Pre-Enrolment
What is the issue?
Have you ever felt like the weight loss advice you've received doesn't quite fit your life or your struggles? Maybe you've tried countless diets, only to feel frustrated and misunderstood. You're not alone. The world of weight management can often feel disconnected from real-life experiences, leaving many feeling lost and discouraged.
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 challenges have you faced in finding a weight loss approach that truly resonates with you?
Have you ever felt that your healthcare providers don't fully understand your struggles with weight?
What would it mean to you to have a guide who's been in your shoes?
These reflections will help you connect with the program on a more personal level as we move forward.
What else would be good to know?
Let me introduce myself – I'm Dr. Ashley White, the creator of The Shift Program. My journey to becoming an obesity medicine specialist is deeply personal, and it's important for you to understand why I'm here and how I can help you.
From a young age, I struggled with my weight and relationship with food. I remember bringing a pre-made weight loss shake to McDonald's in grade nine, desperately trying to navigate nutrition with little understanding. I voraciously read diet books, attended talks on veganism, and constantly sought ways to control my weight. My experiences were shaped by my height, weight fluctuations, and a persistent hunger that seemed greater than others.
These struggles didn't just disappear when I became a doctor. In fact, they fueled my passion for finding a better way. After my first baby, my weight increased to the highest point ever and didn't come back down. I found myself in the same boat as many of my patients – struggling to balance professional life, parenthood, and self-care.
It was this combination of personal experience and medical knowledge that led me to create The Shift Program. I realized that the traditional approaches to weight loss were missing something crucial – a deep understanding of the complex relationship between our minds, bodies, and environments.
My qualifications go beyond just personal experience. I'm board-certified in obesity medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine. I also serve as a life and wellness coach, integrating these roles into my practice. My background includes five years as a comprehensive rural generalist, dealing with limited access to specialized medical care. This experience taught me the importance of holistic, patient-centered care.
But what truly sets The Shift Program apart is its foundation in both science and empathy. I've designed this program to be what I needed when I was younger – a compassionate, evidence-based approach that addresses not just the physical aspects of weight loss, but also the emotional and psychological components.
My philosophy of care is centered around empowering you to redefine your relationship with food and body image, fostering a sense of self-compassion and understanding. We view each individual as a whole, valuing mental and emotional health as integral components of overall well-being.
In The Shift Program, you'll find a blend of cutting-edge obesity medicine and practical, real-life strategies. We'll navigate the complexities of appetite regulation, explore the impact of genetics and environment, and develop personalized approaches that fit your unique life and needs.
Remember, this isn't about achieving a certain number on the scale. It's about creating a sustainable, joyful approach to health that allows you to live your fullest life. I'm here to guide you, sharing both my professional expertise and personal insights, as we take this trip together.
How do I bring it all together?
As you begin this journey with The Shift Program, remember that you're not just signing up for another diet plan. You're joining a community of individuals who understand the complexities of weight management and are committed to finding sustainable, personalized solutions.
My role is to guide you, sharing both my professional knowledge and personal experiences, to help you navigate your unique path to health and well-being. Together, we'll explore not just what to eat, but how to understand and work with your body, mind, and environment to create lasting change.
If you have questions or need clarification at any point, please join the full program (after previewing this Pre-Enrolment Phase for free) and don't hesitate to bring them up in our monthly group sessions. These sessions are a great opportunity to dive deeper into the concepts we cover and get personalized guidance.
How will I know if this is making a difference? How do I start noticing the changes?
As you progress through The Shift Program, you'll have several ways to measure your progress:
Self-reflection: Regularly check in with yourself about how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally. Are you noticing changes in your energy levels, mood, or relationship with food?
Survey responses: We'll periodically send out surveys to help see how you’re doing, and collect feedback, allowing you to see how your responses change over time.
Physical measurements: While weight is just one metric, changes in measurements like waist circumference and body composition are better indicators of progress.
Lab results: If you choose to work with your healthcare provider alongside this program, changes in metrics like blood pressure or cholesterol levels can be meaningful indicators of improved health.
Quality of life improvements: Notice changes in your daily life, such as improved sleep, increased mobility, or greater enjoyment of activities.
Exercises: Each of the exercises I share with you will help you see a different facet of your journey. You will start to see progress in ways big and small as you make The Shift.
Remember, progress isn't always linear, and it's not just about numbers. The most important measure of success is how you feel and how well you're able to live your life.
What is next?
In this lesson, we've gotten to know each other a bit. You've learned about my background, my approach to weight management, and why I created The Shift Program.
In our next lesson, Where Are You Taking Me? The Shift Is A Trip To Your Life Weight, we'll dive deeper into the philosophy behind The Shift Program and what you can expect from this journey. We'll explore the concept of your "Life Weight" and how it differs from traditional weight loss goals.
Before our next lesson, take some time to reflect on what you've learned today. How does knowing about my background and approach change your perspective on this weight loss journey? What are you most excited or curious about as we move forward?
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. I'm here to guide you every step of the way, drawing from both my professional expertise and personal experiences. Let's do this together.
Talk soon!
Dr. White
MD MPH CCFP-EM
Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine