Is there a need/desire for a NonDiet, Pro-Health Support group?

[MorningAWalker]

I'm curious if there are folks out there who have lost faith in the dieting yo-yo-ing, who would like to be healthy, learn about nutrition, feel free to ask questions about nutrition, question the dieting market freely, manage their weight in a healthy manner, attempting to both love good, healthy food, but stop the obsessive compulsive behaviors found when we try to "diet". I'm taking a course in Diet free living, and meeting with a Nutritionist & Personal Trainer. While I am very much new to this way of being, I was curious to discover whether or not a support group would be of interest to folks on this BB. In my personal research & experience, I have absolved to live somewhere between dieting & externally imposed eating rules and a free for all eating obsessiveness. My vision for this support group is that a few or more individuals, who desire to maintain their weight that is healthiest for their body would gather to support and discuss the journey of living so. To return to that infant state of knowing when we are hungry and when we are not, ignoring culturalized rituals of eating, and externalized cues of eating. To, together, build healthy kits for coping, more beneficial alternatives to eating when we need to cope in a healthier way. To learn to make healthiest choices , viewing food as a FUEL for our body's resources. But, this would not be a diet. This would utilize mindfulness of our bodies, hunger & healthy choices. Is there an interest out there?

[Kristine]

I would definitely recommend checking out the Healthy Living Support Group. I rarely post there, but read often, and there are definitely people there that are not solely trying to loose weight....hence the name "Healthy Living" . It seems to be a great group of ladies, and I'm sure they'll welcome you in!

[Steppin' Bev]

The Helathy Living Support Group (HLSG) does focus on more than just weight loss. We've had people making their goals to eat better, remembering to exercise and drink more water, all that stuff. Come on over and introduce yourself, list your goals and see if these folks can help you keep on track. Of course there are people who want to lose weight too but they want to do it in a healthy/permanent way, not yo-yo-ing. You could help them too.

[MorningAWalker]

I wasn't sure what each group's intentions were, so had figured I would perhaps start my own- wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes, and some subjects,questions, views seem inappropriate or unwelcome in other threads. You know the old adage, "If you want something done, do it yourself"....but now I will just have to go over to see HLSG, and see what its like there! Thank you very much for the Welcome Wagon!!

[lindrusso]

Although I hesitate to speak for others, I think you would find that most of us, even those of us trying to lose some weight, do not consider ourselves to be on a diet. We are looking to change our habits and to be more healthy - we are making a lifestyle change, not "going on a diet" which would be only temporary and leads to that "yo-yo" syndrome.

I have joined WW Online. I suppose that some might consider this a "diet", but I look at it as a tool to help me make better choices. For instance, when I am tracking my points, I am much less likely to eat junk or to snack - this is helping me listen to my body and eat when I am really hungry instead of wasting points on mindless snacking.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is that you shouldn't let the the Weight Watchers or other things scare you off from joining in some of the groups already established. Most of us here - whether we are trying to lose weight, maintain weight, or even gain weight - are trying to make positive changes in our lifestyles through healthy diet and exercise. I think that sounds like what you're looking for?? Hope to "see" you on the HLSG threads!

[SandyM]

Well said, Alysha. When I reach my goal weight (summer), I plan on sticking with the principles of Weight Watchers. It's not a diet - it's a way of life for DH and I. Nothing is restricted.

[MorningAWalker]

Oh well, thanks everyone for your input! Thought it was worth a try!

[pearlygrl]

Your support group sounds right up my alley! I have been involved with a weightloss group for the past 8 months that was started over e-diets and summarily we have all gone on to lose a few pounds and then quit the program. I think a lot of us had gotten to where we are due to yo-yo dieting, myself included, and what we really wanted was support to become healthy regardless of what the scale said.
There is no doubt about it that we all love food, I just graduated from culinary school, and I don't know if I would enjoy my life very much if I couldn't eat good homemade food. The trick is not going over board.
Feel free to check out the website of the other group I belong to:
http://www.geocities.com/partnersinchange
I will also check back in with you in regards to a support group on CL BB.
Pearlygrl