Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Evan I prefer to zero in on determining how COMFORTABLE I am rather than trying to judge how I feel about me 'weight'. If I can walk stairs, tackle my garden with gusto, bend over and tie my own shoes, don't burst the seams on my clothes, don't look away with disgust when I see myself in a mirror etc. I am happy and thank IE for that blessing. I'm also a 'senior in training' (60 years on planet) who truly lays the cause for the excess body that plagued me on the doorstep of trying to live within the 'weight limits' set by those who like to EXternalize their authority. (as in listen to so-called experts) Guess I'm rock headed about responsibility and all I can say is that when I do re-claim my own power to decide, I've done so much better for me. Its not that weight loss is a taboo here! I think that those who have found their IE way discover that focusing on that as a 'goal' can be such a false flag of a misdirection, usually leading one down Diet Mentality Way instead of Pleasant Eating Road. There also are those who can and have been able to embrace eating to just satisfaction (fullness & choice of food wise) and do see pretty immediate results. The caveat there is that its easy to make that a 'rule' which then can trigger rebellion and one is off to the diet races again. Hope I didn't evade your question and soap box too much. I REALLY REALLY REALLY love having people find their IE ways and know how much I appreciated solid input from those that had blazed their trail ahead of me. Wishing you ALL the best - including finding your 'natural weight'. Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Evan I prefer to zero in on determining how COMFORTABLE I am rather than trying to judge how I feel about me 'weight'. If I can walk stairs, tackle my garden with gusto, bend over and tie my own shoes, don't burst the seams on my clothes, don't look away with disgust when I see myself in a mirror etc. I am happy and thank IE for that blessing. I'm also a 'senior in training' (60 years on planet) who truly lays the cause for the excess body that plagued me on the doorstep of trying to live within the 'weight limits' set by those who like to EXternalize their authority. (as in listen to so-called experts) Guess I'm rock headed about responsibility and all I can say is that when I do re-claim my own power to decide, I've done so much better for me. Its not that weight loss is a taboo here! I think that those who have found their IE way discover that focusing on that as a 'goal' can be such a false flag of a misdirection, usually leading one down Diet Mentality Way instead of Pleasant Eating Road. There also are those who can and have been able to embrace eating to just satisfaction (fullness & choice of food wise) and do see pretty immediate results. The caveat there is that its easy to make that a 'rule' which then can trigger rebellion and one is off to the diet races again. Hope I didn't evade your question and soap box too much. I REALLY REALLY REALLY love having people find their IE ways and know how much I appreciated solid input from those that had blazed their trail ahead of me. Wishing you ALL the best - including finding your 'natural weight'. Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Evan I prefer to zero in on determining how COMFORTABLE I am rather than trying to judge how I feel about me 'weight'. If I can walk stairs, tackle my garden with gusto, bend over and tie my own shoes, don't burst the seams on my clothes, don't look away with disgust when I see myself in a mirror etc. I am happy and thank IE for that blessing. I'm also a 'senior in training' (60 years on planet) who truly lays the cause for the excess body that plagued me on the doorstep of trying to live within the 'weight limits' set by those who like to EXternalize their authority. (as in listen to so-called experts) Guess I'm rock headed about responsibility and all I can say is that when I do re-claim my own power to decide, I've done so much better for me. Its not that weight loss is a taboo here! I think that those who have found their IE way discover that focusing on that as a 'goal' can be such a false flag of a misdirection, usually leading one down Diet Mentality Way instead of Pleasant Eating Road. There also are those who can and have been able to embrace eating to just satisfaction (fullness & choice of food wise) and do see pretty immediate results. The caveat there is that its easy to make that a 'rule' which then can trigger rebellion and one is off to the diet races again. Hope I didn't evade your question and soap box too much. I REALLY REALLY REALLY love having people find their IE ways and know how much I appreciated solid input from those that had blazed their trail ahead of me. Wishing you ALL the best - including finding your 'natural weight'. Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Hi Evan and All, I've been on the " Intuitive Eating " path for 2 and a half years, during which I have rarely weighed myself. But the last time I stepped on the scale, I discovered I've leveled out at about 25 lbs more than the ideal for my height (according to the books, but what do they know?) and about 15 lbs less than at my heaviest ever. While I'm reluctant to say this is my " natural weight " , it sure beats dieting! I rarely binge anymore, walk on the treadmill several times a week, and feel great! Thanks for asking! Norma, blogging at http://givingupdieting.wordpress.