Robert Sapolsky, professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, proposes that 80 percent of stress reduction can be attributed to the first 20 percent of effort. It’s why you feel so relieved just by making an appointment with a counselor, signing up to join a gym, or ordering that book on meditation. You haven’t actually done anything

You can take a patented magnesium form called Magtein (like that offered by NOW Foods), which is designed to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively,

To retain your food freedom, successfully manage cravings, and stay in control, the most important thing you can do is manage your stressors. All of them. And no, I’m not going to tell you to “just relax,” because never in the history of relaxing has anyone ever relaxed by being told to just relax.

and everything changes. You used to feel guilty about the treats you ate because it felt like you were “cheating” on your diet, or you mindlessly ate it up so fast it barely registered, or you lost control and overconsumed,

Food freedom is realizing I can have anything I want, any time I want it . . . and in the moment, simply honoring whether or not I really want it.

The Night Before Improving your willpower for any given day starts the night before. Take as many decisions out of tomorrow as possible—especially the ones involving food. Lay out your clothes; prep your coffee, breakfast, and lunch; pre-pack your work bag. Try to predict ahead of time whether you’ll be feeling rested enough to hit the gym, or whet

Most people think of stress in terms of hating their job, worrying about money, or feeling out of control. That last one is closest to the truth; stress is defined as a perceived threat to your physical or social safety. The “chronic” part just means it’s ongoing or prolonged, instead of acute (short term). Need an example?

Food freedom happened when I took the time to ask myself what I really wanted and made a conscious, deliberate decision in the moment.

Reduce your stress. (Aside: It’s featured last because if you do all the other stuff that comes before it, this one is going to be way easier.)