Why do we diet? It’s a simple enough question. The answer, however, is both complicated and individual. First, know that you’re not alone. An estimated 45 million Americans diet each year and spend $33 billion annually on weight loss products. We’ve been force fed the message that life will be better when we’re thinner. If we can lose weight, everything will fall into place - we’ll be happier + more successful + more fulfilled. Don’t believe me? Here’s a little collage of the pictures found on the landing pages of Weight Watchers + Jenny Craig + Nutrisystem… What I know to be true a thousand times over is that chronic dieting does not create a more fulfilling life. So why do we continue to ride the "on again, off again" diet … [Read more...] about Understanding Why We Diet
Awareness
Overcoming the “Scary” Scale
Our mind can be a wonderful ally – or the world’s worst motivational speaker. And when we step on the scale, our mind tends to kick right into world’s worst motivational speaker mode. You’re disgusting. Look at that number! You’ll never lose weight. It’s hopeless. Why even bother? Screw it. Weighing yourself regularly when trying to lose weight can be very helpful. We need this information to determine whether or not we need to make adjustments. That said, you’ve probably had the experience of dreading the number on the scale. The silly square box on the floor seems to be “saying” so much more to us. I call this phenomenon, “the manipulative scale.” The scale can’t tell you anything about your worth as person, what you care about, … [Read more...] about Overcoming the “Scary” Scale
How to Create More of What You Want
Sometimes we just don't know how to get unstuck. We desperately want to break free from the worry or self-doubt or frustration - but we simply can't pull ourselves out of the mud. So we spin and swirl in our painful thoughts and emotions much longer than we need to. Here's a simple tool that I use with my own clients to help them create more of what they want in life. Ready? All you have to do is answer four simple questions. I highly recommend you write down your answers - pen to paper - old school style! Why? We want to get those thoughts out of our heads - so we can look at them objectively. What's not working? (or - What's the problem?) What am I doing (or not doing) to create this result? What do I want to create … [Read more...] about How to Create More of What You Want
Values Driven Weight Loss
Society tells us that the way to be happy is to achieve our goals. Graduate from college. Get a good job. Find a partner. Buy a house. Get fit. Get that promotion. Raise healthy + happy kids. Go on vacation. Buy a bigger house. And a nice car. And a boat. And… It’s true that if you achieve a goal there’s a feeling of happiness associated with it. It's also true that the feeling doesn't last very long. You quickly settle back at your baseline level of happiness and start thinking about the next goal. Seeking, searching, striving, pushing, reaching, climbing. This gets to be quite exhausting – and ultimately, unfulfilling. But there’s a different way to live your life. One that is rich and meaningful and fulfilling. Imagine you’re … [Read more...] about Values Driven Weight Loss