    I have fantastic willpower at home. When I as work different story.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      How interesting how you’ve noticed a difference in your willpower at home vs. work, Stephanie! 🧡

      Reply ·
  18. Cathy Abrahamson

    It’s interesting that when you starting talking about that post about needing willpower to not eat the wrong foods my first thought was “Yep I agree”. Then as you continued to talk about automaticity I realized that I am there in regards to sugar. I haven’t had my sweets for almost 2 years and I don’t have to fight my saboteur at all it’s just automated. I never thought I had an issue with flour because most of my life sugar was my nemesis. Now that sugar isn’t a problem , foods with flour had become my nemesis. I know I have never completely surrendered to Bright Line eating. and I need that same feeling with all NMF as I do with sugar. I need to use the same approach with flour and eating between meals as I did with getting sugar out of my brain. I don’t even want it anymore. Thank you for this vlog , it has given me a lot to think about!

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  19. Paula Bechtold

    I started BLE May 2018. My motivation was so great at that time to lose the weight because I was in so much physical pain. Will power didn’t become an issue until I reached goal with a 70 pound loss. Since then, I have faced those willpower demons at times, and given in at times. But, the BLE lifestyle has helped me keep the weight off, and the NSV’s of reduced back pain and a thin, more physically active body, keeps me motivated.

    Reply ·
  20. Marlyn

    My sister has been severely allergic to poultry, eggs, and tree nuts her entire life. Whenever I am faced with the unexpected, my “no thank you” and ” I don’t (can’t) eat that” just reinforces the BLE.

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  21. Joan

    I so needed this right now. My lines disappeared during quarantine and my brain is hounding me. Thank you for the reminder it doesn’t have to be this hard.

    Reply ·
  22. Janelouise

    Thank you Susan, I committed to BLE just before the pandemic and friends said to me recently you still eating stupid stuff… I laugh and say no I am eating my choice of food each day am not experiencing any mood swings or fluctuations such as sugar highs. Am no longer waiting for next bite of food. No longer hungry between meals and definitely no longer preoccupied with what to eat. My decisions are made when I write my food choices before I sleep along with diary and expectations. Although some days this aspect has been difficult… but still make my bed, get up and ready for each day .. no longer worried about food.?

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      LOL!! “still eating stupid stuff…” Thanks for the laugh, Janelouise! 😉 If by stupid stuff you mean, lots of healthy food…then YES! HA!

      Reply ·
  23. Mary Hall

    Thanks for this vlog! It really does need explanation. It’ really does come down to automaticity. I’m like 128 days in and at 100 days in, the whole Covid thing started to really mess with me. My whole work routing and meal routine that was completely based on my work routine because I work from 7am-9pm and I’m never home, got upended. Suddenly I’m cooking. My husband starts bringing food into the house that I never used to see and I started to mess around with my diet. Now, I’m up 8 pounds and totally pissed with myself because I was perfect on this program before Covid. Rezooming today after getting on the scale, which also used to be automatic every day and now isn’t. Routine is key.

    Reply ·
  24. Garda Rowe

    This so clearly answered my niggling “there’s something I want to question and can’t identify what it is so I can ask”. Thank you Questioner and Susan.

    Reply ·
  25. Sharon Osojnak

    Hi. I am ADMITTEDLY a rebel. And I am a 7 on the Susceptibility Scale, which is important! Since August 2018, when I read Dr. Susan’s book, I knew this was the answer I have been seeking. I have had to test it, though! 🙆‍♀️ I really dislike being told what to do. This seemed like overkill to me. Therefore, I tried eating only 3 meals, first. It was really difficult. I was used to grazing all day and night., but I finally mastered it. 🤸🏼‍♂️🤸🏼‍♂️ Once I got that under my belt I tried making myself set at the table, with napkin and place mat for every meal. Really difficult! I had a lifelong habit of eating on the screened porch, (on my lap ), in the car, at my desk, in front of the TV and wherever else — but seldom at a table, unless it was in a restaurant. I did it. Victory #2! 👍 I didnt think I could go without flour and sugar, so I started by removing just the sugar from my life. I could go on with my step by step, but the bottom line is that I eased into it super slowly . While others were losing 20+ pounds the first 8 weeks, I lost 2, and I was happy with that. 😯 Eventually I bought a kitchen scale and got serious about quantities. By Thanksgiving I was down 20#. ✔ Since then I have saved half my breakfast fruit for dinner [dessert], and eaten a VERY small portion of NMF as a guilt-free planned part of a meal fairly often. I make sure I have lots of BLE foods in the house, so I can put meals together without pre-preparation. I write down what I ate if I am going through a time where my life is rocky in some way . Otherwise, eating has become somewhat automated, which allows me the FREEDOM to focus on other things.This has become my new lifestyle, and I am very comfortable with it. The best part is that the weight has not come back on and I dont expect it to. If it does I will know exactly what to do, so it doesn’t worry me. I was in a tight 14. I now wear a 10. I skipped Maintenance because I started with it. 😎 Maybe at some point I will decide to take off more by skipping the tiny NMF things I have allowed myself. I created my own Bright Lines and I stay within them. Even with tiny amounts of NMF I am sure my dopamine receptors are dialed down, because I have no /few cravings. It isn’t willpower! 💪What I do won’t work for most people, but I simply want those with low numbers to know some moderation may be possible. Be an experimenter. Find out what works for you. Personalize your plan. Life is not one size fits all. I have multiple close buddies who cannot take 1 bite off plan . I respect and support them all the way. 😘 Good Luck to you!

