This week, I was going through some feedback from a recent session of The Dessert Club, and I was just so moved by the stories of these women.
I wanted to share some of them with you, to show you what is possible. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Even if you are feeling scared and hopeless and frustrated beyond belief about this food and body and weight stuff, don’t give up.
These women have made big changes that don’t require obsessing about food, and so can you.
“Before joining the Dessert Club, I was scared of a pot of Nutella, frustrated, and generally angry this thing had control of me. I was unable to stop eating when the ‘binge’ got hold of me and generally depressed that all the weight I had lost in the past year was almost regained.
Since being in the Dessert Club, I’ve realized that this issue isn't about food. It's about me: my emotions, how I feel, my reactions to others. I take things that are totally unrelated to food and punish my body with food, dumbing down emotions, reacting with my mouth and not my inner self. I see how little attention I pay to food, the distractions of life are around my hips instead of dealing with them.
For people considering joining, I’d say that it’s the first brave step towards dealing with the root of your eating problems. The support from Katie and the rest of the crew is a wonderful, safe way to explore yourself and your food issues. You may laugh or cry or do both at the same time. And when things are bad, you only have 6 days until there is someone there to support you.”
-- Fiona, Kent, UK
“[Before this work], I dreaded my binges, and felt absolutely demolished every time I succumbed to one. Food equaled guilt to me 100% of the time. I felt awful, out of control, and like food was the enemy.
“I had no idea what to expect with the Dessert Club, but I was afraid the group sessions would be boring, or not pertinent, or depressing. Ironically enough, the group sessions became my favorite part! I learned SO much from hearing the other stories. It made me feel less alone, less crazy, and supported by the other members of the group.
I now know how terrible my relationship with food was, and for how long it's been happening. I realize how much damage I did to myself, and how far I have to go...but for the first time ever, I feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The group really exceeded my expectations, and opened a whole new chapter for me. For once I feel like being in control of my food intake is possible. I feel like eating is pleasurable again. I feel like I have a shot at being "normal" again...whatever that is. :-)
[For people considering the Dessert Club], I would tell them that if they are doing it for themselves, to jump right in and go.”
-- Lisa, Texas
“Before joining the Dessert Club, I felt like they would never be a time when I didn't have an issue with food. I was in a hopeless cycle of restriction and bingeing. And I felt anxious about any attempts to solve the issue as I was nervous I would put on weight.
“The love and kindness I received from the other women involved in the group [was the best part]. Although we were all at different stages and our problems unique, we could all offer each other support and the feeling that we were not alone
“[To other women who are struggling], I'd say relax. It's okay to get help. Stop carrying the burden alone. You can work through things at your own pace, you don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with and you may just change your life for the better. For me the Dessert Club will be the best decision I've made to help me grow as a person and enjoy life to the fullest. I would recommend it to anyone who feels they struggle with their eating, however great or small they feel their issues are.”
-- Anita, North Yorkshire, UK
--
Honestly, my heart aches when I read these -- I can sense how frustrated and stuck they all felt. And it’s so clear to me that being a part of a supportive, caring environment made that a much, much easier process for them to change.
So I’d say to you: if you are feeling frustrated, you are probably also feeling alone. So, my dear, lovely person...you’ve got to get some support.
Whether that support is your best friend, or your boyfriend, or a group, or a coach, or a book: get some support.
--
All these women went through The Dessert Club. If you’d like to see what they’re talking about, I'd love to have you join a group.
Or view other stories of women who’ve made amazing transformations around food.