RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (Full Version)

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tazzygirl -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 9:42:12 PM)

Tfb, its sad to see you refuse help simply because you believe they may try and convert you or push religion into your face. My advice... go to a few meetings, meet the people, explain your atheism, and see what happens.

You wont know until you go.




Toppingfrmbottom -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 9:44:12 PM)

I am working with a personal trainer online to make me custom meal plans based around my dietary needs, a nd food likes, and cooking abilities, and then eventually I will maybe look into a personal trainer in real life, who can design me work outs, the programs around here cost through the roof though, at 300 to 700 dollars a month. The PT I called said I won't find good trainers for anything less, but I think if I went through one at a gym, like California family fitness, and not someone who's not affiliated with a gym, that it won't be so expensive. Though I do know from personal experince the 24 hour fitness trainers wanted like 1k for 10 sessions.
quote:

ORIGINAL: littlewonder

quote:

ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom

I am an atheist, I don't believe in god, don't believe in higher powers, don't want god mentioned to me, don't want to be around people who're god believers, unless they keep it to themselves, and are ok with my complete disregard of Christianity, don't want anything to do with the subject, even in passing. It's a big barg of barf blech no thanks to me. I suppose if it was kept to an extreamly low roar I could tolerate religious overtones, maybe lol.

But I really was kind of interested in checking them out, the diabtes advice nurse recomended them for a good support network, even if you are not really quite an OE


If you can't even stand to be around people who mention god or a higher power or believe in something more then you definitely won't like any kind of addiction group.

Imo I think you should be seeking out a nutritionist/ dietary aide if you don't know how to feed yourself,  a dr or therapist who can show you how to eat correctly, what to eat, the values of the foods, etc...







Charles6682 -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 9:57:27 PM)

Most 12 step groups are based on spirituality,not religion.I have known people who are Atheists who have been helped from 12 step groups.The strongest benefit of 12 step groups is the group itself.You are around other people who have had the same problems you have had and they are willing to help you.12 step groups are free of charge and they are all over the world.Don't let the word "God" scare you.That was written well over 60-70 years ago.If you do not like a certain group,find another group.It can't hurt to at least try them out if you feel you could benefit from their help.Its basically free group therapy.




Toppingfrmbottom -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 10:15:44 PM)

For some people who have problems with food, it's more complicated than simply put the fork down. 

I also like I said do ont know the first thing about nutrition and feeding myself in a healthy manner.

If I need , want, or would benifit from the help of a support group, to teach me about nutrition and how to feed my body the fuel it needs to run efficiently instead of just putting food in my mouth, then I do, and I should seek help for myself, in learning to feed my body in a nutritious manner, putting the fork down" doesn't deal with the issues behind the food misuse and general mistreatment of food / yourself.

quote:

ORIGINAL: servantforuse

Just put the fork down..




Toppingfrmbottom -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 10:19:12 PM)

I was actually thinking about weight watchers, not the food part, because I think  I'd rather learn to cook and enjoy it, but if they'd teach us about portion size and what a carb is and what a complex card is, and how to structure our meals and plan our meals and stuff like that, and having a support group, and a outlet for learning this stuff in, then they'd be mighty handy.
quote:

ORIGINAL: NuevaVida

However, if the idea of even a "higher power" bugs you, I suggest Weight Watchers.  I've lost 73 pounds on it, and really educated myself on how various foods affect me.






Toppingfrmbottom -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 10:27:06 PM)

I'm not going to refuse to check them out, but at first glance, all the god this an we need to recognize we need god and god this an god that worried me, and I wanted to ask about it first.

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

Tfb, its sad to see you refuse help simply because you believe they may try and convert you or push religion into your face. My advice... go to a few meetings, meet the people, explain your atheism, and see what happens.

You wont know until you go.




Charles6682 -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 10:33:23 PM)

Here's the main benefit of 12 step groups,they are full of people who have been through simliar problems.They understand where you are coming from.Just use the 12 step groups for that,if nothing else.If a 12 step group seems to be "cult" like,then stay away from that group.I wouldn't have anything to do with a group like that either.Don't just use 12 step groups as your only form of help either.Try a variety of ideas that suit your particular needs.If there are other types of support groups out there,then try those.Just find what works for you.