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    1. Silvia

      Wow, Sharon, thank you!!! I´m a rebel too, and I don´t find easy following strict rules. Thanks for telling your experience, it´s very useful for me.

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    2. Bright Line Eating

      Super interesting, Sharon! Thank you for sharing this. Loved reading about how you challenged your rebel and took one step at a time. 🧡🧡

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  26. Kate Scammell-Anderson

    Brilliant blog Susan! Thank you x

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  27. Vanessa Nora

    BLE as a hospital patient. Three cheers for BLE , willpower and automaticity I came to the ER at Madison hospital in Alabama. for a routine Covid-19 test when I was not feeling well. The test was negative but I tested positive for pneumonia and was admitted. I was not expecting this. I just completed the 14-day challenge and surprisingly, had no problem selecting My Food from the hospital menu. This is my third day here and I cannot weigh My Food. But following the plant-based menu, I can eyeball the portions. Thanks to the BLE discipline I am not falling off the wagon while a patient in a hospital. I am an 8 on the weight susceptibility scale.. If I can do it, anyone else can. 👍🏿

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Oh, Vanessa! Sending love and healing energy to you, friend. Wishing you much rest and a speedy recovery. 🧡🧡🧡

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  28. Jennifer Montanus

    I do agree that having the rules in place that limit our choices on selection, quantity and timing are really working for me. At work I’m constantly barraged with snack ie sugary floury foods available constantly as a reward for our work commitment and I find that I don’t even contemplate eating them….not even on my radar but I still use my willpower every single day to weigh my food with honesty, not lick the spoon, no tasting while cooking etc. when I do have thoughts like “how much could an extra piece of fruit hurt me after dinner, it’s only 90 calories.” It is my knowledge base provided here that tells me fruit is sugar and you don’t need sugar before sleep but it is still my mind, my determination/will power to not eat the fruit. The FB group is flooded with people who ate NMF and are looking for us to say “good for you for coming here and vowing publicly to get out of the ditch.” So why is it that some people consistently fail to keep their Bright Lines? I may sound like a mean person but I want to say things like “ come on woman…do you like being a slave to your food desires and living in a mountain of fat, enduring all that it encompasses…pain..depression..discrimination? Pull yourself up by your boot straps and get on with it. Nobody can do it but you. You have been given the tools so implement them. Quit mewling about how weak you are, how hard it is, and a panoply of excuses as to why you ate the NMF.” I don’t say those things to people but I think them and it drives me away from participating regularly because I want to revel in my successes, crow about my new found freedoms without coming off as a bragger or getting dragged down by the strugglers who fail to implement the processes. I know that makes me sound harsh and judge mental. But even with automaticity at play people are constantly dropping out, breaking their lines, coming back to try again. So what is it they’re missing? Willpower?

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  29. Susan Tritinger

    Please keep sending these messages. I was on the program for 3 months and did really well. What you said here worked for me. For the past year, I tried to maintain and found recently I started to allow sugar back into my diet I realized I had to refocus and vlogs like this help me remember. I think people are confusing willpower with the choice and decision to abide by the program. I remember when the NMF was brought into the office and I walked right by….didn’t even consider it. Making the decision the night before to stick to your plan. The biggest challenge I have is seeing others eat NMF sometimes and still loose weight. I can’t. I’m lucky to loose a pound in a week. It’s hard. Part of the plan is to recognize things will pull you in different directions and create decisions on how to move yourself away from those bad choices. I just need to stop feeling sorry for myself for not being able to eat like others!

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  30. Suzie Déraspe

    Thank you Susan ! Taking the time to explain it all again and again … But it is certainly very helpfull for all of us !

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  31. Lorraine McQuerry

    Loved that! I heard it before, but sometimes it’s hard to explain why the obsession has been lifted. I don’t have to use willpower, I just eat what I’ve written. My husband has his NMF on the counter in the kitchen and it doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t call me. How grateful I am for this program and way of eating. Thanks Susan and all of you at BLE!

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