Weight Loss client question

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Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on August 24, 2009 at 4:24am

Hi Donna,

I love ya and this is one of those sticky conversations where there is a rift between theory and practice --
In theory -- I agree with you 100% -- In practice:

A) You are operating on the assumption that people eating junk are over-eating because they are malnourished -- hence the ongoing hunger. I find that most of my clients are over-eating because they feel emotionally empty, anxious or simply stressed and many of my over-weight clients have basically healthy diets...

B) Unless you are marketing your weight loss programs in the realm of CHANGE WHAT YOU EAT AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE -- you are going to discover that relatively few weight clients have the desire to make the life-style changes that you are advocating --

C) So, if a client really isn't changing their diet -- Eating smaller portions is practical advice.

The french eat very rich diets without the obesity found in the US because they eat much smaller portions and generally get more exercise - throughout the day...



Donna Rodolph said:

Roy,
I love ya! really...
I buy your books. haha
but, I have to tell you... (even though I realize it is unseemly to disagree with someone who has 10x the experience that I have...with that said - I will tread lightly, and hope that somewhere I will have a learning moment ~grin)...it is hard for me to wrap my hands around this thought...

This sentence: It's not always WHAT we eat, but HOW MUCH and how often.

That sentence goes against all that I know. In my thinking: It is ALWAYS what we eat. For if we ate good nutrition, we wouldn't even have to waste a single second thinking about how much we are eating or how often.
If we ate good nutrition...it wouldn't matter what our 'demons' are...we could be healthy, thin people and still have to deal with those demons.
The body needs nutrition. If a person has a crud diet and only focuses on how much they eat and how often...I don't see how this can be good. This, to me... is like saying, "Okay...your body is starving for nutrition, this is why you eat so much....SO...I have a great idea, cut back on your portions and don't eat as many times a day."
How does this feed the body the nutrition it was starving for in the first place?

I appreciate any feedback and hope I came across with the learning attitude that I meant to convey.
Respectfully,
~D.

Roy Hunter said:

Moderation is easier than abstinence when it comes to food, but requires a change of subconscious programming.

I often tell clients that I was once an ice cream addict; and if the best hypnotist in the world told me NOT to eat ice cream, I would head for the nearest Safeway to buy some good ice cream. It's not always WHAT we eat, but HOW MUCH and how often! The secret is in getting the subconscious to be satisfied with smaller amounts on a less frequent basis.

Normally when clients do not respond to suggestions regarding their BENEFITS of being at the ideal weight, I will use either parrts therapy or regression therapy to discover the core cause(s) of subconscious resistance. Several other posts on this thread have some good content.

Roy Hunter
www.royhunter.com

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Permalink Reply by Donna Carter on August 24, 2009 at 6:46am

Michael,
Thank you.
Example A) reminds me of information I already know...but need it to be repeated ova' and ova'...haha. ( I love these conversations! ~grin~ ) I understand that some people eat because they feel emotionally empty, anxious, etc. ...and if they are over-weight, isn't that an indicator that they are obviously telling a 'fooly' about how healthy their diet is? Basically healthy diets...do not produce over-weight people. It just doesn't. A person can NOT over eat veggies and fruits, it just...can't happen. It can't.

Example B) Actually... I don't market a weight loss program.
I have helped the odd duck that comes my way, and I love to educate
and be educated on proper nutrition... for those who seek out that information...
but uh...
It has come to my attention that I'm....
I mean....
I realize I am a bit...... errrr...... MUCH?...haha.
I know, huh!??!! ~shocking~
Hence these conversations.
I am trying to gain perspective enough to be of service. As yet...I'm still a bit much. (again, at least I am self-aware).

That being said, though…
I do feel I have a strength in that I understand food.
I understand that food alters behavior. (which...if people are eating because they are emotionally empty, the correct food consumption could alter that?? and anxiety?? good healthy veggies help that?! yes.)

I am currently trying to find my ‘niche’ when it comes to ‘food’ and weight loss clients.
Until I find that ‘niche’…I may refrain from seeking clients with this issue.
Those I have helped, knew coming in...that I promote a healthy lifestyle...as opposed to just, losing weight.

Example C) I suppose this makes sense…if I look at it as, losing weight – not gaining health. However, it still boggles my mind why someone would want to lose weight and not gain health? I think that is were I may be having my issue. The ultimate goal (for me) has always been… move toward ‘health’.

Thanks for your thoughts Michael, I will ponder them throughout the day.

My best,
~D.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Ellner on August 24, 2009 at 1:36pm

You're welcome D-


Example A) A person can NOT over eat veggies and fruits, it just...can't happen. It can't. --

I was taught that toxicity could be too much of a good thing -- So, I will basically disagree in general -- But, you could be right in relation to weight -- I will have to ponder this --

Example B) Actually... I don't market a weight loss program.
I am currently trying to find my ‘niche’ when it comes to ‘food’ and weight loss clients.

I realize that you are still in the process of inventing yourself in relation to inventing your practice -- Seems to me following your bliss is excellent advice and I bet you could develop an active practice aimed at folks who want to get healthy, fit, and slim.

Example C) I suppose this makes sense…if I look at it as, losing weight – not gaining health. However, it still boggles my mind why someone would want to lose weight and not gain health? I think that is were I may be having my issue. The ultimate goal (for me) has always been… move toward ‘health’.

My golden rule is give my clients what they want --
FYI - I do not think that eating a carrot when stressed is the answer unless we hypnotize the client to feel calm and relaxed every time they eat a carrot -- If a person eats a "healthy diet" their various systems will probably function at a higher level due to the better nutrition, but it does not insure they will not suffer from mental or physical health problems.

Stay passionate!

me


Donna Rodolph said:

Michael,
Thank you.
Example A) reminds me of information I already know...but need it to be repeated ova' and ova'...haha. ( I love these conversations! ~grin~ ) I understand that some people eat because they feel emotionally empty, anxious, etc. ...and if they are over-weight, isn't that an indicator that they are obviously telling a 'fooly' about how healthy their diet is? Basically healthy diets...do not produce over-weight people. It just doesn't. A person can NOT over eat veggies and fruits, it just...can't happen. It can't.

Example B) Actually... I don't market a weight loss program.
I have helped the odd duck that comes my way, and I love to educate
and be educated on proper nutrition... for those who seek out that information...
but uh...
It has come to my attention that I'm....
I mean....
I realize I am a bit...... errrr...... MUCH?...haha.
I know, huh!??!! ~shocking~
Hence these conversations.
I am trying to gain perspective enough to be of service. As yet...I'm still a bit much. (again, at least I am self-aware).

That being said, though…
I do feel I have a strength in that I understand food.
I understand that food alters behavior. (which...if people are eating because they are emotionally empty, the correct food consumption could alter that?? and anxiety?? good healthy veggies help that?! yes.)

I am currently trying to find my ‘niche’ when it comes to ‘food’ and weight loss clients.
Until I find that ‘niche’…I may refrain from seeking clients with this issue.
Those I have helped, knew coming in...that I promote a healthy lifestyle...as opposed to just, losing weight.

Example C) I suppose this makes sense…if I look at it as, losing weight – not gaining health. However, it still boggles my mind why someone would want to lose weight and not gain health? I think that is were I may be having my issue. The ultimate goal (for me) has always been… move toward ‘health’.

Thanks for your thoughts Michael, I will ponder them throughout the day.

My best,
~D.

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Permalink Reply by Donna Carter on August 24, 2009 at 3:17pm

Thank you Michael...

I have to ponder all this.

...not right now, but in a moment....
I will post again...

~D.

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Permalink Reply by Donna Carter on August 24, 2009 at 4:38pm

As a side note: I had a lady approach me today to ask about weight loss.
what is funny is that - she mentioned that she has trouble eating roughage... her doctor said to avoid it.

I thought it was kind of comical in the sense that...
we are talking about this topic
and it is clear that I am struggling with theory and practice
and...she is throws in more... "food for thought".
hmmm.....

interesting.
~D.


Donna Rodolph said:

Thank you Michael...

I have to ponder all this.

...not right now, but in a moment....
I will post again...

~D.

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Permalink Reply by Shirley R. Patterson on August 24, 2009 at 6:55pm

The woman in question came in last week, we just discussed what was (or wasn't) going on and set up an appointment for today. I had thought of doing parts therapy but at the last minute decided to do Gestalt Therapy. (as a counselor I've had quite abit of training in Gestalt). The first "fantasy" was not giving the results, I could tell she still was not letting herself go. So I relaxed her deeper and decided to switch to a different "fantasy". BINGO, that one did it. When we were discussing the session, she kept saying it dosen't make sense, she couldn't see how it related to her weight problem, but as we discussed I said "From what you are saying, I am hearing that you feel so empty about your life, and have for quite a while. You love your family but there is nothing that is for you. I hear you saying you have to fill yourself up with junk food because it fills you up and you feel good doing it". Her face was in awe, she started to tear up. We had our breakthrough! She acknowledged this was also how she felt when she was bulemic and anorexic. I am so excited we have found the reason for her uncontrolable weight.


Shirleynot

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