How's Your Relationship -- With Food?

You've undoubtedly read that your relationships can affect your weight--especially your ability to lose it. Your mother, who always seems to be pushing food at family occasions; your teens, who insist on stocking the cupboards with Flaming Hot Cheetos; your husband, who won't eat anything but steak for dinner.

Sound familiar? Indeed, the people in your life can have an enormous impact on your attempt to get fit. But the most vital relationship in your weight-loss journey is your relationship with food. Just ask Janice Hay, 43, who lost 65 pounds and has maintained her weight loss for 6 years. "I used to think of food as something to be avoided, an enemy," says Hay, who lives in Clarkston, Washington. "I now realize that food is fuel-something I need regularly and can't live without. I'm finally at peace with food."

Weight-loss experts concur. Food is certainly a component in life, but should not consume your life. You simply cannot substitute eating to deal with other issues like stress, family conflicts, work issues. Here's how you can begin your break-up with food and establish a more peaceful accord with your meals, snacks and cravings.

Next page: Neither friend nor foe