The Writing Diet: A Creative Approach to Weight Loss
Among the seemingly endless angles and spins on weight loss, creative writer and teacher Julia Cameron has introduced yet another "key" to shedding pounds... writing.
The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size focuses on using the creative outlet of writing to help break down the emotional issues of overeating. The book raises and tackles some very valid issues about the causes of overeating.
Here are some of Cameron's ideas on writing as a weight loss tool:
- She is big on "morning pages", a concept that was a central theme in her previous publication "The Artist's Way". This entails writing 3 stream-of-consciousness pages every morning as a way of keeping channels of creativity flowing.
- According to Cameron, the morning pages are the "bedrock of creative recovery, and the bedrock of weight-loss recovery."
- The Writing Diet also uses a food journal to record not only the what, but also the whys of your eating. "The journal makes it very specific: It is a way of becoming accountable" says Cameron.
- The food journal allows you to interrupt a binge. The minute you write in a journal, you become conscious of the direction you're going.
- As a fringe benefit, the binge interruption may also lead to better creativity
- People often use food as a creative lock
- 4 questions to ask yourself before you eat:
- Am I hungry?
- Is this what I want to eat?
- Is this what I want to eat now?
- Is there something else I can eat instead?
Among Her Guidelines:
Never let yourself get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired; enlist a kind but truthful "body buddy" and make weekly "Culinary Artist Dates" with yourself, whereby you make an interesting meal or attend a cooking class.
- The book also includes essays about weight-related topics such as; exercise, body image, relapse and dessert.
- Ms. Cameron is not positioning this book as a diet book, but rather a tool to use alongside any diet plan.
My Thoughts
I have become decidedly jaded about the diet book industry as a whole, and the complete lack of scientific and common sense that accompanies it. That said, I think Cameron's concepts address an issue that diet books very seldom tackle. I think journaling can act as a powerful impetus for change and help us give insight to our cravings, behaviors and counterproductive thinking.
Realistically, however I don't think most people would have the time or the wherewithal to complete many of the suggested exercises outlined in the book. Consequently, I think an entire book on the subject may be superfluous and too one-dimensional. Writing is not everybody's cup of tea in which case other interventions may be necessary to evoke change.
All in all, I think this book could provide a unique angle that may help people break through some of the emotional issues of eating - something that many people desperately need.
Other sources: The Dallas Morning News
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as a writer and a huge fan of all Ms. Cameron does I really enjoyed this book.
I also think as you said/intimated above that it is indeed a NICHE book (although judging by all her other sales a ginormo niche, huh? :))
MizFit
ReplyI'd never heard of this book before, but I might check it out now! I've heard a lot (mostly good) about "The Artist's Way". And, as a creative-writer-type myself, I've found writing helpful for insight into dieting issues.
I'm tempted to agree with you that it's rather a broad topic for a book, though, Mike. Especially if it has to be filled out with questions like "Is there something else I can eat instead?" ... surely the answer to that one's always "Yes"?! ;-)
Ali
ReplyNice book, will read it soon. Thanks for an advice.
ReplyAs a visual artist, I gave up quickly on the book "the Artist's Way" when it became apparent that the focus was totally on writing -- I failed to figure out how stream of consciousness writing every morning was going to get me to the canvas to paint.
This new book will be fine for those who love to write and love to analyse their lives. But I can think of lots more productive ways to structure the food in one's life. Such as not buying junk food in the first place. And going out for a walk/jog in the morning instead of sitting at the desk trying to figure out what bs to come up with to fill the required (!!!) 3 pages. I don't give anyone permission to dictate a specific diet to me, and I certainly don't give anyone permission to dictate that I >have
ReplyThe book actually encourages a daily walk as part of the program.
The Writing Diet doesn't "dictate" a diet. I am someone who enjoys writing, but I had slacked off on my writing & on my good eating habits. The book really helped me re-focus my energy.
I don't think one she be so critical of a book that they have never read. It doesn't take that much time to write for a few moments a day.
