Diet vs Non-Diet Thinking

I recently went to a fitness forum in Vancouver Washington, where we got some great nutritional advice from a registered Dietician. Nothing fancy, but some great information:

From Dana Sturvetant, MS, RD

On eating:

Dieters think: Do I deserve it? If I eat heavy food, I try to find a way to make up for it. I feel guilty when I eat heavy foods. I usually describe a day of eating as either good or bad. I view food as the enemy.

Non-Dieters think: Am I hungry? Do I want it? Will I be deprived if I don't eat it? Will it be satisfying? Does it taste good? I deserve to enjoy eating without guilt.

On Exercise:

Dieters think: I focus primarily on calories burned. I feel guilty if I miss a designated exercise day.

Non-Dieters think: I focus primarily on how exercise makes me feel, especially the energizing and stress-relieving factors.

On Success:

Dieters think: How many pounds did I lose? How do I look? What do other people think of my weight? I have good willpower.

Non-dieters think: While I'm concerned with my weight, it is not my primary goal or indicator of progress. I have increased trust with myself and food. I am able to let go of "eating discretions." I recognize inner body cues.

Recommendations:
1. Decide to change from a deeper place.
2. Make a firm commitment to do this for a lifetime.
3. Find what works for you rather than letting an "expert" tell you what to do.
4. Improve your health and let your weight loss be a side effect.
5. Identify other ways to judge your success.