Toppingfrmbottom -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/1/2011 10:40:13 PM)

Thank you Charles. And every one else who answered and contributed something helpful to this question.




soul2share -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 5:17:20 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom
I was actually thinking about weight watchers, not the food part, because I think  I'd rather learn to cook and enjoy it, but if they'd teach us about portion size and what a carb is and what a complex card is, and how to structure our meals and plan our meals and stuff like that, and having a support group, and a outlet for learning this stuff in, then they'd be mighty handy.
quote:

ORIGINAL: NuevaVida
However, if the idea of even a "higher power" bugs you, I suggest Weight Watchers.  I've lost 73 pounds on it, and really educated myself on how various foods affect me.



um, I do believe that weight watchers DOES teach the above principles.  And you can get food and portion information right off the net.  There are also scores of diet books out there that can tell you the same things.

I'm agnostic, and have learned to tolerate others religious beliefs.  I certainly wouldn't just write something off just because of that.  I guess it just depends on how serious you are in finding some solutions.




DomKen -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 5:35:15 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom

I was actually thinking about weight watchers, not the food part, because I thinkĀ  I'd rather learn to cook and enjoy it, but if they'd teach us about portion size and what a carb is and what a complex card is, and how to structure our meals and plan our meals and stuff like that, and having a support group, and a outlet for learning this stuff in, then they'd be mighty handy.


I really doubt you'll get that from OA but you should be able to get that from a dietician. If you are recently diagnosed as diabetic I'm guessing whoever diagnosed you can set you up with an appointment to see a dietician as part of your diabetic education.




NuevaVida -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 5:50:42 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyPact

quote:

ORIGINAL: NuevaVida
However, if the idea of even a "higher power" bugs you, I suggest Weight Watchers.  I've lost 73 pounds on it, and really educated myself on how various foods affect me.

I couldn't let this pass without saying how proud I am of you.  Awesome job, NV!



Thank you very much, LadyPact!  It's been difficult, but what major accomplishment isn't?  But it's been a lot of fun to buy new clothes and feel "normal" again. [:)]




NuevaVida -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 5:59:30 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom

I was actually thinking about weight watchers, not the food part, because I think  I'd rather learn to cook and enjoy it, but if they'd teach us about portion size and what a carb is and what a complex card is, and how to structure our meals and plan our meals and stuff like that, and having a support group, and a outlet for learning this stuff in, then they'd be mighty handy.
quote:

ORIGINAL: NuevaVida

However, if the idea of even a "higher power" bugs you, I suggest Weight Watchers.  I've lost 73 pounds on it, and really educated myself on how various foods affect me.





We learn healthy foods versus harmful foods, and portion size, and what foods fill you longer so  you don't feel like eating in between.  We don't get down to the nitty gritty of carbs and such, but we learn things like reading labels and determining what our better choices are.  Because WW has calculations of protein, fiber, carbs, fats, and applies a "point system" to them (and they have guideline books and online tools to make those calculations easy), you simply eat whatever your allotment of points are per day / week.  Sticking to that, the weight comes off. 

We also learn to be aware of when we're eating - are we actually hungry?  Or are we bored, emotional about something, etc.?  Understanding why we're eating when we eat, and the choices we make, are really helpful.

The other really cool thing is if you have a great WW leader and meeting participants.  I was hesitant to join at first because I thought it would just be a bunch of people sitting around whining about their weight (the old tapes from my ex were still playing in my head), but really everyone is so encouraging and provides great ideas and recipes and mental/emotional support.  After awhile you just begin to see food differently, and make different choices.  And then you have this whole group of people celebrating your successes with you, and encouraging you on the weeks you don't lose.

Several of my friends joined WW.  One lost 40, another lost 65, and a few who started just a few months ago are already seeing great success.




Toppingfrmbottom -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 8:26:34 AM)

NuevaVida I like the sound of that,




sirsholly -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:01:34 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom

I am an atheist, I don't believe in god, don't believe in higher powers, don't want god mentioned to me, don't want to be around people who're god believers, unless they keep it to themselves, and are ok with my complete disregard of Christianity, don't want anything to do with the subject, even in passing. It's a big barg of barf blech no thanks to me. I suppose if it was kept to an extreamly low roar I could tolerate religious overtones, maybe lol.


