Why Some Stay Bright and Others Don’t

Not long ago, I was on a Facebook Live session and I was asked a question that I instantly knew I wanted to shoot a vlog on: why are some people successful in Bright Line Eating while others are just unable to stick to the program? Watch the vlog to hear my answer.


Comments

  1. Jen Wakefield

    I really appreciate this vlog because I was feeling worried that I’ve been able to keep my bright line for 58 days and I’ve never been able to do that before. But I am one of the people who came into bootcamp desperate – absolutely desperate – for an eating plan I could follow that would bring me peace. I’m down 17 pounds but I’m most grateful for the structure that allows me to tell my food fantasies to take a hike. Using the term Not My Food has helped enormously. I may eat it tomorrow, but not today. Many thanks, Jen

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  2. Eric Shapiro

    I am seeing references to Facebook live here and in some of my emails from you. I am deaf and none of the Facebook live videos are captioned. Because I am deaf I do not have direct access to the sound track of any videos. Would you be willing to consider including captions or a transcript going forward for those videos? They could be added afterwards.

    I had the same problem with a recent free webinar a few days ago, I registered for it but it wasn’t captioned so I dropped out of the webinar halfway through out, but later in the evening I received an email inviting me to watch the webinar a second time, which means it was recorded, which means captions could be added to those too. Maybe captions could be added and it could be briefly posted on YouTube before it is taken down again? Whether you do or not, would you be willing to add captions to your recorded webinars going forward? That’s why I held back from registering for Bright Line Mind because I saw that it was likely to be simply more of the same, and it makes me wonder whether I can ever take any of your other courses such as Bright Line Grit.

    That makes me wonder whether it is worthwhile to participate in boot camp. I have not participated in the 14-day program yet, I am still getting organized for that first (I am still working on the pre check list) so I don’t know if that is fully deaf accessible yet or not. I am learning that there are parts of boot camp that are not accessible to deaf folks. I would like to know if I would still be able to benefit from boot camp and if there currently are or have been other deaf participants in boot camp.

    You recently posted a video about the Black Lives Matter movement and talked about inclusiveness for black folks in Bright Line Eating. I hope you can also consider extending even further than what you have done so far with regard to inclusiveness for deaf folks as well. (I do know that you are now working to caption all videos going back 5 years, I sent a message earlier through your support page about captioning your videos and that was one of the replies I got. The very first video that I got asking me to join boot camp was not captioned and had no “CC” (closed captioning) button in the lower right corner, all of your other videos (other than from Facebook live) that I have seen so far however have been captioned and thank you for that.

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    1. Eric Shapiro

      One more thing I’d like to add. There is a website that does what looked like very speedy captioning. It’s called Rev (http://www.rev.com). I’m not affiliated with Rev in any way. There was a Facebook group that posted a video and I asked the admins of that group if they could caption that video, and the video was posted again complete with captions seemingly only minutes later, it felt like only 10 minutes later, and I was blown away by how quickly the video had been captioned, and one of the admins told me they used the company Rev, which I had never heard of before. I thought Rev did a good job with that video. They now caption all of their videos in their Facebook group. So, maybe you could consider doing the same with both Facebook live, webinars and courses. Whether or not you work with Rev or a different company, that experience allowed me to see what might be possible elsewhere such as with BLE, if you’re open to the suggestion.

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      1. Bright Line Eating

        Hi Eric! We are definitely striving to be inclusive and invite everyone to the BLE table, so to speak. To that end, we do caption all of our program videos. All our Boot Camp videos are captioned, as well as the rest of our program videos as well. (We actually use Rev, the service you suggested, for certain projects!) The one welcome video that you commented on had an error in the upload that caused an empty captions file to upload, but that was an anomaly and we fixed it as soon as you reported it. Thank you so much for drawing our attention to it so we could rectify that!

        Additionally, we have a variety of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for our Boot Campers and Bright Lifers. One of them is a SIG for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. When you start Boot Camp, simply send a request to customer support and they can add you to this group!

        We welcome open communication and feedback from our community, so please let us know if there’s anything else we can do to make your experience with BLE more accessible, enjoyable, or effective. Thank you again for your valuable input! 🧡

