Miracles Happen!
A Program for Weight Change

By Catherine Walters

Ever reach for a chocolate bar when what you wanted was a hug? Demolish a bag of chips while mindlessly watching television? Numb out on French fries or ice cream because they made you feel better?

As children, we learned that eating isn't about fuelling our bodies but a way of coping with emotions. When I made the honor roll, my mom rewarded me with chocolate cake and marshmallow icing or scrumptious peanut butter fudge. Arguing with my brother or forgetting my chores resulted in no dessert. Whether my mother or adults realized what they modeled, children learn to do the same. I rewarded and consoled myself with chocolate, ice cream and other comfort foods, whether I felt happy, anxious or depressed.

In my family, life and affection revolved around food and mealtimes regardless of whether we were physically hungry. I developed the habit of responding to my distorted hunger cues rather than my accurate body needs. Not surprising, I became a chubby pre-teen, overweight teen and obese college student.

Frustrated, I started the first of a continuous stream of diets. The diets worked while I was highly motivated, but when my emotional needs and feelings surfaced, I returned to my destructive eating patterns and the pounds crept back.

To make matters worse, when my mother passed quite suddenly, I used food as my wall of protection. I starved myself, becoming anorexic, as my relationship with food seemed the only way for control.

Desperately seeking help to maintain a normal weight I tried counseling, Weight Watchers' meetings, and self-help books. Yet I lived in fear of numbers on a scale increasing. Finally I learned to listen to my emotional needs that drove my emotional eating and exercise habits. Eventually I heard the voice deep inside, "Love yourself."

Remembering that advice, before seeking candy for comfort, I asked myself, "Is this what I need now?" When cravings arose, I affirmed, "I love you," and they disappeared. To control overeating, I used a small plate and carried my bottle of water.

I made time to nurture, connect with myself and visualize my goals. I found balance to be able to maintain my current normal weight for the past twenty-five years. When studying hypnotherapy, I reprogrammed my subconscious mind with new habits and beliefs.

Wanting to create the space for others to discover the balance I had found, I was guided to create 'Nurture Away.' This unique program addresses such topics as: "You are so Great, How Do You See Yourself? Off with the Old Beliefs and Habits, Move, Move, Move, It's Not What You Say, Eating Is an Event at Home and On the Go, and Triggers and Saboteurs."

Real change happens over time and sharing the success and challenges in a group helps everyone. Nurture Buddies connect and offer support during the week. Suggested 'Homeplay' activities reinforce and deepen understanding and propel extraordinary breakthroughs.

The most important message is to love and accept yourself, allowing the emotional baggage and protective weight to release so your body can finally be the perfect weight for you.