After mulling it over for a bit, I realised she means to help us solve problems in ways other than eating. I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the box - but I think she could have spelled this out a little more clearly.
Her strategy is for us to employ the tools used on Day 26 and Day 27.
Really, there's not much else to say about this chapter.
I am still reading my cards daily (they are actually on my iPod and not physical cards anymore) and keeping track of my feelings in regards to food. I use alot of her techniques on a daily basis now without even thinking about it and I think this can only help me in the long term. I know alot of people have given up on Beck without finishing it. I can easily see why this would be the case. It is work and you have to do the work, if you don't - it won't work, if the idea of cognitive therapy doesn't appeal to you, you won't do it, if you're not ready to make changes in how you think, it won't work and finally, her style is very dry and in some instances, extremely preachy. I have to admit, she makes it sound easy to put her techniques into practice. Some are easier than others, to be sure, but in general it is still requires work and effort and time.
As I re-read that post, I realise it may come off sounding self-righteous or haughty and that is not my intent. I don't mean to imply that those who didn't stick with it are lazy or not interested in improving their situation, I just meant to acknowledge that it is hard work and that cognitive therapy isn't the right solution for everyone. For some people, their energy may be better spent doing other things to aid their weight loss efforts.
Ah, every day I battle this...wanting to eat to relieve the emotions that come with life's stresses. When will it not be tempting???
ReplyDeleteEnz I'll admit: I totally did not make it to the end of the book. And I didn't employ half of her strategies. But a lot of what she said resonated with me. I'd be shocked if ANYONE were able to fully embrace everything she is putting forward. But if you struggle with food, I do believe it is an important book to read.
ReplyDeleteWhat I took from it primarily is that I shouldn't let a number on the scale dictate my mood. I've employed her strategies for dealing with WI disappointment. I guess you could say I got real about WI. It really is pretty straightforward cause and effect.
I also have learned that feeling hungry is not a panic or a reason to grab the nearest food no matter what it is. Hunger used to really steer me down the wrong path.
There are a few other things too but I agree with you. To do it all would be extremely hard work!
Pretty amazing that you're willing to do this work, Enz. I salute you.
ReplyDeleteJust don't forget how much work 34 days has demanded of you -- & be proud!
I'll admit that keeping up with index cards and reading complicated chapters on "cognitive therapy" would probably be too much bother foe me, but I definitely agree that a huge part of why we overeat the wrong foods and gain weight is mental, and has nothing to do with being hungry. So if getting to the bottom of those kinds of issues constitutes cognitive therapy, then I'll all for it!
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