As September rolls in, I find myself excited about the cooler weather, the return of football season (Go Jets!), and a sense of renewal. But for many of us, the change in seasons can also trigger a familiar pattern of saying, “This is the time I get back on track.”

Reflecting on my past as a binge eater, I remember how each season felt like a new beginning—a promise to return to healthier habits. Yet, it often resulted in a cycle of guilt and disappointment as the holidays approached. This year, let’s shift that narrative and explore how we can embrace the season without the pressure of “getting back on track.”

Celebrating Wins, Big and Small

Inside my program, Food Freedom Society, I recently witnessed an outpouring of support as hundreds of women joined together to share their victories—whether it’s leaving food on their plate, resisting late-night snacks, or simply celebrating their bodies. This community spirit is what we need more of, especially when it’s easy to focus on the negatives.

Our brains are naturally wired to seek out threats, often leading us to highlight our failures instead of celebrating our successes. So today, I challenge you: take a moment to recognize what’s going right in your life. No matter how small, acknowledge your achievements and practice gratitude for them.

Reframing Our Approach to Eating

Instead of viewing September as a time to “get back on track,” let’s focus on feeling good. Here are three key questions to help shift your mindset:

1. How can I feel good? Rather than framing it as “getting back on track,” ask yourself how you can prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Feeling good looks different for everyone and changes over time. Allow yourself to enjoy the process.
2. Am I making choices out of self-respect? Move away from strict food rules. Instead, think about how your food choices can reflect self-respect. Choose foods that nourish you, rather than adhering to rigid guidelines that can lead to guilt and bingeing. When you arrive at a gathering, focus on the foods you genuinely enjoy, rather than feeling obligated to indulge in everything.
3. Am I practicing self-compassion? We can be our own worst critics. Instead of berating yourself for perceived failures, treat yourself with kindness. Imagine how you would speak to someone you love in the same situation. A little compassion goes a long way in nurturing a healthier self-image.

Moving Forward with Kindness

As we transition into fall, let’s commit to celebrating our choices, fostering a supportive community, and embracing the beauty of our individual journeys. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress and self-love.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you found value in today’s discussion, please consider sharing this post or leaving a review. And if you’re on Instagram, connect with me @KellyLWellness—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Are you ready to stop overeating and finally be in control around food? Watch my FREE training ‘How to Stop Binge Eating and Overeating – without Relying on Willpower’ to learn how it’s possible!