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OUR EXPERTS...
When I see progress in losing weight, I feel beautiful and proud. I
feel like I can handle anything that comes my way. Despite this, the
slightest gain and I feel disappointed in myself. I become embarrassed,
frustrated and just want to hide. I go back to being quiet and shy, and all
too often find myself eating and feeling helpless. What can I do to change
this?
By Bernie Winter of the Empowerment Centre
Many people share these feelings as they are losing weight. Sabotaging our
weight loss by getting on that scale too often is a common behaviour. The
slightest gain can trigger an emotional cycle that leads to eating.
When people are frustrated or disappointed (by something like a slight
weight gain) they eat more, which starts the cycle. They feel bad for eating
and they become defensive and moody. Soon they feel out of control and they
eat more. The more disappointed they feel, the more they blame themselves,
and the more they blame themselves, the more unworthy they feel, and they
eat more, and the cycle continues. The good news is that many people have
experienced great results once they understand this is a cycle that is real,
and that this cycle can be changed with the right support and plan.
What drives us to get on that scale is our need to physically see the
changes that result from our efforts. We live in a society that values
“quick results”, immediate gratification, and we often feel we need to
achieve positive results in order to satisfy our support system.
Be prepared, have a plan for how you will break the cycle before it catches
you off guard. Start with getting on the scale (if you feel you need to) not
more than once a week. Be sure you chose the same time of the day and are
wearing the same clothing. Measure yourself at that same time, keeping a
record of these results. Losing steadily and slowly is gentler on the body
and in many cases becomes a permanent change.
Your emotions are real and they are powerful, however, you are the one in
charge of your actions. Have a plan for how you will “act” when a trigger
challenges you. Adjust your plan whenever you need to. Hide the scale,
celebrate every pound you loose (with something other than food),
congratulate yourself for sticking with it. You can also consider hiring a
Professional Health Coach to support and guide you to success in breaking
that cycle!
To have your weight management questions answered, contact Bernie Winter
at the Empowerment Centre at 403.270.3164 or email
bwgg@iglide.com
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