Save Me

TheVirgoddess

I was asked to be the coach for a 12 week fitness/weight loss program for an organization I'm a part of. Of course I said yes, because I want to try to help people.

My approach to weight loss is a very no-nonsense approach. I follow IIFYM and believe in the power of CICO. I don't believe that fads, detoxes, "clean eating" or any of that are necessary (or even particularly helpful) for weight loss.

A nutritionist was also brought on board for questions/assistance. (You can probably see where this is going).

She gave a presentation at our first meeting yesterday. She talks about alkaline diets, detoxing and cleansing your body, buying organic, eating clean, how bad sugar was for you and that eating caged chicken means you're eating their sadness.

This goes against literally EVERYTHING I believe in. But I have to play nice for the sake of the group. I gave my little talk, encouraging people to find their own paths (and to weigh their food).

But I'm only on day two of 84 and I just looked at the group and there is a "sugar is like cocaine" post from natural news and I kind of want to stab myself already. And I really hate to see people buying into this rubbish instead of being sensible about it.

Help me

allaboutthecake

Whoah. My first thought was "teach by example." I would show before/after pix of your success, even go so much as what macros you used in the beginning along with the calories set, the workout, any lifting programs you were on, any cardio, etc. Use slides/catchy powepoint presentions, anything to hold the participants' interest. I wouldn't disagree nor agree with any of the others because you really don't want to get into a pissin' match on this. If someone asks point blank, then yes would definitely stand up for your IIFYM. I would also suggestion the participants get their health checked out before starting anything.


(eta: yea, did the Eye Roll on the whole Eating Their Sadness. LMAO)

TheVirgoddess

Ohh, that's a good idea - showing my progress and even my diary. Be the example.

Thanks so much! I needed some sort of idea how to handle it going forward and you know, just a vent

MelodyandBarbells

Is this nutritionist an occasional team member? Surely you're not saying your coaching partner believes in all this stuff and teaches it?

TheVirgoddess

JaneiR36 wrote: »

Is this nutritionist an occasional team member? Surely you're not saying your coaching partner believes in all this stuff and teaches it?

Nope, not occasional at all. And yes, she does believe all of it.

She gave a presentation, but I'd feel like a real jerk if I posted it, so I won't. But it feels like every fad wrapped up into one idea.

arditarose

Oh man...One day at a time? You'll probably win everyone over with your awesome personality and success.

999tigger

Not sure of the setup but isnt there someone in overall charge of both of you? You just strike me as full of common sense, so am surprised you are stumped.

Only you cna see all the intricacies on the ground and know what you are prepared to do or not.

Its better if you have a unified view, so the others dont get confused, but where the women is plain wrong then you need a strategy on how to proceed. It all depends how importnat it is to you and whether you are prepared for showdwon or wnat a quieter life.

1. Your immediate boss, have a chat and ask her how she wishes to proceed. You have a position on all the issues which you can back up with proof. Your boss may want co existence or tell you to keep quiet. I dont know.
2. Its an option you could chat with the nutritionist, but my instinct is no good will come of it because shed have to admit she was wrong and didnt understand basic diet concepts. Depending on how I felt on a whim then there would be a good chance I'd face up to her beccause thats in the nature if my work dealing with knowledge and rational arguments. It might cause too much fallout.
3. You could find common ground, support where you can, keep your views to yourself and then when the group as individuals come to ask you for advie you cna tell them what you believe in without dissing the nutrituibust or say you have different approaches, yours is X and the person will have to make their own mind up about what suits them , just you are advising based on your own experience whats worked for you.
4. Be patient, see how it pans out and these situations often develop so the solution becomes obvious. If there would be serious fallout, then avoid it. You have to decide whether you really neeed to take on her ideas. If you do then its how muh you are willing to conflict. dat 2 of 84 would suggest wait and see for a few weeks or until you know its intolerable.

LadyFencer

The term "nutritionist" has no legal meaning. You can call yourself a nutritionist. Is she a registered dietitian? If not, can you talk to the person in charge about her credentials? People like that really harm the field of nutritional science.

TheVirgoddess

I'm a board member for the non-profit organization, so how I behave has a pretty big impact overall - so I'm trying to tread lightly. Especially since our President chose the nutritionist I'm used to being in situations where if I said or did something stupid, I was the only one that would be impacted.

I think #3 is the approach I'm going to attempt. We both agree that nutrition is important and that you have to eat less than you burn, so that will be our common ground.

Sometimes I get so caught up in my own head with situations that talking it out helps me focus and kick my common sense into gear

TheVirgoddess

And thanks for the input

foursirius

As you're working with people I don't think it would hurt to share your own philosophies on a diet that works for you. Just be clear that there are many diets that work for many people and you enjoy this particular one. the trick i think will be on how you phrase your message so you aren't undermining your colleague.

MelodyandBarbells

If it's a single program, it just seems odd to me that the participants will have to listen to conflicting views. Ideally the coaches should get on the same page. No I have no ideas on how to do that!! Just pointing how things may seem if you're the one being coached

TheVirgoddess

We had a chat about things this am, and I'm just going to let her do her thing and answer honestly but respectfully if anyone has a direct question for me.

juggernaut1974

In retrospect...I would have followed up the nutritionist's speech with Joe Pesci's rebuttal to the other attorney's opening statement in My Cousin Vinny...google/youtube it if you don't know what I mean.

