For years I struggled with over-eating, food addiction, binge-eating or whatever label you want to put on it! I lived to eat. I did not eat to live! This goes back to childhood. I remember “sneaking” food into my bedroom as young as age 4 or 5! Why? I don’t know? If I am 100% authentic, I still don’t know to this day. Everyone wants to know why? Stress? Emotions? Victim of abuse? I don’t know and honestly, I don’t care anymore! I could blame my parents and the “obesity gene.” I could blame being an over-looked middle child. I could blame being made fun of at an early age already for being “chubby.” OR, I could take self-responsibility.
Dr. Carol with a news flash!
Diets do NOT work! Not a news flash to you though, right? Because let’s see, how many diets have you been on in your lifetime? If you are like me, LOTS! Lose some, gain some; lose a little; gain more; start feeling lighter and better and back to low energy and beating yourself up, sound familiar? I get you! Research shows that regular dieting is a waste of time and energy. Read on to find out why…
Why am I so skeptical about dieting?
According to Dr. Mark Hyman, functional medicine doctor, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and New York Times bestselling author, most diets predictably fail because of 5 reasons...
You try to exercise your willpower to control your appetite instead of understanding there is a science behind hunger
Your focus is too much on counting calories
Your diet consists of all low-fat foods
Your weight is affected by hidden reasons that require medical attention
Dr. Hyman also says that when the average dieter loses weight, they lose muscle AND fat. But once they regain the weight, they gain back only the fat…. which will ultimately slow down your metabolism. YIKES!
That’s not what I want! How about you?
SO, how can I regain my health and lose weight without dieting?
Here are 6 strategies/tips that helped me in my journey back to peak health and self-confidence so they are “tried and proven” by ME:
Eat LOTS of whole fresh food to satisfy your appetite (your body will be less hungry because your cells are getting fed real food they need for energy)
Eat protein (preferably plant-source) for breakfast to boost your energy for the day (this will set you up for success for the rest of the day)
Eat your last meal 2-3 hours before bedtime to give your system time to digest before sleep (this is the one I struggled with the most, but wow does it make a difference)
Make low-glycemic foods your diet staple such as complex carbs (brown rice, gf rice pasta, sweet potatoes, squash, oats), beans, nuts/seeds so your blood sugar stays balanced which will help reduce cravings
Embrace the MINDset that ”this is a lifestyle that will help me reach my health and movement goals so that I can _____(whatever your WHY is)______”! This is NOT a deprivation diet! I “get to” to eat foods that give me energy (not a focus on what I “can’t” eat)!
And most importantly, ask God to forgive you for the years of “abusing” your body, surrender to His will, and ask Him to help you learn to LOVE yourself and see yourself the way HE does, through eyes of UNconditional LOVE!
These are the strategies that worked for me and what continue to work. Of course, there is more, and accountability is key as well, but this will get you started!
What do I do now?
If you are open to learning what my “more” is, then let’s chat! In my health coaching practice, I help my clients learn how to lose weight, gain energy, love themselves, and gain body confidence….. without dieting. That’s huge!
So if you want to take control of your health without dieting and make a commitment to being the healthiest and happiest version of yourself, then click the link below now to schedule a time to chat with me today! And yes, it’s FREE! I know how difficult this can be so let me help you based on my own faith-based approach to creating a new mindset and lifestyle so you can enjoy the body and health you envision! It IS possible! I am proof! Just click here to schedule your Mutual Fit session.
I hope that some of my “before and after’s” below inspire and encourage you to take action now! Don’t wait! It feels SO good to live free of shame and all those extra pounds that weighed me down. Let’s do this together!
Your Body Confidence Coach,
Dr. Carol
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Do you want to simplify mealtime and eat healthier, yet you don’t meal prep? One of the primary keys to successful health & weight loss that my clients get into a habit of is MEAL PLANNING & PREP! So, maybe it’s time for YOU to make meal prep a simple habit so you can set yourself up for success too!
After all, it can save you a lot of hassle when it comes to the dreaded “What should we eat?” question—not to mention saving you time and money. Read on to learn more about how I meal plan and prep for success…
