Conference rocks::weight_control

281.0. "LOVE YOUR BODY program" by MORGAN::SLAVIN () Thu May 12 1988 14:41

    I have had great success recently in losing weight, keeping it off, creating
    a whole new relationship between myself and food, and most of all,
    loving my body. The program that has assisted me in doing this is
    called (appropriately enough) "Love Your Body."
    
    "Love Your Body is a 21 day program given at New England Family
    Health Center in Brighton, MA, by Dr. Barry Taylor. It meets once/week
    for 4 weeks. Barry is a naturopath who has a holistic approach.
    
    The program consists of the following:
    
    1. a cleanse of the physical body -- one has the choice of three
       food plans, ranging from 1) mostly veggies and fruits to 2)
       veggies, grains and rice to 3) moderate vegetarian -- the foods
       listed previously plus protein. 
    
    2. relaxation with an audiotape, 10-15 minutes/day.
    
    3. vigrous exercise 15 minutes/day.
    
    4. looking in the mirror at your body (au naturel, or in undies)
       10 minutes/day.
    
    5. writing in a journal 10 minutes/day.
    
    6. checking in with a "buddy" from the program 1x/day
     
    7. dressing impeccably every day. 
    
    8. reading one book on health care during the three weeks.
    
    9. cleaning either your desk, car or closet impeccably during the
       three weeks.
    
    The class meets once a week for 3-31/2 hours at the center where
    Barry lectures on health and well-being and coaches people on how
    to look at their relationships with their bodies (he says the word
    body is a code word for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
    aspects of our beings.)
    
    The cost is $250, which includes an intake with a staff member.
    The program can be repeated for $150. (Check on these prices, as
    they may not be accurate.)
    
    Now to share my experience:
    
    I was a chronic overeater all of my life, bingeing on sugars
    and other junk foods, and losing and gaining the same 5-20 pounds
    since I was about 10. I felt I had absolutely no choices but to
    eat when confronted with fear, pain, sadness, joy, success -- you
    name the situation and I'd be there eating.
    
    I have done weight watchers, diet workshop, a bit of OA, subliminal
    tapes, Atkins, Pritikin, Beverly Hills, etc., but always felt deprived
    and couldn't wait to get to my goal weight so I could have my ring
    dings and sour creme and onion potato chips. Last February, 20 pounds
    above my desired weight and eating like there was no end in sight,
    I started LYB. The results, for me, have been a miracle.
    
    For six weeks after the program, my body was so cleansed that I
    had NO cravings for sugar, chocolate, chips, etc. If I did eat
    something in those realms, I could almost immediately feel the 
    impact it had on my body and sense of well-being. Often I could
    see or feel the effects for hours or days afterwards.
    
    The program helped me really "anchor in" a state of well-being and
    satisfaction in eating healthily and taking care of all of the aspects
    of my human beingness (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual). I lost about
    10 pounds and felt great.
    
    A couple of weeks ago, my husband decided to do the program and
    I decided to do it again with him. As soon as I made the decision,
    I started bingeing on junk food!  Using some techniques I'd learned
    in the program, I was able to make other choices around eating,
    but I was really glad to start LYB again.
    
    I'm one week into my second LYB now. I've lost 5 pounds and have
    been running 5 miles/day every day. I feel wonderful.
    
    I should note that I also worked individually with Dr. Taylor to
    get extra coaching. His rates are $70/hour -- well worth the
    investment. He recommended supplements, which I am taking, which
    come to about $50/month. Both times I was on the program, I felt
    a sense of well-being I never had with any of the other methods
    I've mentioned previously.
        
    Some people who do LYB are there to lose weight, others simply for
    cleansing, others for allergies, illness, etc. My current class
    of 35 or so people consists primarily of people who are REPEATING
    the program. There's one man who's done it 15 times! Others range
    from 2 (that's me) on up. 
    
    This is one of the most beautiful and empowering experiences I have
    ever had. 
    
    If you would like more info, contact Susan Wheeler at New England
    Family Health Center, (617) 254-7700.
    
    Be well,
    Lois