Weight Management
by Pamela Harper |
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I have yet to hear a single weight loss client admit that their excess weight is the direct result of over indulgence on fat free cookies. Have you ever tasted fat free cookies?
The American Heart Association recently stated their disappointment about the increasing rate of obesity, as they had hoped the introduction and increasing availability of low fat and non-fat foods would curb the problem. Some of the reports and interpretations of the data have only added to the confusion.
There is expressed concern that people are giving themselves permission to eat more, because they assume the seemingly "healthier" foods will do less damage. One behavior that leads to obesity is over indulgence, but to say that increased consumption is the result of the low fat or non-fat foods is as uninformed as saying it is the fault of larger spoons, bigger bowls, giant size bags of potato chips, or personal computers.
I agree it is imperative to inform the average consumer that the low fat versions sometimes add sugar to enhance the taste, thus adding more calories. If however a person were searching for a substitute, to decrease their fat and cholesterol, then non-fat or low fat would be a wise alternative. Healthy diets are based on moderation and balance.
I cannot picture an obese person on a binge, consuming mass quantities of fat-free yogurt. it is in part, the fat content that creates the perception of emotional comfort. In an effort to fill a void in their life, the "everything on it" pizza sounds much more soothing than grilled fish or fat-free cottage cheese.
On a purely physical level, the body often develops a kind of "allergy" to certain foods, usually choices that include ingredients such as white flour, processed sugar and high fat. Once these are consumed, chemicals are released in the body that stimulate a binge cycle; very similar to what happens when an alcoholic takes the first drink. In addiction treatment we use the phrase, "One is too many and a thousand is not enough".
Compulsive eating reinforces messages deep in the subconscious that echoes daily, "you are a fat loser." Loss of control increases self-loathing, and solutions are harder to swallow. The mind of the overeater contains a myriad of debilitating though processes and detrimental beliefs, "I am never going to be able to lose weight so whey even try".
Starvation diets only increase episodes of failure. To be successful at weight loss, there have to be permanent changes. The primary focus must be on health, and not merely vanity.
When we point the finder at double bacon cheeseburgers, snack foods, inactivity, and non low-fat foods, we miss the opportunity to offer real solutions. Obesity is an affliction of body, mind and soul. Successful treatment must consider the person as a whole.
The reason I began using hypnosis in addition to counseling is because it enables healing through repetition of behavior changing suggestions. What we believe, we can achieve. It is the fear of losing what we have, what we know, that keeps us from moving toward the unknown, even if the changes will add years, and quality to our life. Hypnosis works by gently releasing fear and instilling hope.
The first step toward recovery is to be able to ask for help. We encourage treatment with loving words, not with criticism. Because overweight people have been judged negatively for so long, they themselves have lost sight of an incredibly worthwhile human being.
When they are ready, offer them a weight loss program that includes:
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Consideration of health and quality of life as the motivating factors.
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A process that enhances self-esteem and self-awareness.
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Increasing self-confidence, to naturally make healthier food choices.
Obesity is a serious health problem. We are not going to solve it by narrowing our focus on the food or any other area separate from the individual.
(c) 2005 Pamela Harper |
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