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Bravo for you Norma! I love hearing from long term IEers too. Feeling 'right' about ourselves rules! ehugs, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > Hi Evan and All, > > I've been on the " Intuitive Eating " path for 2 and a half years, during which I have rarely weighed myself. But the last time I stepped on the scale, I discovered I've leveled out at about 25 lbs more than the ideal for my height (according to the books, but what do they know?) and about 15 lbs less than at my heaviest ever. While I'm reluctant to say this is my " natural weight " , it sure beats dieting! I rarely binge anymore, walk on the treadmill several times a week, and feel great! > > Thanks for asking! > > Norma, > blogging at http://givingupdieting.wordpress.com/ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their " natural weight " might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their " natural weight " might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their " natural weight " might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said " natural weight " right on the cover of the " Intuitive Eating " book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your " natural weight " ? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Jane your observation is about right as far as I can tell. This group is usually active with 'newbies' and those who benefit from the support of fellow IE journey-ers. Its difficult to say for sure when a member 'fades' away that they have 'got' it (IE) or returned to dieting. I know that I have gone thru a few different phases with my own IE experiences and interactions here at this group. The reasons I hang around include 'refreshing' of my own IE as well as payback for all the support I got. IE has become somewhat 'second nature' for me now, BUT just when I think its IS 'automatic' I often find that I really need to work on one of the aspects (principles) more. I love it when some of the longer time members post. They don't toot their own horns but they usually have great, solid points to share. I think we are ALL glad this group is here for whatever our reasons and needs are. THANKS! to you all, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their " natural weight " might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. > Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2011 Report Share Posted August 4, 2011 Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sonny, I'm kind of a newbie, having started learning maybe one year ago or so, and going through stages of working the hungry/fullness quotient, but I think we all have different mindsets to overcome and different situations we face. YES -- I know that I'd like to weigh less, much less, but from my experience and vantage point now, that just isn't going to happen speedily if at all, and I'm learning to be happy with myself. The learning curve is incredible and wonderful, but it takes time which I am now permitting. TaiFrom: "ert4dogz@..." To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:14 PMSubject: Re: Re: Natural Weight Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sonny, I'm kind of a newbie, having started learning maybe one year ago or so, and going through stages of working the hungry/fullness quotient, but I think we all have different mindsets to overcome and different situations we face. YES -- I know that I'd like to weigh less, much less, but from my experience and vantage point now, that just isn't going to happen speedily if at all, and I'm learning to be happy with myself. The learning curve is incredible and wonderful, but it takes time which I am now permitting. TaiFrom: "ert4dogz@..." To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:14 PMSubject: Re: Re: Natural Weight Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sonny, I'm kind of a newbie, having started learning maybe one year ago or so, and going through stages of working the hungry/fullness quotient, but I think we all have different mindsets to overcome and different situations we face. YES -- I know that I'd like to weigh less, much less, but from my experience and vantage point now, that just isn't going to happen speedily if at all, and I'm learning to be happy with myself. The learning curve is incredible and wonderful, but it takes time which I am now permitting. TaiFrom: "ert4dogz@..." To: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:14 PMSubject: Re: Re: Natural Weight Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sunny, when I was explaining to a dear friend (who is very smart but extremely overweight) about thinking like a child who is not an overeater, she said she always clamoured for food for as long as she could remember. She also told me that she does not know when she is hungry because, of course, she never is. Sad but true. She has gone on diets, lost lots of weight, only to gain it back big time and I mean big time, and more. I can remember, as a child, looking at food and thinking nothing at all about it. Not yearning for it. Just eating it, and not thinking about overeating because I did not overeat. Sad, ain't it, when we get to the point of having abused our bodies and then have to go through a mental detox program, as we're doing? But -- better this than dieting. :-) TaiTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:14 PMSubject: Re: Re: Natural Weight Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sunny, when I was explaining to a dear friend (who is very smart but extremely overweight) about thinking like a child who is not an overeater, she said she always clamoured for food for as long as she could remember. She also told me that she does not know when she is hungry because, of course, she never is. Sad but true. She has gone on diets, lost lots of weight, only to gain it back big time and I mean big time, and more. I can remember, as a child, looking at food and thinking nothing at all about it. Not yearning for