Weight Loss / Eating Disorders
While our diet industry wants us to believe that weight loss is all about numbers, and our food industry seems to support this belief (with all the fat, protein, carbs & grams of fibre on the nutritional label), it’s not the whole truth – weight loss is not all about numbers – emotional eating disorders are intrinsically linked with our psychology, our emotions, and our beliefs. It would be a lot simpler if it was just about the numbers. Then we could easily get the right calorific load of the right mineral’s times vitamin needs, and we are all set. But there’s another way that we can be sure that weight loss isn’t just about numbers – and that quite simple, trying the diet and discovering it hasn’t worked (for a little while at least). And that’s the reality right there. Because when we do go on a numbers-based-diet, the results are never truly long-lasting. In fact, over time 98% of people who diet, end up gaining their weight back.
If we want to create a long-lasting impact on unwanted weight, then we need to step into the realm of psychology / eating disorder counselling for weight loss. The main reasons being: Stress This has a direct impact on our ability to lose weight. Whether it’s the external stress and anxiety of a busy life – or the internal stress of unwanted weight (or unhealthy eating behaviours) – our body is in a survival response. Our body will not release weight when in survival mode, it does the opposite. It slows down. If we are faced with a stressful, anxiety provoking life, we need to learn how to change our responses into more mindful ones: (breathe -awareness, slowing down, small behaviour changes & mindfulness are all powerful tools when it comes to shifting from stress to relaxation).
Pleasure This is another foundational key in the psychology of weight loss because it has a direct link to reducing stress. And reducing stress, is crucial to creating an internal environment that supports weight loss. When we take a moment with a supportive friend to chat or enjoy a walk-in nature, we are engaging healthy physiological responses– which help us feel happy. Pleasure brings us into the enjoyment of our food. When we are truly in the moment of eating and mindfulness, we are much more likely to make food choices that support our nutritional health and listen to the cues when we’ve eaten enough.
Behaviour Weight loss tips often focus on changing behaviour. “Drink more water, eat plenty of greens, don’t eat out, reduce processed foods” etc. And it’s true that behaviours are fundamental to creating healthy eating habits, however, underneath our binge eating-behaviour are values, feelings, and beliefs, the foundation of this behaviour is our psychology. If we don’t believe that we can impact our weight in a positive way, it’s unlikely that healthier behaviour will become a habit. If we don’t feel able to make lifestyle changes, we’re less likely to take action that supports our healthy-eating and our well-being. Having the guidance of an experienced counsellor helps keep us identify these unhealthy behaviours and stay on track. I believe managing our weight and managing our life are interwoven. I am fortunate that not only have I had excellent training, but I also have significant life experiences that enhance my work as a weight loss therapist (as an epileptic I live under medically guided healthy eating). No matter what challenges you are facing I look forward to guiding you on a journey to being a healthier you.
We can be offered a list of 1000 tips to help us lose the weight, but until our feelings and beliefs (our psychology) are in alignment it’s unlikely we’ll follow through with our well-intentioned health tips. I know will power is a factor, but it’s more than that. The Psychology of weight loss is based on more than “eat this and don’t eat that.” We are complex beings in a full-on stressful world, and we need compassionate support on the deeper levels of our feelings, thoughts, and beliefs when it comes to being able to lose weight in a way that lasts. I was relieved to discover by focusing on making life changes (to improve health) I incidentally lost over 10 kilos myself and boosted my confidence in the process. If you have been thinking of starting eating-disorder counselling now is the time, together we can make changes for the long haul.
My goal is not just to help you lose weight but also to find your weak points and develop strengths in their place.
As a counsellor I help clients to clarify goals, and to make meaningful life changes. I have 15 years of experience helping clients to work through problems and helping them find more fulfilment, comfort, and happiness in their lives. Together we collaborate to find effective nutritional eating strategies that will help you to reach your goals.
I have training and experience in working with anxiety, panic attacks, binge-eating, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger management, and relationships. I am also experienced in helping performers of all kinds to manage emotions effectively, and to make the most of their abilities. I use evidence-based techniques and have a solution-focused orientation.
Article by Mary Mcilroy Counselling Services.
