Holistic Weight Loss (HoWL™) Program
What is the HoWL™ Program?
“You get exactly what you put into it … there are no shortcuts. If there was a shortcut, I would be on that shortcut road.” Oprah Winfrey, Oprah, Make the Connection (video)
Being overweight has become an unhealthy norm of modern high-tech cultures. Overeating has become an addiction to something we cannot live without. The Holistic Weight Loss (HoWL™) Program is a therapeutic, 12-step, spiritual, and creative based approach to addressing causes and solutions for the addiction of overeating. As an adjunct to healthy eating and exercising, it requires a lifestyle change. The HoWL™ program is neither a diet nor a quick fix = no magic pills, no magic wands. Darn! If that’s what you want, please look elsewhere, with my blessings. HoWL™ addresses the emotional and psychological component most weight loss programs do not adequately address. Isn’t it time?
The Holistic Weight Loss (HoWL™) Program will challenge you in every area of your life — physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. While food, exercise, and other areas of physical wellness are not the primary focus of this program, tips can be found in Appendix A. A new mindset and action plan are required for transformation into a new you.
Who can HoWL™ help?
Let’s face it: we eat for pleasure and for sustenance. Those who overeat for emotional reasons can be considered addicted. The HoWL™ program can help overeaters live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. You probably know the basics of balanced living: moderation in eating, drinking, relaxation, sleeping, recreation, exercising, relationships with others, and connection with our Higher Power, the God of our understanding. This is not news to us, but we too often cannot maintain such moderation. If not, this program may help.
Why is HoWL™ based on addictions programs?
An addict is physiologically and / or psychologically dependent on changes in brain chemistry induced from outside the self. Some behaviors can produce a mood altering state; subsequent actions can be self-destructive. Addicts devote themselves excessively or compulsively to that which brings them pleasure and numbs their pain. How do you picture an addict? Most see a dirty, pathetic man strung out on alcohol, heroin, or crack cocaine in a filthy apartment or a 500-pound woman eating ice cream by the gallon and barely walks? After 20 years in the addition field, I know that addicts look “normal.” They cut across all ethnic and social circles, come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you accept the term “addict” or not, is unimportant. Whether you want to lose 20 or 200 pounds, you will find help here.
What are the tools of HoWL™?
HoWL™ utilizes and expands upon the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). You do not need to be familiar with it; for your information, the 12 steps of AA are listed in Appendix B. You will be asked to acknowledge and develop your spiritual and creative side that is inherent is all human beings. HoWL™ is not a religious program or based on any particular religious or spiritual path. It embraces truth, embracing all paths. Whatever your state of consciousness, I bet you will find great benefit in this program. I use the word “God” as an umbrella word for the Supreme Being, Holy Spirit, the Light, angels, Masters, or Higher Power, simply because it is widely known and concise. Feel free to substitute your own deity, spiritual teachers, or guides, if you prefer.
Are You Ready to HoWL™?
Have you been dieting and your weight been yo-yoing for more years than you care to admit? Have if you thrown up your hands in frustration and thought there was no hope to achieve good health? Instead of giving up, try what has worked for almost 70 years for many millions of alcoholics– a simple powerful 12 step program of recovery – plus much more. What will you recover? Your dreams — Your hopes — Your Life. You are worth it!
How Do I Begin?
Order the program. I recommend you also join a group who is doing this together. Check with Marcia to see if there is a waiting list for this group, or initiate a group to have her or another therapist facilitate. Strong feelings will come up so it is advisable to have a skilled therapist facilitate the group to help each person release these strong feelings and root out more, in the shortest time, with the least pain.
Then, take the Solution Inventory (page 6) in the workbook, to self-assess the usefulness of this program for you. For maximum benefit, keep a journal to address causes and cures for addictive overeating. Start now by feeling (but not acting out on) what comes up when you think about embarking on this journey. Complete each module in the order given. Discuss your insights and feelings with your counselor and / or support team before proceeding to the next module. Be sensible! Discuss any major changes in eating or exercise habits with your medical doctor. Continue taking any medications your doctor advises. Like any other, this program must be approached with moderation. Take your time. There is no one perfect way. Thoroughness is more important than rushing through the program just to get it done.
Welcome and Congratulations!
Are you game? I am delighted if you have made a commitment to explore this program to achieve greater health and increased happiness! Let’s enter into an agreement in which each of us will specify our expectations and boundaries. We can achieve whatever we set out to achieve by right use of our imagination and commitment to action! This course is designed to help you achieve more than you have dreamed possible, while reducing your body measurements! Your future is malleable and in your own hands.
Are you ready to begin? If not, list your objections in a journal made specifically for this program, discuss them with your counselor and / or support team, and kick them to the curb! Or close this book and walk away. It is always your choice! It is your life!
Infinite blessings to you on your personal journey into greater health and wholeness!
Let Loose and HoWL™!
Marcia Diane, June, 2010
PS We make no guarantees made for the amount of your weight loss. You decide. You are in charge now. It is entirely up to the individual to thoroughly follow this program for maximum results. Please seek and follow medical guidance for all health concerns. Work smart and protect your health above all else!
To order the workbook, click here
Call Marcia to join or start a group 480 540-1752