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  3. Lou

    Hi Susan, I have a question about whether I would be welcome in your community. I would guess that I’m about 6kg overweight (5ft 2 and 64kg). Weight hasn’t been a significant issue for me but I have been Bright Line eating on and off (more off than on) for a couple of years as a means to build structure and discipline into my lifestyle – to me it just makes sense (and I’ve done Keto, Paleo, everything dieto). I have a relatively healthy whole food diet and interested in food and nutrition. I am addicted to alcohol and have been on and off with drinking for the last few years. I currently manage two months sober then back drinking for one week or two and have terrible hangovers (and shame, and guilt). The most I’ve been in alchohol-free in the last few years is 9 months. When I’m not drinking my flour/sugar intake goes up (no surprise) and I start to gain weight. You reference in your vlog about getting cocky – I get complacent after a couple of months, feel really good about myself, and I think I can drink normally again. And I can’t. But I don’t seem to learn my lesson. I’m continuously learning about recovery and definitely moving forward. I am really seeking to join a community that wants to be well – to connect with others and it doesn’t need to be alchohol focussed. Interestingly I find sober communities triggering – there is lots of talk about drinking and the problem of drinking. This morning I got my Bright Line book out again and thought I would look to see what programme’s you run where I could connect with others. I would welcome your thoughts about the extent of my fit with your community.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Hi, Lou. Thanks for your comment. It sounds like you certainly would fit into our community quite well. You talk about having 6kg to lose, but the goal of our program is peace around food–the weight loss is a happy side effect of that peace. We even have a special interest group within our Bright Lifers community for those focusing on living free of NMD (Not My Drink), which is not part of the BLE way of eating anyway. Also, it might help to know that we deliberately avoid triggering talk whenever possible. We hope you consider joining us!

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  4. Suzanne Smith

    I lost all and more of my weight and gradually, over time, have broken my lines and regained the weight. One issue I have identified is the grief of loosing cherished and beloved foods. How does one deal with the grief?

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  5. Don Benedik

    Once again, thank you for your guidance and encouragement. I’ve been at goal weight now for 4 months and maintainIng my weight. I continue watching your vlogs because they are helpful. Thank you, Susan
    Be well!

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  6. Nancy Goss

    Outstanding explanation

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  7. Sandra Clements

    Susan,OMG what love you have given us today in your WV!!!
    The sentence you stated that clang the big bass bell for me today was.
    “BE RESPECTFUL OF THE POWER OF THE FOOD.”

    Thank you

    #gamechanger

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  8. Gillgething

    You are so wise Susan ! you speak to me xxxxx

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  9. Ellen Oliver

    As is often the case, perfect timing for me! I am in the last category you mentioned, and being reminded about the risks of letting myself slip into cockiness is very much appreciated. 🙏

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  10. Mercedes (from Argentina)

    Thank you, Susan. When BLE became the new normal, I lost the grit. I rezoom every day. I don’t know what else I can do. My brain is wasted I think.

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  11. Brenda

    Willingness & Surrender, Yes & YES! This is Crucial for me and is a daily decision, cockiness works against me.
    Thanks for the Vlog & Breaking it down👏🏼🥰💝❗️

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  12. Ashley Clementi

    Perfect vlog this week!!! Thank you for taking what seems to be such an obvious question and breaking it down for us into something beautiful! BLE for life!!!

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  13. Leroy

    Please unsubscribe. I am not overweight.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Hi Leroy! Are you wanting to unsubscribe from our email list or what is it we can help you with? 🧡

      Reply ·
  14. Elizabeth

    This really resonates for me. What I would like to know is what can help you achieve that deep commitment? I feel like I should know, but part of the problem is the negative effects aren’t that bad… yet. I am about a 3 on the susceptibility scale, and I also have an addiction to alcohol. When I started Bright Lines about 2 years ago, that was also the first time I stopped drinking. I did great for about 4 months, then had wine. And that broke everything. Then this past August, I stopped drinking and I can SEE how the commitment works. I am able to think, “No, sleeping bad isn’t worth having that” and can say no, but with food, it’s different. Since I am lower on the scale, I don’t have the same negative feelings about it. I have never binged. I also never had the usual weight issues when younger. I was always natuarally thin and could eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted with no effect. If anything, I was shunned for being “too skinny”. I started gaining weight about 10 years ago, and I can see that it will become a problem if I don’t do something, and I know that Bright Lines work, but at the end of the day, I don’t follow that knowledge, and continue to eat as I always have. In the moment, I just don’t have the commitment like I do with the wine, and I just don’t really understand why — other than that it doesn’t seem as bad/serious. I don’t know how to combat this and get back to bright lines with food. I hate Facebook, but I might have to look into the group…

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Hi Elizabeth, our most recent course (Bright Line Grit) has an online support community that is not on Facebook. We do have a free, public community called Bright Line Eating Official that is really terrific if you decide to see what’s available on Facebook. 🧡

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  15. Valerie Lyons

    I thank the stars every day for finding Bright Line Eating! Susan, your videos are always so spot on! Thank you for doing them!

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  16. Nancy Spears

    I was surprised that Susan did not mention the Susceptibility scale in the top reasons since I am a 10 plus plus plus. I have had a hard time with the surrender. Sometimes I get inspired and can go for weeks following the lines, but there is always a slippery slope waiting for me. I was at my goal weight when I began. So I came for the happy and free in the Happy Thin and Free. To reach automaticity and freedom from food obsession and constant cravings. To get healthy and pain free. Once I stick to the plan and feel better, the saboteur attacks and I buy into the excuses. I adore the Rezoom course and have done it twice. Intellectually I am all in. But the rebellious child surfaces every time.

