Pre-Enrolment
What is the issue?
Have you ever felt stuck in an endless cycle of diets, each promising to be the ultimate solution?
You lose some weight, feel great for a while, but then find yourself right back where you started. It's frustrating and exhausting, isn't it? This cycle isn't just ineffective – it's demoralizing. It causes a cascade of self-blame and sometimes hopelessness. But what if there was a different way to approach weight loss? A way that doesn't involve counting every calorie or feeling guilty about every cookie?
What do you think? What do you already know?
Before we dive in, take a moment to reflect on your own weight loss journey:
What's been your biggest frustration with traditional weight loss programs?
How have these experiences affected your relationship with food and your body?
If you could design your ideal approach to health and weight, what would it look like?
These reflections will help you see how The Shift Program might align with what you're really looking for.
What else would be good to know?
Let's talk about where we're headed with The Shift Program. This isn't just another diet plan – it's a whole new way of thinking about weight, health, and how you live your life.
First things first: forget everything you think you know about weight loss goals. We're not aiming for some arbitrary number on a scale. Instead, we're heading towards what I call your "Life Weight". This is the weight range where you feel your best, can live your fullest life, and maintain your health without turning your whole world upside down.
Your Life Weight isn't about fitting into a certain dress size or looking a particular way. It's about finding a balance where you're healthy, energetic, and comfortable in your own skin. It's the weight that allows you to live your life without constantly obsessing over food or feeling like you're fighting against your own body. In Phase 1: Planning Your Shift, we drill down into exactly how to determine your Life Weight.
Now, you might be wondering, "How is this different from other programs?" The Shift is like planning for the trip of a lifetime, but with lots of exciting stops along the way. We're not just focused on the final destination – we're all about making the journey itself rewarding and fun.
In The Shift, we start by getting your head in the right place. We look at your values, your objectives, and what really matters to you in life. This isn't just about losing weight – it's about creating a life you love, where weight is just one part of the picture.
Here's where it gets exciting: we've built in lots of quick wins and easy moves right from the start. You won't be waiting months to see results or feel like you're making progress. We'll help you identify personalized tactics that you can start using right away. These small victories will keep you motivated and excited about the journey ahead.
We'll dive into understanding your appetite, learning to work with your body instead of against it. We'll explore how factors like stress, sleep, gut health, hormones and even your environment affect your weight. And we'll develop strategies that fit your life, not some one-size-fits-all plan.
This program is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're dealing with health issues, struggling with emotional eating, or just feeling lost in the sea of conflicting diet advice, The Shift provides a framework that adapts to your unique situation.
Remember, this isn't about achieving perfection or following rigid rules. It's about progress, understanding, and creating sustainable changes that fit your life. We're aiming for a way of living that feels good, not just a way of eating that looks good on paper.
How do I apply this right now? How do I explore this more?
Let's visualize The Shift Program as a journey to your Life Weight, complete with exciting pit stops and milestones along the way.
This image helps you understand the overall structure of The Shift Program and how each phase contributes to reaching your Life Weight, with an emphasis on the quick wins and easy moves you'll experience throughout.
The Shift System is a Trip to Your Life Weight
By seeing the program as an adventure with frequent rewards, you'll better understand how each step builds on the last, leading to sustainable change and reaching your Life Weight. Take your time to study each phase of the journey, paying attention to the quick wins highlighted in each phase. Notice how each phase relates to different aspects of weight management and overall well-being. Reflect on where you see yourself in this journey. What quick wins are you most excited about? Write down any questions or insights that come up as you review the image.
How do I bring it all together?
As you begin to understand The Shift Program, remember that this isn't about quick fixes or drastic changes. It's about creating a sustainable approach to health that fits your life, with plenty of rewards along the way. The concept of Life Weight is central to this approach – it's about finding a weight that allows you to live your best life, not just achieve a number on a scale.
Throughout this program, you'll be developing skills and insights that go far beyond just managing your weight. You're learning to understand your body, work with your appetite, and create an environment that supports your health goals. And you'll be seeing results and feeling progress right from the start.
If you find yourself with questions or wanting to dive deeper into any aspect of the program, join the full Shift Program, and bring those thoughts to our monthly group sessions. These are great opportunities to explore how the concepts we're discussing apply to you.
How will I know if this is making a difference? How do I start noticing the changes?
As you progress through each phase, you'll notice changes that go beyond just weight:
Quick wins: You'll start seeing small victories early on, like improved energy or better sleep.
Mindset shifts: You'll start to think differently about food, your body, and what health really means to you.
Relationship with food: Notice if you're feeling less stressed about eating and more in tune with your hunger and fullness cues.
Energy levels: Many people find their energy improving as they learn to nourish their bodies effectively.
Overall well-being: Pay attention to improvements in mood and how you feel in your day-to-day life.
Sustainable habits: You'll be developing practices that fit into your life long-term, not just for a short-term diet.
Remember, progress isn't always linear, but with The Shift, you'll have plenty of milestones to celebrate along the way.
What is next?
In this lesson, we've explored the core philosophy of The Shift Program and introduced the concept of Life Weight. We've seen how this approach differs from traditional weight loss programs and why it's designed for long-term success, with plenty of short-term wins to keep you motivated.
In our next lesson, "Will There Be a Chef Onboard? The Need-To-Know Nutrition Notes for Weight Loss The Right Way," we'll dive into the basics of nutrition. But don't worry – we're not going to bombard you with complicated calorie counts or restrictive food rules. Instead, we'll explore a simple, sustainable approach to nourishing your body that aligns with the principles of The Shift.
Remember, you're not just signing up for another diet – you're preparing for a transformative process with plenty of rewards along the way. And I'll be here to guide you every step of the way, drawing from both my professional expertise and personal experiences. Let's chart a course towards a healthier, happier you – on your terms.
Talk soon!
Dr. White
MD MPH CCFP-EM
Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine