Those familiar with my weight loss story know that it took me 18 months to lose 185 lbs. Some find this astounding as they have been trying to battle 10-20 lbs. for years only to lose a few and then gain them right back. So why was I successful at losing it and keeping it off for over 5 years? I started by becoming aware of the things I liked to do, the things that brought me the most joy and I found a way to use those things to take me one step closer to my goal each day. If there was an activity that I enjoyed but it took me further away from my goal then I found a substitute activity that would serve me.
For example, cooking. I’m a very good cook. I’m Italian and learned to cook at my grandmother’s side. Cooking and the dishes I created became an extension of my identity. I cooked with love for people I love. I gave great dinner parties, always went visiting with something delicious in hand. I baked hundreds of dozens of cookies for Christmas gifts. Food was my currency. I generously gave food in appreciation and from my heart. But when I cooked, it was only for taste and presentation. I never thought about the calories, fat, and portion size. I enjoyed eating my food as much as I enjoyed sharing it. That’s where I got myself in trouble. I used food as entertainment, when I was bored, I’d cook. I used food as my drug, when I was sad, angry, or anything else I didn’t want to feel, I’d get into the kitchen and lose myself in the process of creating something that tasted delicious and smelled heavenly.
At one point I knew this had to stop, but how could I give up the creative process I so enjoyed, or the wonderful aromas that I’d create in my kitchen? How could I give up the sensory thrill of that first bite? Those habits were so deeply embedded into my identity that I knew I had to find another way to channel that energy into an activity equally as satisfying on as many levels but without the downside of inevitable weight gain.
Fortunately for me, I stumbled on aromatherapy. The mixing of essential oils to create wonderful smelling soaps, bubble bath, massage oils and more. This pastime consumed me at the same time it satisfied my creative needs. I began to give delicious smelling scented candles, soaps and lotions to friends. It was a wonderful way to channel my energy into an area that would keep me from over eating. I began to cook very simple fast meals of grilled fish or chicken, with a simple salad so I had more time to spend mixing up my potions.
I kept at this new hobby until I had lost enough weight that I felt I could get back into the kitchen and start cooking again. Once I did get back into cooking, it was with an emphasis on creating delicious dishes that were healthy for me and would allow me to continue to lose & maintain a healthy weight. So now, I make it a point to teach my clients that you can eat delicious foods every day without guilt. I help them take their family favorites and lighten them up so that holidays don’t have to pack on the pounds each year. I’ve developed hundreds of recipes for comfort foods, ethnic foods and quick week night dinners that I share with my clients.
My advice to you is first become aware if you’re using food to entertain yourself, heal your pain, distract your emotions or show gratitude. Then find another activity that fills your need and doesn’t distract you from your health goals. You’d be amazed at what you’ll discover.