If you buy my theory that self-love quells compulsive overeating (or at the very least, that self-loathing triggers it), you will agree that words and acts of self-love are some of the most powerful tools we have in combating this “condition.” Simple “I love you body” mantras are powerful in and of themselves, especially when in the grips of a craving or self-criticism (and no one to save us but our own inner monologue). There are many ways to whip out the power of an “I love you body” mantra, and one in particularly, I swear saved my life this week.

One of the most compelling ways to say “I love you, body” is to say “I trust you.” This becomes critical when the seductive security of scales and numbers starts to call. That’s what giving up numbers is – honoring our bodies with our deepest trust, above our trust of scales, plans and calorie counts. Whenever we count or measure our food or our bodies, we are essentially giving our bodies the message that we don’t trust “her.” When our bodies get that message, they retaliate, as all they really want is our undying love and acceptance (and, trust me, they will call us out through bingeing, craving, etc. whenever they don’t have it).

Lately I’ve been having hectic days where the lure of calorie counting just enters my mind, seemingly without my permission. A couple times I’ve even day dreamed, imagining how much I “should” weigh and if I’m there yet. These are dangerous thoughts. They are seedlings of self-judgment, expectation, and will inevitably lead to body dissatisfaction – the ultimate, numero uno, super trigger.

In these moments, my most powerful weapon is nothing but a deep breath, and the simple reminder, “I trust you.”

I trust you more than scales
I trust you more than counting calories
I trust you more than my jeans that shrunk in the dryer
I trust you more than the boy who doesn’t love me back
I trust you more than my elliptical
I trust you more than the candy jar at work
I trust you more than (fill in the blank reason your body is “wrong”)

I trust you.