From the Hairdresser's Chair...
Does the word diet sometimes feel like the word DIE with a T? A lot of time we feel as if we are in jail when we are on a diet, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Many conversations in my chair are about the never ending topic of wanting to lose weight and having to go on yet another dreaded diet. As well as being a hairstylist, I have been a weight loss coach for the past seven years and have heard many stories about the dreaded "D" word.
The common denominator of all dieters is that most of them regain the weight back, sometimes plus more. Sound familiar? The problem isn't just the actual dieting, it's the words we use and the thoughts we think. If you are having negative thoughts, you will get a negative result.
I don't like being on a diet. I can't exercise. I don't like feeling deprived of my favourite foods. Instead of concentrating on what you don't like or don't want, simply ask yourself "What do I want?". I want a flexible eating plan. I want to feel fit and energized. I want to enjoy myself when dining out and make wise choices. When you change the words, you change from negative to positive thoughts.
My client Suzie has tried every possible diet out there and over the years I have seen her lose the weight and gain it back. But this time she was sure she was going to succeed! My concern was she was still using the word "diet". The word implies that you are on a certain eating regime for a pre-determined amount of time. I explained to her stop "dieting" and think of it as an actual lifestyle change. But Suzie had a better plan, and after a few months of a very restricted low calorie, no fat diet, her hair started falling out. She was losing weight very quickly, but she was also losing her hair. When I saw her at the next appointment I again explained to her that her body needs to lose weight in a safe, healthy way without being deprived of many food groups. But Suzie still knows best.
After 5 months on the restricted diet she finally blew it and had a piece of cheesecake and gained 6 pounds. I told her if I had a piece of cheesecake my weight would have stayed the same. I eat healthy and have treats in moderation so my body can maintain my ideal weight. I have lost 60 pounds, and kept it off for 7 years.
By the next haircut she had gained a total of 50 pounds back and there was no turning back. Most people feel like they are in jail, and when they get out of "jail" the weight usually comes back. There's no such thing as a get out of jail "free" card when it comes to restrictive dieting. Suzie always looks for the quick dieting fix, but ideally it's about a total lifestyle change. Combine positive thoughts with healthy eating and exercise. It's that simple.
Until the next haircut...
from Karen Lee Stocker's Column "From the Hairdresser's Chair"