Some more information about my weight-inclusive, non-diet approach
When your goal is weight loss…
A desire to lose weight is very common and completely understandable given the weight stigma and fat phobia that is rampant in our culture. There are so many messages telling us our bodies are a problem and that it is our responsibility to change them.
Dieting is hard. So hard that evidence shows most people regain the weight lost and some more too. The restriction causes us to be hyper focused on food and our bodies, and the deprivation makes us highly susceptible to bingeing or feeling ‘out of control’ with food when we do ease up on the diet. For example, feeling out of control with sugar can be from a history of restricting sugar and labelling it as ‘bad’, ‘unhealthy’ or ‘naughty’. This is not an individual failing or lack of will power, this is a completely normal biological drive. We don’t fail weight loss attempts, dieting fails us.
We can improve our health by improving our health behaviours - this does not require focusing on weight. Unfortunately weight loss efforts are linked to anxiety, depression, increased appearance focus, and body image distress, which is really upsetting considering that people make weight loss attempts in order to feel better.
An important note about my approach
Given all this, I work from a non-diet, weight inclusive approach. What does that mean?
I don’t see bodies of any shape or size as a problem to be fixed.
I recognise that bodies naturally come in different sizes, weights, and shapes.
The non-diet approach supports people in enhancing their health by caring for their body without a focus on weight.
My work helps people to feel good about themselves, and have a positive relationship with their body, regardless of their size.
Whilst I support bodily autonomy (everyone can choose what’s best for their own body), my work does not assist clients with the goal of weight loss.
Many of my clients come to me because they are frustrated, upset, and completely over dieting and weight loss attempts. My work presents another way.
What might our sessions work on?
Improving how you feel, reduce the struggle, and develop a more peaceful relationship with your body.
Increasing your ‘attunement' - learning how to listen better to your body and trust what you hear.
Understanding that your body is not the problem, our culture is.
Developing tools to deal with your inner critic, body image distress, and negative self-talk.
Setting goals for behaviours that help you to feel better in your body and increase your energy.
Understand your values, strengths, and sense of purpose and move towards the life you want.
Increase your self-compassion, reduce self-criticism, and enhance your self-care.
And so much more!
I completely understand if my work doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, but if all of the above has given you a sense of relief or an ‘Aha moment’ then my approach may be just what you are after.