Before you spend money on another diet book, pill or fad, let’s look at what are a few of your diet expectations. Often dieters place unrealistic demands on themselves both mentally and physically as the number on a scale quickly becomes a consuming focus. Over time, the number on the scale can become the only measure of self-esteem which provides a sense of success or failure.
It is commonplace that the diet systems and programs advertised encourage success as rapid weight loss, rather than a lifestyle that supports healthy body weight and fitness. So before joining a program or ordering your meals from a box, I encourage you to take this to heart and consider 95% of all dieters will regain their lost weight in 1-5 years. And of those normal dieters, 35% will progress to pathological dieting. And of these dieters 25% will progress to a partial or full eating disorder. In addition, due to the socially supported misconception that diets are the primary success factor in weight loss, Americans spend over $50 billion on dieting and diet-related products each year, while according to the CDC over the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. In 2009, only Colorado and the District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.Whereas within other areas of the US rates are 25% or higher.
How is it possible to achieve your weight loss goal?
The simplest and the most important answer is; don’t continue to do what doesn’t work. Intuitively this makes sense, yet thousands of Americans return to a diet plan or program in high hopes that this time will be different- only to discover losing weight has become more of a frustrating, exhaustive battle.
Have you noticed that many weight loss programs promote a fresh attempt to override our own thoughts and feelings by ignoring the messages our body communicates - no effort weight loss. In dieting, often we are declaring an emotional war on our body through restriction, denial of certain foods or extreme behavioral changes. Doesn’t it makes sense that your body will respond and resist to protect you?
The answer to successful and lasting weight loss begins with a new view of our physical selves. In therapy we learn to curiously explore our unique connect with body, mind and spirit through continued self awareness and learning to listen to our bodies and our inner voice of support. These same skills are applicable and are essential for your weight loss goal.
Tips to Maximize Weight Loss Success
* When you decide not to go on a diet, you’ll never experience diet failure.
* Include your therapist as support in your weight loss goals.
* Redefine your weight loss goal as self care, honoring and not punishing your body.
* Take time daily to incorporate mindfulness techniques while learning new ones.
* Remind yourself that your body isn’t your enemy - learn to listen to the language it speaks.
* Give yourself permission to take time to enjoy the food you eat - taste each and every bite.
* Catch yourself caring for you as a regular habit rather than being your biggest critic.
* Acknowledge your feelings- don’t numb them with food.
* Just as you have become an expert on diets, become an expert on healthy nutrition. Along with therapy, seek out a professional nutritionist to learn more about what your body is telling you.
* Finally, only you can decide that 2011 will be your happiest and healthiest year ever - why wait?
By Lynne Ramirez LGSW, SAP,NCACII
301-712-9015, Ext. 1026
www.CounselingwithLynne.com
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