Hello, all.
I have been working with an IE counselor for the past 4 months now--I read the book/workbook and listened to podcasts and did IE research for several months prior. I think I've made some shifts in mindset, but I still have a hard time with the notion that body size does not determine health. Most of my life I was in a smaller body, very healthy, very fit. Over the past 15 years after a life-altering event, I gained 70 pounds, and the extra weight is extremely uncomfortable. Unable to breathe, unable to function physically (dress, put on socks, etc.), unable to walk normally or move around or exercise regularly for well over a year due to injuries likely caused by extra weight. These are things that I struggle to "accept" because I am miserable--I wasn't always this way!
My IE counselor knows that this is a huge struggle for me, and I find myself wondering if IE counseling is even helping. I'm not sure what I'm looking for in the way of response here. I know food restriction is not an option, but it is difficult to respect my body when I feel so very unhealthy.
Thank you.
I very much hear and understand what you are saying and feeling. (Been there, experienced that too) It took me a while to release 'weight' as a measure of my health, but as I began using MY (dear) body as main source of directions I was able to see and make use of the 'hints' my body had been giving me - such as not being able to tie my shoes without holding my breath and straining to reach the laces. I also read a story about a 300#+ woman who decided she wanted to do a marathon! As crazy as that was, she began just walking, slowly increasing her distance. Then she would jog a bit. walk a bit, jog a bit etc. Here is a link to her story -
I too have been a very active person, but when menopause came along and medical pros started nagging about weight weight weight, sure enough, when I tried to lose I gained! IE has helped me to reverse that but certainly not in the ways I had initially wanted or expected. In fact I have really only released excess body 'reserves' later in my journey. For this I am grateful but I'm more thrilled with the freedom and peace that I got from the 'food fight' and being captive of a scale and BMI chart.
Thanks for sharing this. An amazing story indeed. I know I would have half the battle won if excruciating foot pain would allow me to stand for more than 10 minutes at a time. I’m in my 4th week of physical therapy and have a long way to go. I’m also scheduled with a cardiologist soon but so far no indication of heart or pulmonary issues.
I'm meeting with my IE counselor this week; hopefully by then I can have a “lightbulb” moment.
Thanks again ☮️
d time with the notion that body size does not determine health. Most of my life I was in a smaller body, very healthy,
'Size' is a BIG part of DIEt Culture IMHO, and irrelevant too 😉. DIEt Culture would also have us swallow the lie that 'thin is (the only body type that's) healthy'. A friend of mine who has studied diet culture found that 'overweight' people actually live longer. Could that be due to their having decent 'reserves' that 'thin' people don't?
Yes, a trim body is easier to live with - can move easier, find (nicer) clothing [styles] and is more 'accepted' by other people too. But if a person has to TORTURE one's self to be 'thin', what type of life is that? And wouldn't the stress involved actually be a negative to that life?
Hi everyone, I have noticed a surprising thing that is helping me embrace the diversity that exists in the size of human bodies. I recently started watching The Price is Right on tv. My reason was the need for something light and fun to start my day. What I’ve noticed is the amazing variety in the size of the contestants. I am aware of subtle changes in my view of larger bodies. I am more accepting. This is helping me to be more accepting of my larger body.
Maureen
Very good insight Maureen. We can be so judgemental about our bodies, yet bodies are the vessels we live in. When one accepts your current body, you are then free to start to treat it as your body needs and appreciates! Diet Culture condemns, Diet Mentality captures your spirit while IE frees you to make changes that suit YOU.