ReplyAs a visual artist, I gave up quickly on the book "the Artist's Way" when it became apparent that the focus was totally on writing -- I failed to figure out how stream of consciousness writing every morning was going to get me to the canvas to paint.
This new book will be fine for those who love to write and love to analyse their lives. But I can think of lots more productive ways to structure the food in one's life. Such as not buying junk food in the first place. And going out for a walk/jog in the morning instead of sitting at the desk trying to figure out what bs to come up with to fill the required (!!!) 3 pages. I don't give anyone permission to dictate a specific diet to me, and I certainly don't give anyone permission to dictate that I >have
ReplyAs a visual artist, I gave up quickly on the book "the Artist's Way" when it became apparent that the focus was totally on writing -- I failed to figure out how stream of consciousness writing every morning was going to get me to the canvas to paint.
This new book will be fine for those who love to write and love to analyse their lives. But I can think of lots more productive ways to structure the food in one's life. Such as not buying junk food in the first place. And going out for a walk/jog in the morning instead of sitting at the desk trying to figure out what bs to come up with to fill the required (!!!) 3 pages. I don't give anyone permission to dictate a specific diet to me, and I certainly don't give anyone permission to dictate that I have to fill out 3 pages of gibberish every morning in order to improve my life. To each his/her own.
ReplyAs a visual artist, I gave up quickly on the book "the Artist's Way" when it became apparent that the focus was totally on writing -- I failed to figure out how stream of consciousness writing every morning was going to get me to the canvas to paint.
This new book will be fine for those who love to write and love to analyse their lives. But I can think of lots more productive ways to structure the food in one's life. Such as not buying junk food in the first place. And going out for a walk/jog in the morning instead of sitting at the desk trying to figure out what bs to come up with to fill the required (!!!) 3 pages. I don't give anyone permission to dictate a specific diet to me, and I certainly don't give anyone permission to dictate that I >have
ReplyAs a visual artist, I gave up quickly on the book "the Artist's Way" when it became apparent that the focus was totally on writing -- I failed to figure out how stream of consciousness writing every morning was going to get me to the canvas to paint.
This new book will be fine for those who love to write and love to analyse their lives. But I can think of lots more productive ways to structure the food in one's life. Such as not buying junk food in the first place. And going out for a walk/jog in the morning instead of sitting at the desk trying to figure out what bs to come up with to fill the required (!!!) 3 pages. I don't give anyone permission to dictate a specific diet to me, and I certainly don't give anyone permission to dictate that I have to fill 3 pages with gibberish every morning in order to improve my life. To each his/her own.
ReplyWell, journaling can be one of the most helpful things to a lifestyle change. I'm not sure about the 3 pages in the morning... but it might be good for people who like writing anyhow.
ReplyAll in all, not much detraction can be made about this idea! I'll look up the book.
I found this book in the writing resouces section of Barnes & Noble, so I think it is pretty much geared towards people who like writing.
ReplyWriting to lose weight sounds like a great idea! Hey I'm doing it right now does that count? This was really an interesting take on losing weight.
ReplyLosing weight is hard, but not impossible. Lose weight in a healthy way.
Replyhealthy lifestyle is the key for people who lost weight and managed to keep it off. Losing weight slowly is healthier and more efficient, unlike the fast weight loss, according to experts. Try to lose no more than two pounds per week when you`re on a diet. Don`t expect to lose weight over night. However frustrating may be, slow weight loss prevents the yo-yo effect. The yo-yo effect happens when you regain the weight lost during a weight loss program.
"The Vein of Gold" was Julia Cameron's next book after "The Artist's Way." It is a "course" in how to stimulate your creativity. I joined a small group of people and we met weekly and did the program. Everyone in the group benefited from the process. It was a wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone. I really don't know about the weight loss issues, but based on following her plan in the course I did, it can only add to your development as an individual and would probably enhance many areas of your life.
ReplyI too am sick of diet books and fads. What everyone needs to understand is diets don't really work, at least not in the long term. I find some books helpful to "farm" ideas from, but in the end, it is a lifesyle change. (I know it's a cliche but true)
Scot
ReplyThe Chub Chronicles
Man, I hope I get to the point where I can write pretty much anything and people will buy it.
