break the weight

If you think of a spoon in the context of addiction, the classic freebase image may come to mind.

But what about the freebake image?

The thing about addiction is that – for those who don’t have it – it’s easy to collectively throw it all in the drug bucket of your brain. However, for those actually afflicted with addiction, it’s well known that its innumerable manifestations comprise so much more than that. Binge watching a netflix Prison chick show. Excess schmexy time. And, of course: food. Anyone ever binged all three in a night? Great. Me too. But, today, that latter one’ll be the one we’re spotlighting.

So, what do you do for that – for the food addiction?

Well, while addictions do all fester from the same place, a lot of rehab programs will focus on whatever was your drug o’ choice. Just to keep things simple and effective. For example: much like they’ve got Gamers Anonymous and Sex Addicts Anon, they’ve also got Overeaters Anon. And, while I do feel like more people’d be willing to join if it were called “food addicts anonymous” (instead of something that’s essentially making it sound like a gluttonous hobby), that program has helped many get the el-bees down in a healthy way. Still, the step programs aren’t for everyone. What is, however, is the basic layout that any rehab program worth its weight (ahhh? See what I did there?) follows in order to be both effective and enduring. Which means – at the very least – getting to the root of the problem that’s making you wanna do the bad behavior (overeat) and also, supplanting the badness with a new ‘n improved routine (healthier eating and exercise choices). And what helps for many, is the dual yes-and of being held accountable and having a network. In other words – having someone to answer to, and having someone to answer you – when you’re in need and feeling weak.

That’s why I truly enjoyed this one transformation story about a girl called Claire:

After I read her story on overcoming feeling-eating, I half debated writing this article for a fitness site I write for instead. But, as I read more about Break The Weight (the program that ultimately helped her jettison that cellulite and inner turmoil alike – forty pounds in less than half a year), I realized this wasn’t just an “I let myself go” story. This was classic addiction, manifested with a legal but lethal outlet. Food. When we swallow down too much of it (in non-nutritional form) to appease an inner demon, we also swallow up our spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. The vittles never fill the void. But they do make us sick.

So how’d it help?

Well, what Break The Weight did for Claire (as any good program should do), was aid her in pinpointing the “Why?” behind her abusive relache with food. It taught her mindfulness. (Like asking: Why am I eating this? How will it help sustain me? Where did it come from? Am I hungry or just anxious?) It offered her support. (Being able to connect for help in those “burning desire” moments – just like an AA or NA network would). It also taught her accountability. (Daily check ins with her trainer.) And, most importantly, the daily system – which was a synthesis of snack tracking, trekking for exercise, and setting goals. As with any addiction, that might be what’s most key. If you want to break an old, bad habit – you’ve gotta have a new one on deck and figure out why you were doing the bad thing in the first place. Otherwise, it’s a recipe for recidivism. Without a good replacement plan in place, old habits are heaps easier to revert to. Especially when that craving comes and you conveniently can’t remember why you should bother refraining. If a new routine’s ingrained, it’s a lot easier to remember you’ve another go-to option – to remember there is a better way. And for those still working on the mindfulness aspect, the trainer and the network are a brilliant reminder – both of your goals and the fact that you’re not alone on this path.

So, if you find yourself at the “early death from obesity” and “put the fork down” fork in the road, know that the latter option comes with a horde of support. There are a litany of fitness programs out there. In my humble opinion, I’d say try the free programs first. (Just ’cause I had success with some’ve the other ones. And because: free. Which means you can spend that money on a new wardrobe instead.)

And if that’s not for you?

Then mayhaps break bad habits and the weight loss wall alike with Break The Weight.