Two years ago, I had a huge epiphany. Diets don’t work. I know that phrase has been around for a long time, I think there are probably books with that title, but I was a lifetime dieter. I was constantly in search of the perfect diet that would transform my body into the body of my dreams. As a lifetime dieter, I tried them all! You name it – restrictive, balanced, or quick-fixes; I counted calories, points, grams, micros – I did it all. But two years ago, prompted by the death of a close friend and our Covid lock-down, I knew I needed to find a new way. I was tired of the yo-yo affect of being “good” losing weight, and then the weight slowly coming back on. I felt like I was in a constant battle with my body. I knew it was time to ditch the diets and find a new way.
My Journey
So I did, I studied and worked to become a Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I learned about nourishing my body with primary foods – relationships, career, home environment, creativity, social life, finances, spirituality, joy, home cooking, physical activity, education, and health. Then to nourish myself through secondary foods- the foods on my plate.
I then spent a year digger deeper into intuitive eating, learning how to accept, appreciate, and honor my body. I learned how to really listen to and understand my body cues. It’s hard to put aside the constant barrage of media pushing the one idea of beauty and health, but with new eyes and understanding, I now look inside myself and not to the outside world.
I’m currently in the middle of an intense course on the psychology of emotional eating. Intense because emotions can be all-consuming. Learning balance, how to understand emotions and how they affect our mood, judgement, and perpetuate a cycle that may not be serving us – is hard. Change is hard, but if you are ready, it is time to ditch the diets and find a new way.
Finding a New Way
I have found a new way. I learned to be comfortable in my own body. I learned to accept, appreciate, and love my body just the way it is. And you know what? A funny thing happened. I began to lose the weight that I did not want, and my weight stabilized at a level that I am happy with. Note – I am happy with the weight that my body has stabilized at; the media might tell me that I still have five more pounds to lose, but I don’t tell myself that. I am no longer in a battle with my body. I accept my weight and my body for what it is. I am happy with my weight. I appreciate and love my body.
That statement in-and-of itself is so very freeing to say. Before 18 months ago I never, ever, would have had that thought – let alone shared it with the world.
A friend recently looked and me and said, “Do you know that you have gone through a complete metamorphosis? You are new person now then you were a handful of years ago.” I agree. At my son’s wedding last spring, I saw many of my ex’s family for the first time in years. They really couldn’t get over the changes. I had one niece tell me that I look more beautiful and younger than I ever have. She was asking me how did I grow younger?!?
I Invite You to Ditch the Diets and Find a New Way
It’s a mindset. It’s about accepting yourself and quitting the quest to be something only society asks of us. It is about nourishing your whole self with primary and secondary foods. It’s about understanding your emotions and listening to your body. It’s a wonderful spot to be, and the acceptance shows on the outside to the world.
If you are ready to ditch the diet and find a new way, I invite you to work with me as your health coach. It’s a journey, but one that is worth the time and effort. I offer a free 50 minute consultation to learn more about yourself and how intuitive eating can help you let go of self-judgment, and discover a better way to manage weight, find health, and love the body you have. Simply visit StaceyDaprile.com and click on the coaching tab. Our follow this link: Ditch the Diets and Find a New Way
Once you are on my coaching page you simply need to submit your name and email. Once I receive request, I will send you a questionnaire to complete and the link to schedule a Zoom meeting. If you are local to my area, I am happy to meet in person. If you are looking for a better way to mange your weight and health, I really hope you take advantage if this life-changing opportunity. It changed my life, and it can impact your life as well.
Im not convinced you can be healthy or lose weight without adjusting your diet, but I’ll accept that there’s more to health than diet (such as mind and exercise)