it. Just eating it, and not thinking about overeating because I did not overeat. Sad, ain't it, when we get to the point of having abused our bodies and then have to go through a mental detox program, as we're doing? But -- better this than dieting. :-) TaiTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:14 PMSubject: Re: Re: Natural Weight Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2011 Report Share Posted August 5, 2011 Sunny, when I was explaining to a dear friend (who is very smart but extremely overweight) about thinking like a child who is not an overeater, she said she always clamoured for food for as long as she could remember. She also told me that she does not know when she is hungry because, of course, she never is. Sad but true. She has gone on diets, lost lots of weight, only to gain it back big time and I mean big time, and more. I can remember, as a child, looking at food and thinking nothing at all about it. Not yearning for it. Just eating it, and not thinking about overeating because I did not overeat. Sad, ain't it, when we get to the point of having abused our bodies and then have to go through a mental detox program, as we're doing? But -- better this than dieting. :-) TaiTo: IntuitiveEating_Support Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2011 5:14 PMSubject: Re: Re: Natural Weight Jane I think IE is different from other types of things, like, say, quitting smoking. Once you have quit for a while and have helped others to learn how to be successful, it does get repetitive and you do leave groups like that when you no longer need them. But I think with IE, there's so much to learn, mostly about ourselves. Eating is a strange phenomenon don't you think? I can easily see how easily life can overtake us and suddenly we're right back on the emotional eating, soothing ourselves with food track we started out on. Any time you take something for granted, you tend to get into trouble too so the senior members do come back here or just go into lurk mode when busy. But then people do come and go from list groups all the time as life gets busier or as need requires. We've had a few vets come back recently. Overwhelmingly this group is predominately newbies or juniors looking for help but there are many who have done IE for 2 or more years. And as with all groups, those who actually participate are just the tip of the membership roster iceberg. Does IE really work? Yes, I beleive it makes absolute sense that it would work. Has it worked for me in the 10 months I have been practicing IE? Well depends on what you define as worked. The way I feel now is totally different, about food, about me, about diets, etc. Have I lost weight? Not really since I gained a bunch in the beginning. Have I really followed the eat only when hungry or stop when full principles? No, honestly I haven't fully given myself up to those principles. I totally beleive if I really practiced those principles I would lose weight. I don't accept my fat self...I don't feel like I'm honoring what my body can and should be by not losing weight. I also realize I have more demons to exercise and am working towards being able to consistently honor the hunger and full signals. Sunny Re: Natural Weight Evan, I've wondered the same thing, but realized that the answer might not be particularly helpful. If people have worked on learning IE and have progressed down the path and they have reached whatever their "natural weight" might be and are at peace with food, what need would they have to remain on this listserv and discuss the same old issues which are no longer issues for them? It seems only natural that the people who are most active on this listserv are likely to be those who are still learning the IE way and need support as it becomes second nature. We cannot assume from that that IE doesn't work. Personally, I KNOW dieting doesn't work for me. Years ago, I tried IE for a month and found peace, but not weight loss. I'm guessing I did a lot of eating sweets to prove I could and that I ate until full, not until no longer hungry. This time, I've been practicing IE for a little over 2 weeks and I am amazed to find myself losing weight as well as not being obsessed with food or overeating emotionally. But I have barely begun this journey and have a VERY long way to go. It's taking a lot of focus. It's not habit by a long shot! I need everybody's support and suggestions and am grateful for this group. Jane > > Hi All, > > This question has been dancing around in my head from the beginning. I didn't want to ask it but then I saw that it said "natural weight" right on the cover of the "Intuitive Eating" book. > > How many of you who've been doing this for a while have gotten to what you would call your "natural weight"? > > Thanks in advance, > > Evan > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 What is " normal " weight? By whose standards? What does my body say is its " normal " weight? I no longer weigh myself so don't really know if I am losing weight. I am trying to trust the process and I know that dieting sure doesn't work. Sandy  Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 What is " normal " weight? By whose standards? What does my body say is its " normal " weight? I no longer weigh myself so don't really know if I am losing weight. I am trying to trust the process and I know that dieting sure doesn't work. Sandy  Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 What is " normal " weight? By whose standards? What does my body say is its " normal " weight? I no longer weigh myself so don't really know if I am losing weight. I am trying to trust the process and I know that dieting sure doesn't work. Sandy  Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 