Calling in the Experts

I know I have mentioned that I did a couple of training courses with Mr Paul McKenna; not THE weight-loss day (I did a similar one with someone...well, similar!) but the big NLP stuff.

NLP can provide a fantastic framework for your life with a suitcase full of techniques that, when you put your mind to it, do work.

(Sarah - I know Mr McK's crisp thing worked for you!)

Anyway, of course, I have bought all the books, including the number one bestseller "I Can Make You Thin" and I tried it for a few days then...well, gave up. But I didn't give up on Paul completely because I then purchased the "I Can Make You Thin 90 Day Success Journal", which I was using 20 months ago. I even started writing in it so I know I was serious (wouldn't normally write in a book unless I knew I was going to keep it).

Each day you have to tick off eight things and comment on them; for example:

1. I ate when I was hungry (and you and your own comment, as appropriate ie was it hard/easy, whatever).

2. I ate what I really wanted

3. I ate consciously

4. I stopped when full

5. I drank water

6. I moved my body

7. I listened to the CD (the one that goes with the book, I Can Make You Thin)

8. I did the mirror exercise

You are also advised to note down one POSITIVE THING that happened today and

What you are LOOKING FORWARD to tomorrow.

Looking through the book, I got as far as Day 6! My weight was hovering between 13'13 and 14'2, which I helpfully noted. That was the first winter after the Bodydoctor summer when I was going to the gym five if not six times a week (!) and doing my own version of LighterLife ie with protein shakes. That summer was LONG before I had even heard of LighterLife. I was also reading The Hungry Years so I wonder if that was why I stopped.

In the meantime, I brought the book (the journal) down to Devon with me so it's been on my mind for a while - to use Paul McKenna's materials, somehow. Like Tony Robbins and the other motivational speakers, the I Can Make You Thin book will have been based on one principle - modelling. The idea is you find out what works and then you break it down, bit by bit, to 'model' it ie replicate the thinking behind the process and hopefully, help others. I know Mr McKenna will have done exhaustive research and scoured the earth to find out what makes people stay slim (or dare I say...thin). Whatever the thousands of different people said, I can tell you that there will have been some commonalities, which is probably how the list of numbers 1 - 8 got made. If I am to stay slim (or thin), this is what I will need to do. Every day.

Since I was finding Route to Management so spectacularly awful, I decided to try the easier route. And the easier route means getting as much back up as possible and getting myself to feel a bit more in control of things. I will still follow the RtM rules, obviously - blood sugar levels permitting. (Sarah - just HOW much fruit are you having, exactly?!)

And since, in theory, Route to Management lasts 12 weeks, this success journal should see me through untilt the end or as near as. Watch this space!

Comments

[Lesley]

That's so weird - I was just digging through stuff for the car boot sale next weekend and found the CD that goes with my Paul McKenna book and put it to one side to listen to tonight! I got a lot out of it before. I only stuck to the rules for a couple of weeks and only lost half a stone but the ideas about linking eating to hunger (like, totally radical man...) and enjoying your food not just stuffing it in have made an impact with me.

I also remember the lovely feeling of relaxation while listening to the CD and often use a few of the techniques, especially the visualisation stuff.

Hope it helps you again too.

I'm really looking forward to RTM - what's so hard about it? The choices?

Lesley x

[Cerulean (Sarah)]

LOL - No Comment - is the official line on that - wayyyy too much today, I can tell you! The other two days, 4-5 portions. I tend to be better at my food logging at work and my priority for this weekend was just to avoid chocolate and up the exercise! I have realised that a lot of my fruit cravings have been when I have actually been thirsty...

[Sandra]

I do think Paul McKenna is pretty good. I really enjoyed watching his show and the successes he had with people. However the books and CDs always rely on us keeping up momentum. I have Change your life in 9 days (was it 9?) and I can make you thin and another one too but I've never stuck with any of them for more than a few days...