Wednesday, September 25, 2013

No really, this time it's different

A couple months ago, we Children’s Colorado employees saw a notice in our newsletter asking for participants in a pilot diet program at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center.

This program – called the Colorado Diet, which is part of the book State of Slim by Drs. Holly Wyatt and James Hill  – would last 16 weeks and promised weight loss of up to 20 pounds in eight weeks. It also promised (if the participant does his/her work) that those who achieve a State of Slim will be able to keep it off for good. Those who were chosen for this one-time pilot program wouldn’t need to pay anything, but they would have to be spokespeople for the State of Slim.

A lot of people thought this sounded pretty good, and a bunch of Children’s Colorado employees sent in the required video audition. In the end, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center chose three Children’s Colorado employees and seven other participants from around campus (I’m blogging the experience as an add-on participant).

They chose Natalie Goldstein, a pre-menopausal single mother of two, and media relations manager; Courtney McClellan (BSN, RN), a 37-year old mother of two boys, Transfusion Safety Specialist; and Julie Bianco (BSN, RN, CPEN), a 40-year old mother of three, and clinical coordinator of department education for the Emergency Department.

And now that the commitment is before us, it’s obvious that over the next 16 weeks, we’re going to get very close, as we struggle and triumph.

So: 20 pounds in eight weeks? That’s a big promise to anyone who’s struggled with weight loss.  And the promise of keeping it off forever? That’s like a marriage proposal.

In the week leading up to our first class, Natalie, Courtney and Julie displayed varying anticipation for what’s about to happen. They were eager and nervous and excited and hopeful, a million questions nudging them in the direction of change: Will this finally end the struggle? Will this finally help them become the person they’ve always wanted to be? What exactly will they have to give up? Just how much of a commitment are we talking about?

Anybody who’s ever dieted knows the erratic emotions leading up to the first day: the naïve hope that this time will be different, that we’ll become the perfect person we’ve always dreamed of. Then panic settles in when we wonder, from somewhere deep inside, if this is who we are – are any of us the person who can deprive herself of pasta and bacon and birthday cake for the rest of her life? Then there’s dread when we reach for confidence and find it’s not there, imagining how we will feel when we either fail to lose the weight, or gain it all back. (Although the Colorado Diet is quite different, fear and doubt are still there before we begin).

We can all change ourselves temporarily – take a vacation to some other way of life – but the hard part, and what’s different about the Colorado Diet, is that if you want your body to change for good, things can never be the same. The State of Slim doesn’t promise an easy fix and there’s no question, at least in my mind, of how hard it will be to change. (Thankfully, though, the Colorado Diet is based not on long-term deprivation, but on long-term lifestyle changes that focus heavily on exercise).

When I met with Courtney, she spoke candidly about the fear not just of change in general, but of becoming someone she didn’t recognize. Courtney had grown so accustomed to her weight defining her – “I was always the fat, funny girl” – that to lose the weight would be to lose one of the characteristics that, until now, she held in her very core.

That’s a lot to ask of someone, but after having read some of the book, I do believe Drs. Hill and Wyatt have designed a program that can actually deliver on its big promises. But, as they have pointed out repeatedly, that can only happen if you honor the commitment you made to yourself.



Stay tuned to find out what happens, to learn more about the specifics of the diet, and to cheer on Natalie, Courtney and Julie. They’re making a huge, life-changing commitment and are more likely to succeed with your encouragement. (Add your email at the bottom of the page to receive new posts in your inbox).

8 comments:

  1. We are so proud of you three women for your strength and committment to positively changing your life! We, at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, are absolutely thrilled to walk beside you and be your supporter in this journey!

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  2. I teared up a little at what Courtney stated, the fear of becoming someone you don't recognize. I hope all participants realize that hopefully who you become, will be more of the best possible version of yourself. Althought weight should never define a person, grabbing on to a healthy lifestyle and re-designing your body in response to that lifestyle will make you stronger in so many ways!

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  3. I want to personally thank these three women not only for taking the first step in a transformation that will no doubt be truly amazing but for also having the courage to step out of their comfort zone and share their journey with friends and colleagues.

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  4. Natalie, Courtney, and Julie -- this is such an amazing adventure that you three signed up for and we are certainly cheering you on here at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. You have committed to a journey that will inevitably change your lives forever and I am so proud and thankful that I will get to support you all throughout this transformation.

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  5. Wow! What a brave commitment in many ways. Congrats to Court, Natalie, and Julie for such a public journey. Funny how we see ourselves; when I picture my sweet daughter-in-law Courtney, I never see the word (her word) "fat." I see her as the beautiful angel who married my son. I see an intelligent, accomplished, compassionate woman blessed with so many talents. I see her clever, artistic flair in everything she does...from her creative, hand-written personal notes, to home decoration savvy, to her own lovely fashion sense. I see the warmth in the home she has created for my gorgeous grandsons and son. She glows as a ray of sunshine in her friends' lives. She is the party planner extraordinaire when it comes to any family milestone. She has triumphed and struggled through many of life's ups and downs. She is a woman of strong Faith to be admired. I wish her much luck in this new adventure. (As a "MoM", I have one caveat which you don't even have to read...stop right here for the unsolicited bit from someone who is no expert in this field. However....believing as I do in MODERATION in most things, 70 minutes of exercise six days a week, well, that ain't moderate, just sayin'. Trying to imagine how that fits in to an already busy day working full time, kid- wise, home -wise, and all without burnout.) So....never mind me, just know I wish you much success, and you are a gorgeous champ! Much love from your MoM-in-Law, Mimi. :)

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  6. Trust me- eventually it will be the best 70 minutes of your day. Think of it as "me" time and yes you do deserve it!
    I can't wait to see the changes that activity will bring to you in the form of more energy, patience, willpower, empowerment, confidence, joy and yes a "flexible" metabolism! And it just represents a little over 4% of your day! Remember we will build slowly over time and make it part of things that are already important to you. Dr. Holly Wyatt

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  7. I had been chosen for the "final 20", but was not picked for the "final 3". However disappointed I was, I began the Colorado Diet 13 days ago and have lost 7 lbs. I am very excited to hear about the journeys of my fellow employees and dieters and how they compare to my journey on the rode to good health. One problem I am having is getting the 6 servings of protein a day. I usually end up with only having 5. Anyone else having the same issue? GOOD LUCK, LADIES.

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  8. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It's encouraging to read about others' experiences as I make this lifestyle change and hope that at last I've found a way to get healthy that is actually sustainable. I was so discouraged, having tried many times to lose weight and keep it off that when my husband suggested we try the Colorado Diet together I wasn't very enthusiastic. I'm a couple of weeks into Phase II, I've lost 11 pounds, and my enthusiasm is growing!

    I also find myself running to the store a couple of times a week to restock protein items and I'm watching my skin for hints of orange from eating so many baby carrots! I've noticed my skin has started breaking out and wonder if I'm missing some critical nutrient. My energy level is up though, and I look forward to getting on my bike and hitting the trail every day. I listen to stories on a Playaway from the library. It really helps! Stay strong! We're cheering for you!

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