Sara, we all too rarely hear about that here, but my guess is that many of the members 'fade' from posting as their weight 'adjusts'?!? It could just be part of the natural process? - not as great a need to have help and who wants to jinx themselves by bragging - I'm losing! But to respond to your concern - yes, Gillian, the list owner did, I've read here about other members who are heading in that direction and yes, I too believe my own body has released excess in a slow 'waning' way. As far as 'normal' - I suspect that we each must define that for ourselves. I am content with being comfortable in my body as well as able to reasonably do what I can with the sturdy little body that I have. BEST to you & ehugs, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 Sara, we all too rarely hear about that here, but my guess is that many of the members 'fade' from posting as their weight 'adjusts'?!? It could just be part of the natural process? - not as great a need to have help and who wants to jinx themselves by bragging - I'm losing! But to respond to your concern - yes, Gillian, the list owner did, I've read here about other members who are heading in that direction and yes, I too believe my own body has released excess in a slow 'waning' way. As far as 'normal' - I suspect that we each must define that for ourselves. I am content with being comfortable in my body as well as able to reasonably do what I can with the sturdy little body that I have. BEST to you & ehugs, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 I believe we do have one active poster who has, others are still fighting their way out of diet thinking which includes (is actually driven by) being overly focussed on weight. From what I've heard and read it takes a year or two for the release of diet mentality et al and then one's weight will naturally return to its normal status. But " naturally " doesn't happen as long as the diet police, including the weight police, are still panting over one's shoulder. I've been working with this concept since August and am still bouncing around the earlier steps and have a lot of diet thinking and diet rebellion that continue to impact my eating. However, it took decades of dieting for my weight to creep up higher and higher with each diet backlash and I figure it will take a while for the diet mind-set to subside and my psyche to heal from the damage created by all those years of insisting that I could wedge my body into the size I wanted it to be just because it wanted it to be that size. Weight loss and the externally-directed vision of the perfect body been a driving force for me for a long, long time. And, the more I insisted on being a certain weight, the more it eluded me. The more I gained after each diet backlash the more I HATED my body, felt like a failure and the more terror I felt about being out of control around my eating. It was very, very hard to let go of the imperative for weight loss though. And I grieved the loss of the dream. The dream of the perfect body and the perfect life that went along with it. All illusions. Dieting for most becomes a vicious cycle, a painful cycle and a life-long for those who never manage to get off that merry-go-round. The ticket gate for that ride says, " Lose Weight Here " . What it forgets to say at the exit is, " Here's your weight back, plus change. Better luck next time " . For me dieting, including holding out the intention of controlling my weight through controlling my eating, is no longer a viable or sane choice. Am I at my natural weight? For now, yes. Does it match the diet charts? No. Am I going to live my life by those charts? Not any more. Best wishes, Sandarah > > Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 I believe we do have one active poster who has, others are still fighting their way out of diet thinking which includes (is actually driven by) being overly focussed on weight. From what I've heard and read it takes a year or two for the release of diet mentality et al and then one's weight will naturally return to its normal status. But " naturally " doesn't happen as long as the diet police, including the weight police, are still panting over one's shoulder. I've been working with this concept since August and am still bouncing around the earlier steps and have a lot of diet thinking and diet rebellion that continue to impact my eating. However, it took decades of dieting for my weight to creep up higher and higher with each diet backlash and I figure it will take a while for the diet mind-set to subside and my psyche to heal from the damage created by all those years of insisting that I could wedge my body into the size I wanted it to be just because it wanted it to be that size. Weight loss and the externally-directed vision of the perfect body been a driving force for me for a long, long time. And, the more I insisted on being a certain weight, the more it eluded me. The more I gained after each diet backlash the more I HATED my body, felt like a failure and the more terror I felt about being out of control around my eating. It was very, very hard to let go of the imperative for weight loss though. And I grieved the loss of the dream. The dream of the perfect body and the perfect life that went along with it. All illusions. Dieting for most becomes a vicious cycle, a painful cycle and a life-long for those who never manage to get off that merry-go-round. The ticket gate for that ride says, " Lose Weight Here " . What it forgets to say at the exit is, " Here's your weight back, plus change. Better luck next time " . For me dieting, including holding out the intention of controlling my weight through controlling my eating, is no longer a viable or sane choice. Am I at my natural weight? For