Weight loss counseling?

MGleason2010
MGleason2010 Posts: 105 Member
edited November 17 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm not new to dieting or trying to lose weight by any means. I guess at this point, I'm looking for long term success. I cant' seem to get motivated or stick to anything. I start out with good intentions but never seem to be successful. I have in the past been successful, but quite honestly, that was before kids. I had only me and LOTS of time to work out.

I've been thinking strongly about weight loss counseling. I don't just think it's a time issue for me, as I fit in workouts but it's also a mental piece. I find myself sabotaging my efforts and then telling myself "i'll start over tomorrow".

Has anyone done weight loss counseling or worked with a doctor or dietician in addition to MFP? I find that writing things down helps but I'm still not seeing results - because I'm not sticking to my calorie goals, despite using the tool. I think it would be even worse if I didn't.

I'm not looking for surgery (to be fair, I did check, as I want easy and I don't qualify). Just wondering if anyone has utilized other in person support systems? If so, what were they?

Replies

  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,563 Member
    Working with a registered dietitian can be an excellent place to start. A good one will discuss your food preferences and schedule and set up a plan that fits as easily as possible into your lifestyle. But in the end it's still up to you to follow the plan as it's laid out.
  • reichardtjessica
    reichardtjessica Posts: 89 Member
    I am! I go to a weight management doctor (not sure if that's her exact title) She set me up on a calorie goal, and what kind of exercise to do, how long to do it etc. I go to her every month for weigh ins and to edit my work out plans. She asks me questions to get to the root of why I'm obese (that word feels weird to say, I've never thought of myself as obese) I'm only 2 weeks in so far, but I feel like it helped because I have someone to lean on. Almost like she's teaching me what to do.
  • fitzmonkey13
    fitzmonkey13 Posts: 88 Member
    I worked with dietitian for a while and I found her extremely helpful. We made plans based on my goals and she helped me improve my overall habits surrounding food. She never actually gave me a diet plan but helped me with changes I needed to make in my life to make sticking to a plan easier. I didn't really need a diet plan because I knew what I "should" be doing, so we spent most of our time figuring out why I wasn't doing that, and making plans/setting goals to overcome the million little ways I'd self-sabotage when trying to improve my health.

    For example, I wanted to incorporate more fish in my diet based on doctor's recommendation, so she gave me recipes and helped me to figure out why I'd been avoiding fish even though I really like it.

    Or, I was eating well most of the time, but stumbled a lot and got take-out food that wasn't even that enjoyable because it was easy or I was in a hurry. She helped me with planning and shopping advice, and helped me to stay accountable without making me feel guilty. (Also, portion control - because I was eating healthy and nutritious foods, but far too much of them at a sitting.)

    I had to cancel an appointment because I was sick, and then spent a few months struggling with depression, but now that I'm feeling better and having some success using MFP, I'm going to start seeing her again once a month just to check in and keep on track.
  • LessCookiess
    LessCookiess Posts: 538 Member
    I am with a professional at my job who has her masters in nutrition but not a dietician. However, she was able to set me up with a strength training routine, and she teaches Zumba and yoga. So far I feel stronger so a dietician would be a great idea!!!
  • thechaoswithinme
    thechaoswithinme Posts: 66 Member
    I didn't use any help. With my weight loss journey, I've lost 127lb in a years time. With barely a support system. It take one simple change over a period of time to get cha motivated. Just start off slow. Maybe just by switching to drinking lemon water no juice or soda. Something so small. Will be drastic. Or find those healthy snacks you enjoy! Stick to those.
  • thechaoswithinme
    thechaoswithinme Posts: 66 Member
    I personally feel like calorie counting on here helps a lot! Try not to watch cable tv. I would watch Netflix because they don't have those tantalizing commercials every five minutes.. pre portion meal. Prep your meals so it's all set in stone. You don't want to waste money and it all set in the fridge for ya
  • SCSTWG
    SCSTWG Posts: 182 Member
    I go to my General Practitioner every 5-6 weeks. He monitors my progress and we set goals and discuss accomplishments. For me, the accountability helps even though he is not a weight loss or nutrition expert.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I think some form of counseling or coaching is a good idea.
  • victoria_1024
    victoria_1024 Posts: 915 Member
    I'm a therapist and there can be lots of effective ways to work with people who have difficulties surrounding food. It may be helpful for you! I personally worked with a therapist when I was in college because of food issues and found it extremely beneficial.
  • LessCookiess
    LessCookiess Posts: 538 Member
    I see a specialist and it helps.
  • ronjsteele1
    ronjsteele1 Posts: 1,064 Member
    I almost think working with someone is a must. Not for accountability, but to flesh out the emotional garbage that resulted in a large weight gain. I have found counseling with my practitioner in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy has been key for me. For me, the CBT has done as much as the counseling. I've been working through the book The Beck Diet Solution and it's been worth every minute. She teaches how to use CBT at home to change your eating habits. Worth the investment IMO.
  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,563 Member
    ronjsteele1 wrote: »
    I almost think working with someone is a must. Not for accountability, but to flesh out the emotional garbage that resulted in a large weight gain. I have found counseling with my practitioner in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy has been key for me. For me, the CBT has done as much as the counseling. I've been working through the book The Beck Diet Solution and it's been worth every minute. She teaches how to use CBT at home to change your eating habits. Worth the investment IMO.

    +1 on the Beck Diet Solution, I found it extremely helpful too.
  • Shanel0916
    Shanel0916 Posts: 586 Member
    Check out The Body You Deserve by Anthony Robbins.
  • MGleason2010
    MGleason2010 Posts: 105 Member
    ronjsteele1 wrote: »
    I almost think working with someone is a must. Not for accountability, but to flesh out the emotional garbage that resulted in a large weight gain. I have found counseling with my practitioner in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy has been key for me. For me, the CBT has done as much as the counseling. I've been working through the book The Beck Diet Solution and it's been worth every minute. She teaches how to use CBT at home to change your eating habits. Worth the investment IMO.

    Funny you mention a book. I started reading "brain powered weight loss". I'll check out the other books as well. And I think i'll call my local hospital. They have registered dieticians, and provide weight loss counseling and help. :) Thanks everyone!
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