Q: I have had a problem with my weight for years. I want to lose some pounds, but I can’t afford the time or the gas money to drive to a Weight Watcher’s event. How can I do this on my own?
A: Any weight management program has to be done on one’s own, but being involved with others provides motivation and encouragement.
There are many ways to get help in managing your personal weight. Weight Watchers, which is a commercial operation, is one of them. Part of that organization’s psychology is that if you pay a hefty fee for something, you will make sure you get your value for it. Other less costly programs such as TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and Overeaters Anonymous can be as effective.
Read Also
Stock dogs show off herding skills at Ag in Motion
Stock dogs draw a crowd at Ag in Motion. Border collies and other herding breeds are well known for the work they do on the farm.
TOPS offers a support magazine and regular meetings in most towns on the Prairies. The annual membership is $25. This covers 10 issues of the magazine per year and provides a small honorarium for the local and regional co-ordinators. Each group decides what monthly fee to charge, usually not much more than $5 a month. TOPS chapters often have guest speakers talking about nutrition, self-esteem and other aspects of relating well to yourself and others.
By going on the internet through the library if you don’t have a computer at home, you can get information and the location of the nearest chapter at www.tops.org.
Overeaters Anonymous, another self-help program, uses the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous to guide people through a personal and spiritual understanding of themselves as they gain control over compulsive eating.
OA groups are often located in larger cities, but there are some in rural towns as well. OA has no membership fee and is based on voluntary donations from the individuals who become involved in the program. The website www.overeatersanonymous.org lists their chapters according to province or city.
The key in any weight management program is to treat oneself with respect. Make sure you have adequate nutrition. Learn how to enjoy eating and also limit calorie intake. Monitor key times where extra eating often occurs.
Recognize that food is energy, and be aware of the different levels of energy that different foods contain. Make sure to exercise adequately. Walking is by far one of the best ways to use up energy. Given the rising cost of gas, walking where you used to drive can save money as well as help weight management. Start small by doing 10 minutes of exercise at least twice each day.
Peter Griffiths is a mental health counsellor based in Prince Albert, Sask. His columns are intended as general advice only. His website is www3.sk.sympatico.ca/petecope.
