Today I had the joy of seeing a new client who was very negative at her first appointment with me. She had a negative look on her face, was negative about her eating plan and spent the first 10 minutes of our session telling me that her plan was not practical or healthy for her. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this from a new client. Some people need to blame others or the program and not take the responsibility themselves. Usually they are upset that they have to give up certain foods – so they express their frustration and disbelief in an accusing manner. This particular woman did not want to give up simple carbohydrates – she is addicted to sugar and wants to be able to eat bread.
Action:

I pointed out the obvious to her – she is an adult and is able to make adult decisions. She does not have to follow the eating plan we gave her. She can eat anything she wants. She has, however, made a decision that she wants to change her body (reshape and lose weight). I explained that in order to do this we have to eat more fueling, slow-burning foods and less of the quick burning carbs and sugar. I explained that the sugar and bread are making her fat and that it would be in her best interest to get over her sugar addiction.

I think I turned her around to the point that she feels it may be worth a try. But I know I have my hands full with this one – it will be a battle to change her negative attitude and, most importantly, not let it affect me.

When she came in the next week – she stopped eating the bread. She lost 4lbs in one week. She only has 15lbs to lose so this is a BIG jump in weight… Bread is not a good weight loss food – no matter who makes it. Now – we just have to work on the artificial sweeteners!

Tags: negative thinking, weight loss attitude