Friday, February 22, 2013

it's all about fit

Yesterday, I met with a cancer coach at the survivorship centre

My stated goal was to improve my health and prognosis by eating well and exercising more consistently. I shouldn't have been surprised that I was matched with a nutritionist but I groaned inwardly when my coach filled me in on her background.

Two years ago, I met with a nutritionist weekly for nearly a year and I learned a few things but mostly I paid a lot of money to feel bad about myself. Someone else might have really liked the woman I worked with but I found her judgmental (for example, not only did she not drink alcohol, she could not understand anyone who did, even a little) and extreme (her idea of a treat was to have one square of very dark chocolate, once a week). Under her smug judgmental gaze, I felt like a complete failure. 

The implicit message was that if you can't do it all, you might as well not try (that may not have been her message but it was how I felt). I stopped seeing her, feeling that I'd accomplished very little.

The cancer coach I met with yesterday was very moderate in her approach. She actually said, "everything in moderation, including moderation."

I think I love her.

After she'd told me about the centre and the programs available to me, we talked about food and eating and self-care for more than an hour. I left with information and a feeling happy and good about myself.

I see her again in two weeks.

5 comments:

Nancy's Point said...

Hi Laurie,
This new cancer coach sounds so much better. No wonder you love her! Who needs someone who makes you feel like a failure? No one, that's who.

I relate to this so much. A couple weeks ago I started the Livestrong program at the YMCA. The trainers are compassionate, competent, knowledgeable and most importantly
- non-judgmental and encouraging.

I'm a big believer in moderation too. Good luck with things. Keep us posted.

deb said...

That's great news, Laurie. I loved my nutritionist, I think, in large part because she looked healthy but not in an over-achieving sort of way. She looked like I thought I could look.

when I looked around her office, she had food I eat on her shelf!

Judgement has no place in the advice health care professional provide....in their eyes or in their behaviour to their clients.

Glad you found a great fit!
xo

laurie said...

You're both so right! I don't know why I can't see these things for myself while I'm in them!

Blondie said...

I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better and have a found a group that can be supportive in a helpful way. I've been thinking about you a lot lately and am sending you BIG HUGS! XXOO

Beth Gainer said...

Hey Laurie,

I like this new cancer coach and the "moderate" philosophy. Excess of anything isn't good. I'm glad you found the right fit.