Weight Loss Groupie...

I've recently been searching out more about the Intuitive Eating method of weight loss, and trying to find more inspiration and motivation in my own personal journey to release my excess weight.

I've come across some really inspiring websites, and I've joined some new groups. I've even created my *own* Intuitive Eating Support group! (and it's already got 12 members, in just 3 days!)

But, I'm afraid I've run into some *issues*, too.

I joined a particular weight-loss group that was based off of a book I'd read on the subject of Intuitive Eating. Some parts of the book I'd disagreed with, some parts I thought were fantastic! So, this group seemed like a good place to glean more information, and more "fresh ideas" on how to apply Intuitive Eating in my life (especially since I've kind of been lagging in that area, lately -- struggling to get back "on track").

I was wrong...

The group apparently *only* allows you to talk about *their* way of weight loss ... you cannot, in any way, mention ANY other weight loss program or "diet". They even went so far as to say that my current NON-DIET program, Thin Within, is a "diet" -- it's NOT a DIET ... it's a lifestyle change! It's listening to your body's cues of hunger/fullness & legalizing ALL food! (How is *that* a "diet"?)

They also were quite rude to me about it. :-(

So, after realizing that the group was not for me, I said "goodbye" and left. But, apprarently I'd caused such a stir in the short time I was there (2 days) -- JUST by mentioning Thin Within, and Intuitive Eating -- that I've been permanently BANNED from the group ... even if I were to wholeheartedly take up their approach!

Can you believe that?

I was pretty shocked and flabbergasted.

I understand why they don't want to talk of other approaches ... I kind of understand, anyway. They're trying to keep their focus. And, that's good. But, to not allow ANY other *ideas* seems a little strict & "cultish", if you ask me. They say I was "shoving my ways" down their throats, but I hardly believe that. I wouldn't do that. SURE, I get really excited about "Thin Within", and so I tend to really promote it, but I'd never say "it's the ONLY way to lose weight".... I'd say it makes a lot more sense than other programs, and I'll tell you that studies have shown that diets have a 95% failure rate ... but I won't tell you that you can't do another program, or that other programs are "bad" ... especially if they're working for you! It's a FREE COUNTRY, and you can do what you want!

... but Intuitive Eating --"Thin Within", specifically-- is what works FOR ME. That's all that I had tried to say on that group.

And, personally, they really should send out a "warning" letter to pending members that NOTHING ELSE is to be mentioned ... they should say "this is what we allow, and this is what we don't allow"... "join at your own risk". LOL

Another thing that bugs me is that they called Thin Within "creepy".... They don't get it, though. The term "Thin Within" is to -- in my mind -- relate to the decluttering of yourself as you get rid of the negative diet mentalities, and the old condemnations of yourself for the way you've "behaved" where food is concerned. You're undoing years of "garbage" thinking -- stinkin' thinkin'! -- and you're letting God transform you from the inside-out! That's not "creepy" ... that's FREEDOM! :o)

I pray that those ladies will have success in their efforts ... I really do. I just am sad that they have to be so hurtful to anyone whose "methods" are "different"....

...as the saying goes, "PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS AFRAID OF WHAT'S DIFFERENT". :-?