Well how very tolerant of you. You will attend the 12 step group only if believers do not state their beliefs? You can try, but I doubt the local Over-Eaters Anon is going to play by your rules. Everyone has the right to their opinion, belief, or disbelief...and they also have the right to state as much. You do not have to agree with the beliefs of others, but you owe them the courtesy of listening to them without judgment, as hopefully they will listen to you.

quote:


But I really was kind of interested in checking them out, the diabtes advice nurse recomended them for a good support network, even if you are not really quite an OE


One of the sayings of a 12 step group is "Take what you need and leave the rest." If you need the support, take it, as it will be offered to you. Leave the spiritualism there if you do not want it.

quote:

I do over eat now and then and I binge now and then,  so I am not denying that, It's just rare, and it is something I can and do control, I also don't know jack shit about nutrition an food and how to feed myself properly. I am also lazy and I love my food.


This is probably going to offend you but i am going to say it anyway. If you could control your caloric intake, and only overeat every once in awhile, you would not have such issues with obesity and pre-diabetes. Just because you "binge" on the rare occasion does not mean you are in/have control over your obsession with food. Quite the contrary...i would say that food has control over you.

quote:

but it's not a problem in my mind like I said, unless you do it all the time, or can't control it.

How many alcoholics have used this very premise when confronted with the suggestion of getting help?

quote:

I would still appreciate the support network while I learn about feeding myself with proper nutrition and sizes an stuff, and will check see if there's any locally to me that keeps the religious god stuff to themselves.


People share their stories and what works for them. If they chose to discuss the "God stuff", give them the courtesy of listening to them. Listening does not equate to agreeing.
You cannot control what others say and discuss, but you sure as hell can control your level of tolerance.

quote:

I still don't care to be aorund Christains who always wanna preach and convert an stuff. Keep it to yourself, and we'll get along fine.


The belief in God is a faith/spirituality. I say this because you said earlier that you might be able to tolorate low-roar religious overtones. Religion is an organization. I have a deep faith and spirituality but am  not religious in any way.
And btw...Christians are certainly not the only ones out there who believe in God.

quote:

If I need , want, or would benifit from the help of a support group, to teach me about nutrition and how to feed my body the fuel it needs to run efficiently instead of just putting food in my mouth, then I do, and I should seek help for myself, in learning to feed my body in a nutritious manner, putting the fork down" doesn't deal with the issues behind the food misuse and general mistreatment of food / yourself.

And here ya go. Does this not directly contradict your earlier statement where you said you did not really have a problem, and it is something you can control?

quote:

I was actually thinking about weight watchers, not the food part, because I think I'd rather learn to cook and enjoy it, but if they'd teach us about portion size and what a carb is and what a complex card is, and how to structure our meals and plan our meals and stuff like that, and having a support group, and a outlet for learning this stuff in, then they'd be mighty handy.

I think Weight Watchers is a fantastic program. I do not know what you mean by "not the food part" unless you are under the assumption that pre-packaged food is necessary? It is not. It is about education and support.


In whatever direction you choose to go, the bottom line is you are going to have to toss laziness and denial out the window. If you want a program to work, you are going to have to work the program.


~FR~




windchymes -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:10:35 AM)

Ditto what NuevaVida said, Weight Watchers has TONS of recipes and cookbooks available. TONS!!! lol They encourage till the cows come home making healthy eating a lifestyle, not thinking of it as "dieting". They show you how you can eat out, party foods, comfort foods, snacks, whatever you want.




maybemaybenot -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:12:33 AM)

TFB:

Recalling another thread where you said you prefer to eat TV type dinners :

If you really want to change you lifestyle, you need to REALLY change it. OA, WW and any other program won't work unless you are willing to give up bad/unhealthy habits and commit to changing your lifestyle. You will need to resign yourself to meal planning and making your own meals. Some meal plan for the day, some for a few days and some for the week. You need to learn your food groups, your portions, and how much from each group you are allowed a day. You need to eat your three meals at approxamately the same time each day. You need to learn and stick to a regime. It's work. It's not hard work, but it is work. You need to be consistant. You need to be willing to throw your old bad habits away. You need to know there is no magic. Orange juice is no healthier than soda when drank in large portions.

