I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the scale. In the past few years, I’ve convinced myself it doesn’t tell me my body composition but is just a number I can use as a benchmark. However, it is still frustrating to be told I look like I’m “losing weight” when the scale hasn’t moved or actually gone up. My body composition can change without my weight changing. This is just something I’m learning to live with.

A year or so ago, I started looking at intuitive eating. Intuitive eating is a process where you reconnect with your body’s hunger and satiety signals learning to eat when you are hungry and stop when satisfied. Sounds simple doesn’t it. However, this is one of those areas where theory and practice are not the same. In theory, it sounds simple; in practice it can be quite a challenge. Theory: I’m not hungry. Practice: Boy, that chocolate covered donut looks amazing! Maybe I’ll have just a bite.

I attended a series of webinars by Bob Seebohar this week on weight loss for athletes. Bob recommends following an intuitive eating approach with a twist – using his FoodTarget to assist with food selection. Basically, food selections focus on lean meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, with limited carbohydrate choices (whole grains, etc.). This combination can help with weight loss. He doesn’t like to set weight or quantitative goals. He doesn’t like athletes to weigh. This combined approach HAS helped with weight loss and maintenance in many athletes with whom Bob has worked.

I’m intrigued. This seems to bring together what I’ve been thinking about with my own weight management and counseling with clients. I’m starting to tinker with it to see how I do. I started by not stepping on the scale this morning. We’ll see how it goes as the days and weeks progress.