Key Concepts Index

Empower Yourself

Tool  n. Anything used for accomplishing a task or purpose

Who of us hasn't tried to make or fix something only to find we didn't have the right tools. Without the correct tool it can be quite frustrating or even impossible to get the job done. Shedding excess weight and regaining our health can be looked at in the same way. If we have the correct tools and know how to properly use them, we have a much better chance to get the job done.

A mechanic will put a lot of energy into selecting and acquiring the tools they need to perform their job. They will invest in shop manuals and how-to books. Without their tools and instructions they wouldn't be empowered to do their job. All to often, those of us who wish to recover from compulsive overeating and binge eating disorder try to accomplish the job all by ourselves (sans tools). It's as if we expect ourselves to inherently be able to lose weight.

Recovery Tools

Our tools are anything that helps us get the job done. A recovery toolkit could contain books on nutrition, a support group, phoning a supportive friend when cravings strike, a licensed dietician or therapist, membership at a gym,  the internet, working at changing your automatic thinking, relaxation tapes or videos, a journal for feelings or foods, your doctor, prayer, taking daily walks, hobbies, an eating disorders clinic, reaching out to help others, reminder notes, progress charts, honesty, inspirational poems hanging on the wall, refrigerator magnets, a rubber band on your wrist, or a hospital run community health educational service. The point is to empower yourself with whatever tools it takes to get the job done.

Willingness

It may take some effort to locate these resources. They aren't always obvious and they aren't always in the phone book. Going to a support group for the first time can feel pretty overwhelming. Rest assured, it feels scary for almost everyone. But we have to be willing to go to whatever length it takes to get better, including changing our attitudes about diets and weight loss. If what you've tried in the past hasn't worked, be willing to empower yourself by adding some new tools to your recovery toolkit.

• Key Concepts Index
• First Things First – Establishing a stable pattern of regular eating.
• Refuse to be "Powerless" — Realize that you do have choices. Don't give your power away.
• Become Health Centered – Focus on improving health. Weight loss is a byproduct.
• Keep A Journal Of Your Foods And Moods – Gaining awareness is empowering.
• Eat Like A Healthy Person – Eat healthy whole natural foods now.
• Empower Yourself – Use every tool and resource necessary.
• Educate Yourself – Become an expert on nutrition. Forget what the diet gurus say.
• Don't Go Hungry – Eat your way to optimum health. Hunger only leads to binges.
• Act As If – Act yourself into a new way of thinking. Action precedes motivation.
• Dump Perfectionism – Progress is good enough. We learn from our mistakes.
• Easy Does It – Practice moderation and have realistic goals. Practice self-compassion.
• One Day At A Time – Focus on today and worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

Dave's web site is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with a professional dietician, nutritionist, physician, or mental health professional. None of the information presented on this web site is intended to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any medical ailments or conditions.