I can tell from your other posts over the years you struggle with giving up your current way of doing things regarding food. It's difficult, it's scary and seems like you will be hungry all the time or denied the foods you like. If you stick to a plan, and really learn the proper way to eat, you will be surprised at how much food you can eat on a 16-1800 calorie diet. On a proper diet, there really isn't much you can't eat, it's just a matter of portions and what you are giving up to have that item. Example :
You can have a piece of pizza. You will give up one of your bread/starch portions, 1-2 of your fat portions and a vegatable portion. You generally get 3-4 fat portions a day, so having that piece of pizza leaves you with one or two left over. If you were to have two pieces of pizza you give up all your fats for the day and you can't have anymore, that includes buttering your bread, mayo on a sandwich or in tuna salad and oil you may need to cook with.

I really think Weight Watcher is a good starting place for you. OA is great, but they don't teach you. They are for support. You can certainly do both, but I think taking on one challenge at a time is easier.

As to your OP : I attended a 12 step program for many years < Adult Children of Alcohoilics > and I am a Christian. There were no meetings I attended that were religious based, by that I mean the discussions, topics etc were religious based. Yes, certainly some one may have spoken about their personal experience and mentioned their relationship with God, Allah etc. There were also those whose Higher Power was nature, a tree, and anything that fit their own personal belief system. Most aethiests I know have a " higher power " it's just not a diety. It's something they consider greater than themselves or human beings. Many devout Christians attend a subset of 12 step programs that are Christian based and are religious, but they are clearly called such and are not AA, OA, NA, AlAnon, or ACOA.

One word of advice is: when you make the choice to change your lifestyle, don't look for the reasons whatever program won't work for you. Look at the whole thing and take the parts that do work for you and work with that. It's easy to find reasons why something isn't going to fit your life. Usually it's because it's our nature to want to remain on the same course, even when we know it's not in our best interest. Most of us don't like change and when it's changing something that is an integral part of how you have lived all your life it's frightening and we resist it. And we conciously or unconsciously find reasons to not make the change.

I wish you the best of luck and really hope you start taking your health seriously. You are young and the damage can be repaired/corrected or arrested. In a few years, you may not have the same opportunity to regain your health.


mbmbn




LadyPact -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:17:21 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: NuevaVida
Thank you very much, LadyPact!  It's been difficult, but what major accomplishment isn't?  But it's been a lot of fun to buy new clothes and feel "normal" again. [:)]


You are very welcome.  [:)]  Success stories are awesome, no matter what method is used to get you there.  In My mind, you did the work, so you get the credit.  Fantastic job!




windchymes -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:25:01 AM)

Came back to add, no eating plan in the world is going to work unless you add exercise to the program. Guaranteed.

And the older you get, the more true this is. [:(]




Aylee -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:30:40 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: windchymes

Came back to add, no eating plan in the world is going to work unless you add exercise to the program. Guaranteed.

And the older you get, the more true this is. [:(]


Naw. I am too out of shape to exercise.




kalikshama -> RE: Are the over eater anon groups overly religious? (2/2/2011 10:51:22 AM)

quote:

I am working with a personal trainer online to make me custom meal plans based around my dietary needs, a nd food likes, and cooking abilities, and then eventually I will maybe look into a personal trainer in real life, who can design me work outs, the programs around here cost through the roof though, at 300 to 700 dollars a month. The PT I called said I won't find good trainers for anything less, but I think if I went through one at a gym, like California family fitness, and not someone who's not affiliated with a gym, that it won't be so expensive. Though I do know from personal experince the 24 hour fitness trainers wanted like 1k for 10 sessions.


Is there a YMCA near you? They have scholarships.

My Y has a Women on Weights workshop where 6 (small) group sessions with a trainer were really cheap, under $100 IIRC.

YMCA trainers also cost less in general and scholarships may apply to sessions as well.

You can also exercise for free.
- Do you have stairs at home? Go up and down.
- Walk around the mall if your sidewalks are snowed in, but I think you're in San Francisco so that shouldn't be an issue.
- Do what you can and add a little each week.

Then your only investment is a good pair of shoes if you don't already have.




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