Well, thanks to a very lovely and generous blogger - they can say who they are, if they want (!), I have finally managed to hold a copy of Dr Beck's book, The Beck Diet Solution or "Train your brain to think like a thin person" in my hands.
Last week really was hellish so it was a wonderful surprise to go home on Friday night to find a parcel - for me!
Anyway, I must admit, I was slightly nervous about diving in because one of the last books that I recommended sent me and a fellow weight-loss warrior slightly bonkers! I was thinking - as were they - that Beck was something for post-abstinence but the child inside made me take it away with me this week. So I did.
And wow! I already love it but maybe not for all the obvious reasons but for the fact that it has brought up all sorts of things (many painful!) that I thought were my own 'battles'. Not so! Dr Beck has them laid out for all to see!
But here's the thing - I was recommending Dr Beck a year ago!!! Unbelievable. And I found the reference quite by chance when I was trying to help someone with some weight loss stats of my own (to give them a guide).
So, here's what I was saying in 2008 and in 2009 - just in case you want to have a peek. The article from The Times was also really helpful. The fact that I had no recollection of Dr Beck shows I definitely wasn't ready because any mention of menu planning would have sent me screaming. And I am not exaggerating!
Anyway, there are certain Beck-isms (?) that I am absorbing from Lesley and Peridot - like training the resistance muscle (that had a profound effect on me and I urge you to read Lesley's take on it).
This is a book that requires reading many times over - that is clear to me. One of the things that she says that shouted from the page was her advice that dieting takes time and energy, particularly mental energy. Yes it does! And I think that goes for weight loss AND for weight maintenance. You really must gear yourself up for the work.
The other thing that literally jumped out and smacked me in the face (well, not literally, obviously but it felt like it) was the stuff around giving yourself credit for a job well done. I have really struggled with this - feeling 'proud' of turning down food (p.77 for the Beck fans) - but more of this another day.
Today, I had a change of plans and had some time on my hands. I decided to do something that I have never done before - go to the cinema - all by myself! I know this sounds ridiculous but it's something I have resisted doing - ever. I took myself off to see 'He's Just Not That Into You', which was toe-curlingly painful at times but still a great chick flick. And guess what? There was no loitering around the snacks section, even when the box office was closed and I had to buy my ticket from the popcorn vendor!
After the film, I walked out and thought, oh my goodness, food wasn't even on my radar. Result!
In muscle-training terms, I reckon that's one rep under my belt.
I hope it helps chuck. I could really see a difference almost from the start. Not in weight loss particularly but in my mindset. I feel calmer about the whole thing, like now I know there's light at the end of the diet/weight/food tunnel.
Giving myself credit is something I don't do throughout the day as often as I should. I do in my blog but not as I go along. I hope you gave yourself a massive pat on the back for not thinking about cinema snacks?!
Keep it up chuck.
Lesley x
Posted by: Lesley | February 10, 2009 at 07:22 PM
In answer to your question about choice, no, I don't think choice is great for me. I like it but tend to make the wrong ones. So, planning ahead removes the element of spontaneous choice and thus minimizes danger.
It all sounds very serious when you put it like that though!!
Lesley x
Posted by: Lesley | February 10, 2009 at 10:02 PM
How nice of Lesley! Looking forward to getting your take on Beck which I have no doubt will help me digest it too.
love
Peridot x
Posted by: Peridot | February 11, 2009 at 10:40 AM