The death of dieting. The birth of Wiser Eating.

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The New York Times' The Daily published a podcast in August 2017 about Weight-Watchers discovery that people no longer want to diet nor talk about losing weight. Why? The media and weight-loss industry have continued to tell us we’re too fat and need to be thinner but we’re not able to reach their ideals.

The main takeaways:

  • Weight Watchers was founded in 1963 and has had millions of sign-ups over the years.

  • 2015 was the 4th consecutive year of a decline in sales - 5 billion dollar decline to be exact, from 2011 to today.

  • The evolution of the weight-loss industry is discussed and how it developed into what it is today. It’s fascinating - listen for yourself!

It concludes by saying...

"The problem with dieting is that it doesn't work, but the other problem with dieting is that we haven't invented anything better."

Coincidentally, I listened to the podcast as I was building out the content for my newest curriculum, Wiser Eating, and folks I’m eager to say we do have something better!

Last week I wrote about the importance of being curious, listening to and trusting your body cues. These skills are the foundation of Wiser Eating. This approach - a “non-diet” diet if you will - is bulletproof and what I believe to be the solution to our current problem.

Then why is no one discussing it? Well for one, it’s inexpensive and doesn’t fund the nearly 64 billion dollar industry but I’ll get off that soapbox :). Additionally, it’s hard work! It is more difficult than avoiding this food, eating that and exercising daily. Wiser Eating requires you to break down mental blocks, combat previous beliefs and approach uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. You’re asked to focus less on your food choices and more on your relationship with food.

Whether we like it or not, our relationship with food has changed over the years from a practical one to an emotional one. Without approaching the emotional element, lasting changes won’t occur.

“If you don’t deal with your feelings, they’re going to come back and deal with you”
...in this case in the form of food!

As a culture, we spend too much time, money and energy thinking about weight. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions that typically results in deflation, disappointment, shame and failure. Life is too short. I’m tired of seeing people fail and being debilitated by it. 

As a woman with a history of disordered eating, I use and loved this approach. As a nutritional consultant, I use this approach and my clients love it! 

Wiser Eating is what we’re missing. It goes beyond dieting. It’s a life-changer.