RE: OA

[Guest guest]

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the

sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain

[Guest guest]

Tai, yes, they used to have an eating plan called grey sheet, and then they had others. It's not like that anymore. All you have to have is the desire to not eat compulsively. The IE way fits OA very nicely these days. It's definitely not a diet program. Rain

From: Tailyn GreySent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 8:02 PMTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Subject: Re: OA

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain

[Guest guest]

Hey everyone. I can not speak for OA or any other twelve step program but I do belong to one outside of OA. I just have to say that not one person speaks for the whole group of people. It you have had a bad experience which is totally normal. Keep trying. Find a meeting that you really like. Listen to what is there take what you like and leave the rest. Find a sponsor that really speaks to you and you can trust. This is just a little insight since I have been a member of a 12 step fellowship for 4 years. The support and history that a 12 step program can provide can sometimes be amazing. Just my two cents. I hope everyone is having an awesome day.To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 9:02 PMSubject: Re: OA

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the

sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain

[Guest guest]

Hey everyone. I can not speak for OA or any other twelve step program but I do belong to one outside of OA. I just have to say that not one person speaks for the whole group of people. It you have had a bad experience which is totally normal. Keep trying. Find a meeting that you really like. Listen to what is there take what you like and leave the rest. Find a sponsor that really speaks to you and you can trust. This is just a little insight since I have been a member of a 12 step fellowship for 4 years. The support and history that a 12 step program can provide can sometimes be amazing. Just my two cents. I hope everyone is having an awesome day.To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 9:02 PMSubject: Re: OA

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the

sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain

[Guest guest]

Paige, you are quite right. I am not opposed to OA if that is what helps a person, but I have enough going on in my life right now that even posting takes up a good of time, and although I enjoy the message board very much, I do not feel the need for OA right now, but if that is what a person wants, no contest from me. Tai

To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2011 2:55 PMSubject: Re: OA

Hey everyone. I can not speak for OA or any other twelve step program but I do belong to one outside of OA. I just have to say that not one person speaks for the whole group of people. It you have had a bad experience which is totally normal. Keep trying. Find a meeting that you really like. Listen to what is there take what you like and leave the rest. Find a sponsor that really speaks to you and you can trust. This is just a little insight since I have been a member of a 12 step fellowship for 4 years. The support and history that a 12 step program can provide can sometimes be amazing. Just my two cents. I hope everyone is having an awesome day.

To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 9:02 PMSubject: Re: OA

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain

[Guest guest]

Paige, you are quite right. I am not opposed to OA if that is what helps a person, but I have enough going on in my life right now that even posting takes up a good of time, and although I enjoy the message board very much, I do not feel the need for OA right now, but if that is what a person wants, no contest from me. Tai

To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2011 2:55 PMSubject: Re: OA

Hey everyone. I can not speak for OA or any other twelve step program but I do belong to one outside of OA. I just have to say that not one person speaks for the whole group of people. It you have had a bad experience which is totally normal. Keep trying. Find a meeting that you really like. Listen to what is there take what you like and leave the rest. Find a sponsor that really speaks to you and you can trust. This is just a little insight since I have been a member of a 12 step fellowship for 4 years. The support and history that a 12 step program can provide can sometimes be amazing. Just my two cents. I hope everyone is having an awesome day.

To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 9:02 PMSubject: Re: OA

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain

[Guest guest]

Paige, you are quite right. I am not opposed to OA if that is what helps a person, but I have enough going on in my life right now that even posting takes up a good of time, and although I enjoy the message board very much, I do not feel the need for OA right now, but if that is what a person wants, no contest from me. Tai

To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2011 2:55 PMSubject: Re: OA

Hey everyone. I can not speak for OA or any other twelve step program but I do belong to one outside of OA. I just have to say that not one person speaks for the whole group of people. It you have had a bad experience which is totally normal. Keep trying. Find a meeting that you really like. Listen to what is there take what you like and leave the rest. Find a sponsor that really speaks to you and you can trust. This is just a little insight since I have been a member of a 12 step fellowship for 4 years. The support and history that a 12 step program can provide can sometimes be amazing. Just my two cents. I hope everyone is having an awesome day.

To: "IntuitiveEating_Support " <IntuitiveEating_Support >Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 9:02 PMSubject: Re: OA

Rain, I belonged to OA many years ago, as you said, there was an eating plan, and I liked my sponsor, but some things she said were over my head, there were other aspects of the program that I did not like. However, what knocked me out (and I was thinking of that today) was that she said after I told her that I had a few bites of the stew I was making that was a no-no, I was not allowed to even take one bite of anything off the plan and I would lose my star or medal or point or whatever for that week. It discouraged me so I dropped out of OA, never to go back again. I am glad for this board, and for the people who do promote IE, the concept has helped me tremendously, but if dieting or OA is good for some, that's great as far as I'm concerned. But the sense of freedom I have with IE is unmatchable with anything else. Tai

To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 3:14 PMSubject: OA

Some people mentioned thinking about going to Overeaters Anonymous. I want to put in my two cents since I've been in and out of the OA program for a really long time! Since 1991! I'm also planning to start attending again.

First, I think it's a great program (with one caveat that I'll mention below)! Also, it's very compatible with the IE program (again, with noted caveat). I've seen an incredible amount of recovery there. Really the people in those meetings just talk about their everyday struggles just as you see in this group. The stories are all very similar to the stories that you see here, and it helps to have the face-to-face group support, and one-on-one support from a sponsor if you want it. There are many thin people there who struggle with food issues. There are bulemics, anorexics, binge eaters, and people who just say they eat compulsively, as well as overweight people. There is no judgement.

There is not a food plan. They used to have food plans, but a while back the OA intergroup people made a decision to leave the definition of "abstinence" up to the individual. The Motto: Take what you need and leave the rest. Also, if you get a sponsor, just make sure you get one that supports your eating plan - IE. When I was there in the early 90's many people were following Geneen Roth... But I do live in Berkeley, and we're always on the edge of any progressive re-defining of the culture, and that includes weight and beauty definitions. I don't know about other areas. I've heard that other areas might only have H.O.W. meetings available.

Now the caveat: Avoid the H.O.W. program like the plague! It is technically not OA since they do not allow the individual to define his or her own abstinence, but they are associated with OA in some way - a subgroup or something. However, they have a VERY strict food plan that is definitely NOT compatible with IE!

Rain