WEIGHT LOSS IS NOT THERAPY
"When I lose the weight, I'll feel better about myself"
"My weight is the real problem"
"I'll be happy, confident, and more present when I lose these pounds"
Have you ever thought or uttered these sentences? Most of us have, because we believe that the smaller we are the more acceptable we are. And the smaller we are the happier we are.
But here’s the thing: Weight loss isn't therapy. Therapy with a licensed mental health practitioner is therapy.
About five years ago, I started pursuing weight loss. I was displeased with my body, and I had a lot of issues relating to it. I also used food to cope with stress and emotions [to be clear, this is absolutely OK, but it shouldn't be the only way we manage stress and emotions]. As I lost pound after pound and inch after inch, my confidence started to soar, but it didn't mask the underlying issues. The high of seeing more abs, more definition, better performance, receiving more compliments--only gave me a rush of dopamine and serotonin. But still left the lingering issues hitting at my soul and spirit.
Now here I am, five years later. After years of losing weight, building lean muscle, focusing on performance -- with a high emphasis on my nutrition with each phase. But the resounding need to address some more significant issues awaited. And I finally realized I needed to address some critical issues with a licensed mental health practitioner. I wish I had done it sooner.
It seems simple to pursue something that may be more easily controlled regarding food consumption. And as I sought coaching, I touched on issues related to my mental health. And as much as my coaches did their jobs -- it’s not a coach’s job to be a therapist. It’s a therapist’s job.
As a nutrition coach, I do not doubt that I have a tremendous ability to help others in their relationship with themselves and with the food they consume. But I am not a licensed mental health practitioner. And no matter what I do, I recognize that my clients have to do that deep work for themselves.
Do I think nutrition coaching is a helpful tool? Absolutely. Do I believe that building awareness of your nutrition and body is valuable? 100%. Do I believe that nutrition coaches can help with this intersection? I KNOW they can.
But that DEEP mental health work? That needs to be dealt with by someone licensed to do so. And it can't be masked by any changes you're seeking with your body. It will only briefly numb the work that you're avoiding.
So, YES, seek to improve your lifestyle, wellness, and happiness with your nutrition. But don't think it doesn't need the benefit of having multiple people on your team to do it in various areas of your wellness--mentally, physically, and emotionally.
I dug deeper into this topic on an episode of The Butter Dish that you can listen to below.
If you’re looking for support in your nutrition, you can learn more about our highly individualized nutrition coaching & how we help each client of ours find a sustainable way to approach their nutrition here.