Three Questions for Dieters

During a coaching session a client mentioned she was considering dieting again using a recently publicized weight loss plan. I decided to ask “Sherry” [not her real name] what would happen if she came off all diets. She became quiet, and then explained she couldn’t imagine living without being on a diet. She feared that without dieting, she would eat until she couldn’t fit into any of her clothes and would feel terrible about herself. 

Aware of the many shortcomings of diets, I could have advised her to stop dieting. But how would that have been helpful when she was afraid of stopping?

Instead, I recommended that she consider three questions before embarking on yet another diet plan.

1. What is appealing about the new diet? What thoughts or feelings come up when you think about dieting again?
2. Are you willing to use the new diet as a learning experience - to see it as a source of new insights and self-discoveries?
3. At the end of the diet regimen, are you willing to act on what you learned from your choice?

If you are about to start a new diet, the above questions may help you discover why you want to diet. Your fresh awareness can lead to insights and self-discoveries that may inspire you to move beyond dieting to more meaningful and more health-promoting activities.