Something For Every Body: Weighty Issues

By Millie Jackson

Many people desire to lose weight; I am no exception. In the past, I was able to healthily shed over fifty-five excess pounds which I kept off until injuries from a car accident dramatically affected my activity level and how and what I ate. Instead of feeling discouraged about being above my optimal weight, today I am embracing the opportunity to revisit the tried and true strategies that worked for me before. Ironically, it was when I took the focus off of “losing weight” that I started to shed the extra pounds. I switched my attention to doing healthier things for my body, and weight loss became a natural side effect. 

Would you choose being thin over being healthy? There are plenty of ways to lose weight that are not healthful. I had an eating disorder in my teens; I know how to be thin and unhealthy. I am grateful for what I learned during those years of strife. My experience helped me develop compassion for those who struggle with food, myself included. It strengthened my resolve to find healthy ways to eat and exercise. It ignited a passion for being well and for inspiring others. 

Fad diets are often unhealthy even though you can achieve weight loss. They are usually sold as quick ways to lose weight. Unfortunately, the faster you lose, the less likely you are to keep it off. People often gain back more than they lose on fad diets. The dramatic departure from how someone typically eats is often too difficult to sustain. 

Fluctuating weight is hard on the body. Most experts agree that 2 pounds per week is the maximum to lose to keep your weight loss healthy and sustainable. The next time you are approached with a “lose 30 pounds in 30 days” scenario, turn and run, burning a few extra calories along the way. 

I took a holistic approach to changing my eating behaviors, looking at physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of my relationship with food. I ascertained that my food choices were not meeting my nutritional needs and that I thought about food a lot. I realized I was using food to ground myself. I discovered that my emotional state greatly influenced my eating--fat was a barrier I unconsciously covered myself with for self-protection. From a spiritual perspective, I found it unacceptable that I was eating “more than my share.” 

I learned to translate weaknesses into strengths, honoring how my psyche works. Instead of trying to not think about food, I channeled that energy into thinking about creative ways to improve my eating; I began using food medicinally. Eating small amounts of healthy food throughout the day maximizes digestibility and absorption of nutrients. I adopted this way of eating that was not only healthy for my body but also managed my proclivity to fixate on food. I looked at when I wanted my energy to peak and planned which foods would help me accomplish that. 

From a spiritual perspective, I brought more divinity into all aspects of the food process. If you are not comfortable with the idea of “divinity”, think of it as being in a state of gratitude and appreciation. I often sing while I prepare food and do dishes. You might find me singing at the grocery store. Before I eat, I express gratitude to all who had a hand in bringing food to my table. I thank my food for the nutrition and vitality it gives me. 

Learning to discern genuine physical hunger helped me diminish emotional eating. I developed strategies for when my emotions took me to the kitchen (call a friend, go for a walk, take a bath). I use what I call the “fruit rule”. If I am craving something processed and sugary, I first eat a piece of fruit. If I don’t want fruit, I assume I am not hungry. If I still want the other food after the fruit, I give myself permission to eat it, but I usually don’t want it. H.A.L.T. is a great acronym to use. Stop and ask yourself if you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. If you are not hungry, the solution probably isn’t food. 

I am looking forward to once again improving my relationship with food as I incorporate more activity back into my routine and tap into these proven strategies. I know that I will have more energy and vitality while I naturally gravitate back towards my ideal body weight. May your journey, too, be filled with fun, health, and vigor!