By Lindsey Smith

We live in a society where we have major attachment issues. From our favorite sports teams, to the latest fashion trend, and even to our favorite musicians, we tend to feel a sense of attachment towards people, things, careers, money, food and so much more.

But when it comes to food, I noticed we have attachment issues towards dieting, junk food eating, and being an ideal weight. We think “going on a diet” will make us feel better post break-up. Or we think eating a sugary cookie will give us the satisfaction we are looking for in our jobs. And if we weigh 20 pounds less than we do today, we will somehow feel more accomplished and complete.

But do doing these things actually make you happy?

These attachment issues to food, and material items as well, stem from a place of fear rather than a place of happiness, love or peace. Attachment keeps us in a temporary “feel good” psychosis until the new object we buy or feeling we get wears off. Then we are left with those feelings we tried so hard to avoid — guilt, dissatisfaction and unworthiness.

In order to break the attachment cycle, we need to start detaching, which simply means “letting go.” Letting go will help shift your energy from “not good enough” to “plenty good enough.” It helps you see that outside items don’t actually bring you the peace and happiness you seek. But rather, happiness is actually found through simplicity.

Here are some simple ways to start letting go. Find one that resonates with you and start there. Each day, focus on letting go of one thing.

Let go of the need to be right.

Let go of the need to control every situation, including your food choices.

Let go the idea of restriction when it comes to food.

Let go of the drivers that make you angry on the road.

Let go of the sense that you need to go on a diet or be a certain number on the scale.

Let go of physical clothes or “stuff” you haven’t used in years.

Let go of past relationships that no longer serve you.

Let go of stress. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a day, a week, a year?”

I think you get the idea. The more you can let go, the more good you allow to enter your life, and the more peaceful you feel — mind, body, and spirit.

Lindsey Smith, known as the “food mood girl” works with people who have a habit of looking to food for all the wrong nutrients: comfort, reward, fun and acceptance. Through speaking and coaching she motivates, equips and inspires people to sort out their relationships with food so they can live a healthy, balanced life. She is also the author of “Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving and Start Living!” Connect with Smith via her Web site, www.FoodMoodGirl.com, on Facebook and Twitter @LindseySmithHHC.