Self-doubt can lead to overeating, because food provides a temporary feeling of stability and satisfaction.

When you doubt yourself, food is a sure thing:

Always there, whereas a person or job can feel transitory.

Food is neutral, and it doesn’t judge you.

Learning to work through my self-doubt was key to healing my relationship with food and breaking the restrict-overeat cycle for good.

Today, I never overeat, and I never undereat.

I don’t use food to manage my emotions, but I thoroughly enjoy food.

I eat the food my body is asking for, and I feel great in my body.

Self-trust is fundamental to healing your relationship with food. 

Today I’m sharing 5 ways to navigate self-doubt as it arises, so you can increase self-trust when it comes to food.

1. Journal it out.

What’s making you doubt yourself? What are you afraid of? What are you anxious about? What do you feel guilty about?

It might sound strange to journal on these “negative” topics, but giving them space to be, outside of your head, with no judgment, is incredibly liberating.

Give it a try and see if a weight lifts.

If you have a lot of experience with “spiritual teachers” telling you not to give negative thoughts any air time and to only be positive, consider this:

It’s not our thoughts that create our reality, as much as our deep-held beliefs.

When I started reading The Secret as a teenager and getting into positive thinking, catching every errant negative thought felt impossible to me…

… but I was paranoid that I would never manifest what I wanted if I couldn’t think positive all the time. 

Then I started hearing people like Lacy Phillips say that our thoughts don’t matter as much as our beliefs, and that was such a relief and source of healthy validation for what I was feeling. 

As I released any fear about having negative thoughts and began to focus on shifting my beliefs, my thoughts naturally became positive most of the time, which of course, is more fun than having negative thoughts.

2. Keep your promises to yourself.

Each time you betray yourself, your self-doubt might increase.

It’s important to be realistic about your promises, but to follow through with them.

If you’re having trouble with this, take it small and slow.

Give yourself a ton of grace and love, and check your expectations, but keep moving in the direction of following through on your promises to yourself.

3. Hype yourself up.

I have something called a “Hype File.”

It’s a folder on my computer and phone with screenshots of compliments, client testimonials, and anything else that makes me feel great about myself.

When I’m having a moment of self-doubt, I swipe through to help boost my confidence.

I think Marie Forleo was the first person I heard recommend this. 

4. Move your body.

It’s easy to forget how impactful movement is.

Going for a walk, run, or rolling out your yoga mat can move so much physical and emotional energy, I often feel like a new person afterward.

I shed heavy energy, feel more balanced in my body, and often have my best ideas during or after a workout.

If you’re not in a routine right now, start small and keep your promise to yourself:

Just commit to a 15-20 minute movement session, three times a week.

Notice how it affects your confidence and self-trust.

5. Talk to a friend.

I am an introvert.

An outgoing introvert, but still very much an introvert.

I love being with people, but I recharge solo.

That said, you won’t find me talking on the phone very often…

… but when I talk to a soul sister, the amount of love, support, and confidence I feel is unmatched.

Next time you’re experiencing self-doubt, pick up the phone and call someone who makes you feel amazing.

If I can do it, you can too.

When you’re in a space of self-trust, you’re less likely to look to food for a temporary sense of security.

You can hear what your body truly wants:

What your intuition is asking for, rather than what your self-doubt is asking for.

Do you struggle with self-doubt?

Have you noticed a connection between self-doubt and overeating?

I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below.

Much love,
Lula