Most of us know the mentality of dieting either through personal experience or observation of others. Many people turn into black and white thinkers if they aren't ones already. Foods become "good" and "bad." It becomes about deprivation of not only the food but also the soul. Of course, this does not happen with everyone, but the majority do fall into this category which is why dieting has such a huge fallout rate.
This was one reason I was pleasantly surprised at hearing my physical therapy assistant say that although she was trying to lose weight, she is not depriving herself. She said she is beginning to ask herself whether she is truly hungry and if she really wanted that piece of cake. If she does, she would take a small slice. I don't think she knows it, but she is beginning some intuitive eating.
The other thing that she said which is not something you'd hear from most people is "I'm going slow, I'm not in any real hurry." Though I am never into using the word "dieting," I do think she is taking an even keel approach at this, and I commend her for her work.
Something else she said stuck out to me. She said that when she got divorced and was raising her two daughters, she could not afford the healthy food most experts say we should all be eating.. She said "unfortunately, my kids paid the price." Many studies have shown that there is a link between socioeconomic status and quality of food. Even back in 2004, researchers were saying there was a relationship between obesity, "cheap" food, and socioeconomic level. (here)
Though this news is not new to me, the fact that someone said it so blatantly was really surprising to me. I guess the saying "when you know better, you do better" applies here. Or rather, when you make more money, you have the ability to eat better.
Anyway, overall, this brief ten or so minutes of my physical therapy assistant recounting her dieting habits was a bit refreshing to hear. Here was someone who truly was losing weight for health in a healthy, moderate, slow way. This may not seem like much, but I think she is a rarity in these times. Kudos to her! Even though I am against "dieting," I do think changing a lifestyle in a positive, healthy way like this person is doing can be beneficial .I just wish more people did dieting this way.
4 comments:
Oooh that sounds like one smart lady!!! That is the kind of stuff I try to teach people but boy is it hard! It's harder for me to follow but that's another story. I like her thinking :) xo
I've been on a diet since I was around 13 or 14. Now I'm in therapy. Diet's suck! And does deprive the soul. You get sucked into either a good food or a bad food. Your mood and temperment are changed beyond all reason. Here's hoping she does good!
yes, kudos to her. imagine having such a healthy approach. i picture her not getting consumed with the whole thing. ahhhhhh.
it refreshing. and it's nice to see it's possible.
So far, she is doing well. I'm really hopeful this will work for her. Also, on a side note, I hear that M., my mother's husband, who had the lap band surgery is doing well overall.
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