Mindful Weight Control

April 1, 2010

By johnmac

[printfriendly]

Often times, it seems that I’ll get a string of clients coming to see me with the same health concern.  Lately, that health concern is related to a problem with maintaining or losing weight.

Many of these clients have tried numerous weight loss ‘strategies’, including significant calorie reduction, exercising more, eating fewer carbs, eating low-fat or no-fat foods, cutting out saturated fats, high protein/low carb diets, meal replacements, skipping meals, avoiding snacking between meals, artificial sweeteners, ‘diet’ versions of foods and drinks, weight loss pills, weight loss programs, appetite suppressants, strict diet programs that involve several hundreds (even thousands) of dollars worth of pre-packaged meals…I’m sure that the list can go on and on.

The common story is that initially the weight came off and stayed off for awhile, but the lost pounds – and usually a few more -eventually found their way back.

It’s common knowledge that most diets don’t work in the long run and that is because they are difficult and/or unpleasant to continue on a long-term basis and most of them don’t even begin to address the major roadblocks to weight loss.  When addressing weight loss, I believe we need to eliminate the word ‘diet’ from our vocabulary.  For many people, the word DIET conjures up images of starvation and deprivation.  How appealing does that sound?

It is interesting to note that the word ‘diet’ is from the Greek work ‘diaita’, which means ‘a way of life’.  This is very appropriate, as in my experience, and that of many others, successful, long-term weight loss and/or management requires an adjustment in terms of our ‘way of life’ and not just in terms of what we eat and drink.

In the last few decades, there’s been a significant increase in the sale of exercise equipment and gym memberships, low-fat foods, calorie-reduced foods, diet programs and many other products that promote weight loss.

Despite all of this, we are seeing a weight epidemic now like never before!

  • Almost 1/3 of Canadians are overweight, with approx 1/3 being obese (based on Body Mass Indexes/BMI)
  • Childhood obesity rates have almost tripled in the last 25 years

If this trend continues, in 20 years we can expect 70% of the 35-44 year olds in Canada to be overweight or obese versus the approximately 55% who are currently overweight or obese.

There are significant economic costs for Canada as a result of obesity because being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases including: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, certain cancers (endometrial, breast, prostate and colon) as well as general pain and inflammation.  Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about our appearance.  Maintaining a healthy weight is about maintaining our health.

There are many factors that have a role in weight management – and the information on the topic is overwhelming and often contradictory.

This month, I am launching a new program – the Mindful Weight Control Program.  This program was created to address the concerns and questions that many of my friends, colleagues and clients have shared with me regarding weight control.  I have put together this program, together with a colleague of mine, Marlene Keys.   Marlene is a Registered Dietitian and is a Certified Law of Attraction Facilitator.

The philosophy of this program is holistic in nature, addressing both body and mind matters.   In addition to covering practical nutritional advice based on years of experience and current scientific research, the program also looks at the role of our thought patterns.  This last concept is often overlooked even though it is a significant contributor to success as our thought patterns affect our physiology and can also sabotage even the best laid weight management plans and efforts.  Did you know that even positive affirmations can cause problems?

The Mindful Weight Control program is a series of four 2-hour sessions.  During these sessions you will learn key steps that will help you incorporate practical changes that will resonate with the processes required to lose and control weight, at both the physical and mental/emotional level. Topics to be covered include:

  • Tips to improve the digestive process
  • The truth about fats
  • Supplements that work
  • The role of hormones and neurotransitters
  • The role of food sensitivities
  • A three-step process for attracting the body/health that you want
  • How affirmations can help or hinder your success

Take control of what you can.  What have you got to lose?

We look forward to seeing you at one of these events!

[printfriendly]

Filed Under: Tip of the Month
Privacy Policy
MENU