PWLP: Week One - Lesson Seven

Personal Evaluation

1. Who have you told about your new food guide since you began the program?    I have told my husband, parents, sister, my future sister-in-law, a few of my co-workers, and one of my friends. When I reached my first goal (20 lbs), I announced it proudly on Facebook - so while a lot of people know I'm losing weight, not everyone knows the how or the why to it.

2. How did they react?    My husband was ecstatic for me, and my parents were too - more hesitant because there are a lot of big dietary restrictions on PRISM, but still happy. My sister was also excited and intrigued - she's actually started doing the program with me! My coworkers seem interested, but my clinic administrator seemed genuinely happy with my decision, so much so, she encouraged me to post it up on the wall so other people could keep me accountable and cheer me on. Very few people have been negative or wary - if I'm losing weight in a healthy way, no one really cares how I do it.

3. How did this make you feel?  Empowered, encouraged. I feel like I can accomplish anything, because so many people have faith in me. And for those people who weren't as positive as the rest of them, I feel driven to prove them wrong and show them how successful I can be on this program.

4. Do you feel this person or those close to you understand your problem and support you? In what ways do you feel supported?   I feel that most people understand my desire to get fit and healthy. They understand the health risks involved if I don't lose all the excess weight, and they want to see me succeed. My parents have accommodated by cooking me separate dishes when I come for supper - things I can eat safely without breaking from the guidelines of PRISM. My husband encourages me to exercise and checks to make sure our food doesn't contain 'forbidden' ingredients. He helps put away our meals after supper so I don't feel tempted to pick at the leftovers.

5. In what ways do you feel misunderstood?   Not everyone understands the idea of a "food addiction." To some, this is just hokey. To others, they've learned that "moderation is key!" and they think I'm sort of crazy for cutting sugar, flour, bread, deep-fried foods, and potatoes out of my diet. I'm being an extremist, as opposed to being realistic. It's that kind of attitude that discourages me, because I know I'm doing the right thing, but that people don't understand. It's frustrating sometimes.