But honestly, if it seems like most of the participants are hell-bent on following the woo woo, I'd probably gracefully excuse myself from responsibility of being a party to the program. After a few months of no progress, offer to re-start the program using your rules/guidance.

peachyfuzzle

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

We had a chat about things this am, and I'm just going to let her do her thing and answer honestly but respectfully if anyone has a direct question for me.

So, the president feels that it is best for this person to stuff a bunch of woo down the throats of the people trying to get healthy, and let you only answer questions if they are asked directly?

That seems completely backward to me.

gothchiq

YIKES. Sorry dude, I'm at a loss for any actual, feasible advice. "Eating sadness?" @___@ Can the participants be advised to do research such that they will find correct and logical information?

sofaking6

ceoverturf wrote: »

In retrospect...I would have followed up the nutritionist's speech with Joe Pesci's rebuttal to the other attorney's opening statement in My Cousin Vinny...google/youtube it if you don't know what I mean.

But honestly, if it seems like most of the participants are hell-bent on following the woo woo, I'd probably gracefully excuse myself from responsibility of being a party to the program. After a few months of no progress, offer to re-start the program using your rules/guidance.

I agree. If you can't find a path to mitigate her harm without impacting the organization or your position, then I think it's okay to say that you strongly disagree with the messages she is sending and would prefer not to be put in a position where you have to appear supportive of them.

Or, just let them know that sadness has zero calories, per science and stuff.

TheVirgoddess

peachyfuzzle wrote: »

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

We had a chat about things this am, and I'm just going to let her do her thing and answer honestly but respectfully if anyone has a direct question for me.

So, the president feels that it is best for this person to stuff a bunch of woo down the throats of the people trying to get healthy, and let you only answer questions if they are asked directly?

That seems completely backward to me.

No, this was my call. I feel like if people want to try it her way, then they can. I'll be here when it doesn't work.

ceoverturf wrote: »

In retrospect...I would have followed up the nutritionist's speech with Joe Pesci's rebuttal to the other attorney's opening statement in My Cousin Vinny...google/youtube it if you don't know what I mean.

But honestly, if it seems like most of the participants are hell-bent on following the woo woo, I'd probably gracefully excuse myself from responsibility of being a party to the program. After a few months of no progress, offer to re-start the program using your rules/guidance.

And this is almost what I've decided to do. I'm not offering nutrition or eating advice, unless I'm asked for it. I've shared my story, how I've lost over 78 pounds, and my photos. If anyone wants help, I'm here. But otherwise, I'm strictly weighing/measuring participants.

maillemaker

Your organization has retained a quack for a fitness consultant.

You can either go along to get along or you can call the President on his mistake.

fallenoaks4

I am a participant in a 16 week weight loss program offered for free through my insurance company. Last week they suggested that skipping ONE meal will put your body into 'starvation mode'. Sigh. You'd think that such a large company with registered dieticians running the program would know a little more than that.

TheVirgoddess

maillemaker wrote: »

Your organization has retained a quack for a fitness consultant.

You can either go along to get along or you can call the President on his mistake.

It's a she.

I have expressed my concerns, there's not much else I can do.

dawnmcneil10

People will believe what they choose. Because this is work related and you'll have to play nice little office politics I'd just let the "nutritionist" speak, I wouldn't have any rebuttle because frankly as I said before people are going to believe what they choose.
I would bet that many of the people that are there have seen you around and will follow the examples you lead with. You will most likely find people seeking you out after your meetings/classes for more advice and those will be the serious people.

Not to knock the "nutritionist" but it sounds more like it's a lose weight quick scheme to make her look good to a friend.

Exercise patience along with your sensible diet and physical routine and keep on smiling. You need to vent you know where to go........MFP to the rescue!

Lounmoun

Do you believe that she is telling people things that are just silly/unnecessary or things that could be extreme/harmful?
Silly/unnecessary- I would just say, "I didn't find those things necessary to lose weight. I just did CICO and it was very effective and easy. If you want to try cleanses or only eat certain foods that is up to you but CICO is for weight loss no matter what you eat."
Extreme & Damaging- I would tell the person in charge that. Quit if they don't care.

TheVirgoddess

Lounmoun wrote: »

Do you believe that she is telling people things that are just silly/unnecessary or things that could be extreme/harmful?
Silly/unnecessary- I would just say, "I didn't find those things necessary to lose weight. I just did CICO and it was very effective and easy. If you want to try cleanses or only eat certain foods that is up to you but CICO is for weight loss no matter what you eat."
Extreme & Damaging- I would tell the person in charge that. Quit if they don't care.

Thankfully it's silly, rather than harmful. But you bet I wouldn't stay silent for the latter.

Thanks for letting me vent and offering suggestions, all!

jmule24

Sorry to hear your struggles. The organization I work for is pressing hard their "Wellness Team" agenda. You can imagine all of the "woo" going out to hundreds of employees......

It's too bad there are some nutritionists out there that feel pushing their own personal views/agendas is helping others........

snikkins

Will we get to hear some of the more ridiculous things in the Office Broscience thread?

TheVirgoddess

snikkins wrote: »

Will we get to hear some of the more ridiculous things in the Office Broscience thread?

Of course