End the Painful Yo-Yo Dieting Cycle ~ Find Peace with Food
“The problem of overweight and obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and globally, and the high prevalence is due in part to the recidivism associated with weight-loss treatment. Approximately one third of lost weight is often regained in the first year after treatment and, at times, continues.” - Randomized Clinical Trials of Weight-Loss Maintenance: A Review. The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 24(1):58-80, JAN 2009
People are tired of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling, and want to have a healthy and relaxed relationship with food. Quick fixes don’t last. Diets increase a client’s inner critic and further disconnects him or her from their true needs. When emotional eating is not addressed, weight loss will be temporary (in many or most cases) and leaves the dieter feeling more hopeless and frustrated than ever.
A survey asked 1,328 psychologists which strategies were essential to losing weight and keeping it off. They cited that:
Understanding and managing the behaviors and emotions related to weight management were critical.
More than 70 % identified cognitive therapy, problem-solving and mindfulness as “excellent or “good” weight loss strategies.
- Online poll by the Consumer Reports National Research Center in partnership with experts provided by American Psychological Association. (APA, APRIL 2013, Vol 44, No. 4. Print version: page 15)
Mindful Eating promotes self-compassion and self-empathy.
It is my belief that a non-diet approach to overeating and obesity is the only longterm way for a client to achieve peace with food and their body. Throughout my therapeutic process clients are encouraged to explore the triggers that lead to emotional eating. They develop the tools, strategies and rituals for establishing a healthy relationship with food. The goal is to gain an understanding of how to free themselves from the “eating instead of feeling” cycle and to transform mind (and body) along the way.
Therapeutic Goals
The therapeutic goals are to not use food as a mood regulator and end the familiar pattern of worrying about calories and dieting. A client gains an understanding of how the quick reliable “fix” of the emotional eating ritual has induced a “trance” state. He or she learns to be in tune with their body and differentiate physical from emotional hunger.
The therapeutic process is based on crafting and developing healthy rituals, i.e. taking a walk, talking to friend, having a cup of soothing tea, writing in a journal, and understanding the true need for comfort or relief. “I need a treat!” might mean: “I need a break. I need comfort.”
The Counseling Journey
Contrary to the seductive promise of fast weight loss, this kind of deep counseling work takes a minimum of six months to a year. The “heart” of therapy becomes re-mothering, strengthening the Self, and embracing the small inner child that needs emotional comfort. Based on evidence-based research as well as my own experience as a former weight loss coach I conclude that diets don’t work long-term.
A client’s relationship with food should be the focus of intervention, not the food itself. Without addressing the emotional eating component weight loss will be temporary in many or most cases. We all have the need for comfort and self-soothing. You can learn to understand that food has been a reliable mood regulator for many years. It takes courage to explore new ways of self-regulating. Let me support you on this journey.
Get ready to transform your relationship with food. Book your complimentary initial consultation today.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
With compassion,
Petra