now, yes. Does it match the diet charts? No. Am I going to live my life by those charts? Not any more. Best wishes, Sandarah > > Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2011 Report Share Posted December 18, 2011 I believe we do have one active poster who has, others are still fighting their way out of diet thinking which includes (is actually driven by) being overly focussed on weight. From what I've heard and read it takes a year or two for the release of diet mentality et al and then one's weight will naturally return to its normal status. But " naturally " doesn't happen as long as the diet police, including the weight police, are still panting over one's shoulder. I've been working with this concept since August and am still bouncing around the earlier steps and have a lot of diet thinking and diet rebellion that continue to impact my eating. However, it took decades of dieting for my weight to creep up higher and higher with each diet backlash and I figure it will take a while for the diet mind-set to subside and my psyche to heal from the damage created by all those years of insisting that I could wedge my body into the size I wanted it to be just because it wanted it to be that size. Weight loss and the externally-directed vision of the perfect body been a driving force for me for a long, long time. And, the more I insisted on being a certain weight, the more it eluded me. The more I gained after each diet backlash the more I HATED my body, felt like a failure and the more terror I felt about being out of control around my eating. It was very, very hard to let go of the imperative for weight loss though. And I grieved the loss of the dream. The dream of the perfect body and the perfect life that went along with it. All illusions. Dieting for most becomes a vicious cycle, a painful cycle and a life-long for those who never manage to get off that merry-go-round. The ticket gate for that ride says, " Lose Weight Here " . What it forgets to say at the exit is, " Here's your weight back, plus change. Better luck next time " . For me dieting, including holding out the intention of controlling my weight through controlling my eating, is no longer a viable or sane choice. Am I at my natural weight? For now, yes. Does it match the diet charts? No. Am I going to live my life by those charts? Not any more. Best wishes, Sandarah > > Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2011 Report Share Posted December 19, 2011 , I returned to my " natural weight " this summer after a couple years of struggling to " get " IE. I've mentioned it a few times on this board, but I don't want to focus on it or sound like I'm bragging. I found IE in October of 2008 when I was just a few pound over the range that seems to be best for me. I was struggling with anxiety attacks and depression which drove my emotional eating. Over the next two and a half years, I slowly released the diet mentality and tried to make peace with food, but I had a hard time feeling fullness or waiting until I was hungry to eat. I started eating compulsively and gained 20 pounds or so. This March, I visited a holistic doctor who ran a series of revealing blood tests (turns out I was deficient in many mood-related nutrients) and my blood sugar was so low that I should have been in a coma. She also gave me her book " Healing from the Heart. " I read that book and it was like something in my mind shifted. It's an amazing book. I think the click happened when I realized that life's trials are here to teach us, and to be grateful for those lessons. I swear, my years of depression and anxiety lifted away, I moved away from a work and living situation (nanny job from Hell) that didn't work for me, and gave myself time to heal, both body and mind. I respected my body and ate to manage my blood sugar while taking a few supplements to correct my nutritional deficiencies and heal my adrenal glands. I reconnected with my creativity, which is a huge part of me that I'd been neglecting, and I started waiting until I was hungry to eat, stopping when I was full, my emotional eating decreased a ton (I still struggle with it sometimes) and in general, I started choosing life over food. For the first time in years, I enjoyed some things more than food. And yes, I lost weight. Almost quicker than I'd lost it from dieting. If you want numbers, it was a steady loss of about 30 pounds between April and August. I only weighed once a month or so when I visited my mom, but I wasn't focused on weight. I was just so happy that I was enjoying life again and helping my body feel good that food didn't seem to important. At the end of the summer, I stopped losing and I felt really good. It wasn't the thinnest I've ever been, about 9 pounds over actually, but it felt perfect. Now that it's winter, I'm struggling with winter blues like I do every year (I'm very susceptible to depression, as you may have guessed) and I've put on about 6 pounds, which still feels comfortable and doesn't make a difference in my clothes because I'm tall. I get really cold, so I kind of feel like my body wanted some " insulation " . I'm taking steps to cope with winter blues and the very real-feeling emotions that come with it, but I'm not panicking at all. I know that my moods will return to normal in the spring and my body will WANT to release any extra weight. I didn't mean to ramble on, but I've never really told the whole story on here. It was never about weight, but about taking care of myself physically and especially emotionally. -McKella > > Has anyone on this board actually returned to a normal weight using IE? Or are headed in the direction of weight loss? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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