Introducing the 12 Keys to a Healthy Weight

Fall is a time of new beginnings, as we close the chapter of summer and look to start something new. This could be all kinds of different things, from taking a class, to finding a new hobby to explore, to embarking on a healthy lifestyle program. Starting something new – even something we’re very excited about and looking forward to – is a change, and that can be challenging. At White Picket Fence Counseling Center, we like to think of ourselves as change agents. We help people make the changes necessary to recover from food addiction and eating disorders. We try to share the spirit of change, as a positive, life-affirming and necessary part of life. Part of a successful change is being able to navigate through the stages of change, understanding where you are in the process. Here is a very brief summary of the transtheoretical (stages of change) model developed by Prochaska and DiClemente:

1. Precontemplation (not ready to change, probably because we are unaware that anything needs to change)
2. Contemplation (getting ready to change, because we're starting to see some of the negative effects of our behavior)
3. Preparation (ready to change, making plans and starting to take small new steps)
4. Action (we're taking concrete actions to let go of problem behaviors and practice new behaviors)
5. Maintenance (we're sustaining these new actions for awhile)
6. Termination (we've completely turned our backs on our old ways and have no desire to pick them up again)

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, which level are you at in the stages of change? We’ve found the people really benefit from a structured program that supports them all the way through this cycle, particularly in the maintenance phase when some people experience relapse. Over the next 12 weeks, I’m going to share an overview of White Picket Fence Counseling Center’s newest program, 12 Keys to a Healthy Weight. You’ll learn about the keys, what they mean, why they’re important, and how to use them. Some weeks I’ll include some questions for journaling, therapy or reflection. In other weeks I’ll suggest affirmations you can say out loud to reinforce the lesson. Stay tuned next week for the first key, which is to examine the problem you’re having with your weight. Warm regards, Sandee