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  17. Allie B

    Susan, thank you so much for this topic (and Dawn for prompting it with your question). I’ve wondered why this was different for me than the many other times I’ve fought this addiction battle (before I understood it was an addiction), not just in the sense of the science part but in the sense of the psychological aspect of it. Everything you said resonates. In particular I’m taking away “It’s only working cuz you’re doing it” and the critical need to remember the ditch is only two feet away. I came into BLE 10 months ago exhausted, suicidal and ready to surrender. This literally saved my life, but about 6 months in I got cocky and let myself slip a little and then some more. Rezoom was not easy for me but, unlike falling off of the many other programs I’ve done over the years, this time I needed it enough and understood I needed support. I started bootcamp (day 13 of squeaky bright lines today) and recognize now that I Need the routine, the food journal (which I resisted and let myself get lax on), the daily surrender of acknowledging I am the only one who can be responsible for my own choices and I am the only one who pays the price of losing my freedom if I don’t do what I need to do. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for you and for the gift of BLE that you are giving to the world. Much love!

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  18. Shirley Ammeter

    Hi Susan, I started BLE 5 days ago. I’m 72 and over weight by 50 lbs. I have pancreatitis and a cyst on my ovary. My problem is I’m having a hard time eating all the veggies and salad, that I actually feel nauseous and have had very bad craps. I will stay on BLE , cause it doesn’t bother me not to have sugar or flour. What can I do about the veggies and salad. I’ve tried 10oz. & 10 is. , but still the same feeling. Could you give me some suggestions. I will not give up BLE , because I believe in it. Thanks and hope to hear from you.

    Reply ·
    1. Susan Peirce Thompson

      Hi Shirley,
      How about 6 oz at lunch and 8 oz total at dinner?
      You can even go to 6 and 6 if you need to.
      Much love,
      Susan

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  19. Tanya Golder

    I love when she described bright line meals as a daisy chain.

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  20. Linda

    I really enjoyed this vlog also. I’m one of those people who have tried so many paths…I do well initially and then stray from the plan. I’ve learned that one stray in decision & action leads to a whole day of off plan, then the feelings get swirling and it seems like forever before I can surrender. I’m going to make a sign that says surrender and post it in my kitchen to remind me and keep me conscious. Thank you!

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  21. Maria Bors

    I follow paleo eating for 8 years now. I only deviate 2-3 very short times a year, when I have very much pressure to do that. Next day I am on truck again. I didn’t loose weight, but my health improved completely. I can eat as much of paleo as I please, I don’t gain any weight.
    When I tried Bright line eating it was too much food. Other problem was, I can’t cook if I can’t taste the food. It won’t be good otherwise.
    My husband started paleo with me, and he lost all the weight he wanted. Now when he eats outside, he deviate a little, like eating some potato ore others.
    He didn’t want to follow me to Bright line eating. Meat was too small, veggies too much for him. This was too hard to follow BLE this way.

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  22. Phyllis

    I REALLY enjoyed this vlog. Thank you, Susan. All the points you make match my experience. In the beginning, I had a lot of spaciousness in my life and lots of resources for support, my rebel parts were not running the show and I was SO ready to surrender completely. I was totally sick and tired of being sick and tired. And, I had great success and got almost to my goal weight in the first nine months. I was doing great for about a year and half and then, I wouldn’t say I was cocky, but I definitely forgot how “cunning, baffling and powerful” the addiction to food is. I’m slowly getting back on track but it is SO much harder this time around. And, today I’m very, very grateful for this clarity you shared. I want to take some time to be grateful for the spaciousness I still have in my life and acknowledge what an asset it is to my journey. I also acknowledge that I’m communicating now with my rebel part and know that I can get to know and love her and all my parts. And, mostly, I see how it supports me to keep working this cuz I do know that it works if I work it. A million thanks.

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    1. Bright Line Eating

      Thank you for sharing, Phyllis. Sending so much love and peace to you, friend. 🧡

      Reply ·
  23. Claire Lash

    I remember that this was mentioned in one of the videos from the first Rezoom course – that some people come into BLE with a deep commitment that may very well be the result of having already done decades of work on their issues with food. That really resonated with me because I had struggled with bulimia for decades and, although I had not completely resolved my issues with food, I had managed it to a point where I was “only” consistently overeating/indulging in both NMF and NMD with the occasional binge. For me, the compelling reason to lose the weight and keep it off was a very clear health choice – did I want to continue eating the way I had been or did I want to be able to walk without pain? I chose the latter and BLE is the path that enables that.

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  24. Ann

    I was there…I was totally in for two years. Then I got cocky and I have struggled for four months. I can’t seem to get back to that totally surrendered place where I was before. I know this is the best program, I know controlling the addiction is the most important thing and the weight loss is just a happy result and I’ll preach the benefits of BLE to anyone who wants to listen but I can’t seem to get myself back on track. I just need one notion, one idea that sets me straight. That’s how it’s worked in the past when I had a slight digression.

    Reply ·
    1. Bright Line Eating

      Dear Ann,
      That “lightning bolt” moment you experienced previously is familiar to many of us. How is your support and how are your stress levels currently? 🧡

      Reply ·
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