As I was watching American Idol, a commercial came on for Weight Watchers. (Yes, I watch American Idol and am proud of it). This commercial stated, “Stop dieting today.” I turned to my roommate and asked, what sort of non-diet requires watching your weight? This brought up an entire discussion on the title of this so called “non-diet” weight loss program.
I don’t think our weight wants to be watched at all. I don’t know about you but if someone was watching me constantly I don’t know if I would listen either. My roommate stated that the kids she works with who have autism would find this title to be baffling. Considering they take everything literally, they would be utterly confused as to how you can watch something like weight.
Weight Watchers is very popular in our country. I would say 80 percent of my clients have been on weight watchers. Yet, it is always in the past. How many people have said they have tried it, or they are back on it? I think it is time to stop watching our weight and start listening to our bodies. Our bodies are not telling us to stalk them day and night, however society is.
Here are five things you can do to stop watching your weight and start listening to your bodies:
Pay Attention
This may sound obvious but we so often forget to pay attention in life. We are always moving a million miles per minute and somehow simple tasks like eating and moving become less important. Pay attention when you eat, do you even like what you’re eating? If you aren’t paying attention you may not even notice. Pay attention when you are exercising. What else can you gain from your workouts besides calories burned?
Look in the Mirror
Your body doesn’t want to be stalked but it doesn’t want to be ignored either. Don’t be afraid of the mirror, embrace it. Your body doesn’t define you, you define you. When you start looking in the mirror, and I mean really looking the mirror you may be surprised with what you see.
Get Happy
Many people suffer from depression, so obviously just saying “get happy” isn’t going to be enough. But really think about it. How can you be happy right now? What is holding you back or is anything holding you back? Start assessing your life and try to find ways in which you can make yourself happy everyday.
Stop Dieting
Stopping any dieting might make you happy, get you to really look at yourself in the mirror and help you to pay attention. Dieting is a surefire way to make yourself miserable. You are creating such inner turmoil it is no wonder your body rebels. Dieting is always temporary and not worth the heartache one must endure during the process. Take yourself off of any diet and start living. (See blog “underliving”)
Get Social
Many people lose touch with peers and family members due to time. Connecting with friends and family is so important. I highly recommend making dates with anyone and everyone to move! Ask to go on walks, runs, gym dates whatever you can do with others and stay active. Make sure the experience is always positive and enjoyable. This will allow to watch beautiful scenery which is so much more amazing than watching your weight.
If you are or have been watching your weight think about what it would feel like to be under constant watch. It is only normal that you would buckle under the pressure and your body can only do so much. It deserves to be nourished and cherished not stalked. So take a deep breath, follow these five steps and stop watching your weight today.
