I need group support but don't want to "diet", is there anything like a conscious eating group out there?

[Mungo63]

By conscious eating I mean concentrating on eating when hungry and eating 'normal' foods until satiated, not meal replacement shakes or bars. I've tried Paul McKenna but I feel I need the support of others. I wonder if this online resource will help?

[C0untryBumkin]

There is a hypnosis app from 'Easyloss' that has a Facebook support group that's really good. If you have an iPhone search for James Holmes and Sue Peckham and you should find it, if you haven't got an iPhone they have a website and the tracks can also be bought off amazon, have a look and see what you think. A lot of people have been really successful with it and their guidelines make good sense!

[mitzymoo]

Hi Angel

I hate the 'D' word!! I use tricks that they give people having gastric ops. Once you've got this drawn up, it is easy to follow.

Draw round a teaplate onto a piece of card, i use a pasta bowl it is the same size.

Draw a line through the middle of the circle deviding it into two equal sections

Draw a line through the middle of 1 of the halves to make 2 equal quarters

You should have 1 half and 2 quarters.

THIS IS FOR EACH MEAL!!

The largest portion is for vegetables and fruit

One of the smaller portions is for protein, meat or fish or if you're vegetarian quorn or similar products.

The other smaller section is for Carbs, wholegrain, wholewheat, wholemeal, seeded, brown and jacket are the best choice as we know.

I'll let you into a secret sweet potato is a vegetable so enjoy!!

Now you've written your info on it laminate it if you can, then got it to glance at whenever and it's wipe clean, kids find it easy to follow and love helping set the portions out using it.

I know it looks daunting but please try it, it is a visual aid and is so simple when you see it done up.

The only other trick to remember is not to have a drink for 20 minutes before or after each meal it slows the process of digesting the food right down keeping you full for longer.

If you need a lifestyle buddy i'd be honoured to be there for you.

Take care and angel blessings xx

[mitzymoo]

I was given the eating plan by a dietician in the gastric clinic!

If the information is incorrect i am not the one at fault, this information is still being given out today!

[GoogleMe in reply to mitzymoo]

I think you'll find that it isn't by any means universally accepted that jacket potato or wholemeal bread are unhealthy choices. I am not sure it is helpful to see food so fearfully, although the 'GI' perspective is a useful one to bear in mind, but perhaps unless you are at high risk of having difficulties with insulin you may not need to adhere to the ideas slavishly.

[Hidden]

Hi Mungo63,

My view is that the way to lose weight IS to consciously decide to take control of your eating and your exercise/activity regime.

Again, in my view, the only way someone who is signficantly overweight can realistically change his/her body weight is to make some clear conscious decisions about changing the old habits - the ones that made that person overweight - for better, more appropriate and healthier ones.

Additionally, I found that I got into a frame of mind to really grab the bull by the horns once I had accepted that there was one, and only one, person who was to blame for me being overweight. And that was me. So, then I took the view of "I did this excess weight, so I'll undo it". And I did.

As for replacement 'diet' meals and shakes, well my view is that they can be quite unhelpful if they cause you to avoid changing to better eating habits. I mean what happens when you reach your target weight? Do you keep eating those replacements for the rest of your life?

My view would be to get into making / choosing good, nutritiou, sensibly-portioned, real food. Learning to do that will keep your weight under control for the rest of your life.

Finally, also, it is important to recognise that you "eat with your eyes" and therefore, taking time (and attention) to eat your meals also matters. It can be easy to "mindlessly munch" in front of the TV or the laptop. Your body responds better to food when it consciously notices it is eating and will be more likely to cause you to feel you've eaten enough.

Good luck with your weight loss efforts.

[gela217]

Of course they are healthier choices compared to white bread or chips. Healthy lifestyle is a journey........ People have to start somewhere. Then with knowledge they can make there choice.

[soupdragon66]

I am losing weight for a wedding but now its more difficult because I have got down to my average weight before I put on weight. I try not to diet as such because it makes me obsessed with food and after afew weeks I give up and eat what I have been craving so I am back to square one. Hot weather helps me to not feel particularly hungry which helps. With the change in the weather its going to get tougher

[GoogleMe]

No, as I say I don't feel it is helpful to view particular foods with fear.

[Lizbee]

I think group support is not a fixed thing like an actual group - as religous people say about their church - the group is within you so therefore the trick is to find a group that works for you and believe in the support from the group that is with you all the time as we all share the same goals - losing weight and getting healthier. I dip in and out of this as and when I can; but do find it very supportive - I hope it works for you too x Good Luck x