My new book:
ReplyThe Cat Petting Diet
Hey... I'd buy it!!!
Reply4 questions to ask yourself before you eat:
1. Am I petting a cat?
Reply2. Is this the cat I want to pet?
3. Is this the cat I want to pet now?
4. Is there some other cat I can pet instead?
Hilarious!
ReplyOkay, so I think this book isn't that bad of an idea since it reinforces the need to be aware if you want to lose weight long term, not follow some silly diet, BUT
That, my friend, is friggin HILARIOUS. Kudos.
ReplyI'm feeling the same as Red. At this rate, any kind of distraction can be used as a "diet tool."
The SEX Diet!
The SKYDIVING Diet!
The HARRY POTTER MOVIE MARATHON Diet!
ReplyHey, I'd go on a sex diet...I'm sure that one already exists somewhere. It's too good of an idea for it to not be already thought of and marketed. The French have probably thought of it already, actually.
ReplyIf at first you do not succeed, The SKYDIVING Diet, is not for you!! It will cure the problem with recidivism, however :-)
ReplyYou know, I was on the music video diet as a teen. A network channel showed music videos every Saturday, from 1pm to 7pm, I'd sit there for those 6 hours staring at the videos and refuse to have lunch (late lunches on weekends here) cause that would mean looking at the plate to eat.
Reply[Spam comment removed]
ReplyI don't know about the rest of the bloggers online, but I really dislike people who use this forum to advertise for their own benefit. Particularly those that like to prey on people who are struggling with issues, such as weight loss.
Replyhear, hear. Can those kind of posts just be blasted off?
ReplyYou guys have no idea how much time I spend getting rid of all these self-promotional comments. It really annoys me. I get to most of them reasonably quick - but some of them always sit around for a bit.
The best thing is to ignore them. Eventually I will find it and delete it.
ReplyJim,
You are doing a great job of it, too. Most of the time, I do ignore it. That day, I just felt the need to voice my irritation.
Reply"Stroking cats is guaranteed to burn up to 50 calories an hour! Feeding your kitty and changing his litter involves both aerobic activity and stretching. This bestseller will show you how to lose up to 3 pounds a year, without giving up the foods you love! Author Red shows you the way, step by step."
- The New York Times Book Review
ReplyI haven't read this book, but the summary reminds me a lot of one of the exercises I did when I was in therapy for bulimia. I kept a food journal of what I ate each day. I would not only record what I ate and how much, but also the time at which I ate it, who was around me, my location (class, kitchen table, sitting at computer, restaurant, car, etc), my mood before eating, mood after eating, and whether or not I purged the meal or felt the urge to do so. This took a bit of time but it did help me a lot.
ReplyI was just going to say the same thing. When I was in therapy for bulimia, I journaled a lot to help me sort out my feelings. My mom also did journaling as part of her therapy for compulsive overeating. We wrote down why we were eating and what we were actually feeling. It really helped me learn to express my emotions to people instead of just angrily/boredly/frustratedly stuffing my face with food. I don't think I'd like all the structure that this book sets up though...it seems kind of crazy.
ReplyHey, I'd go on a sex diet...I'm sure that one already exists somewhere. It's too good of an idea for it to not be already thought of and marketed. The French have probably thought of it already, actually.
ReplyYou're right. It has been done and marketed, and was completely lame. I'm sure the authors had fun testing the plan tho ;-)
ReplyI am going to start writing a new book tonight: "The Videogame Diet." It's simple: whenever you get hungry, stop and play a videogame.
ReplyActually, I'm pretty sure the authors of "You: On a Diet" suggested that. Busy hands are...well, busy. ;o)
ReplySo this book teaches self control.
ReplySpoken by someone who has never had disordered eating.
ReplyI think people make time for what's important to them. If doing the writing exercises is important to their weight loss effort, they'll do them.
ReplyTher are so many fad diets out there, they almost make me laugh!
ReplyI agree with Scot, it is about lifesyle change. (
I have to agree with Trent. It think this is a completely unrealistic program. If overweight women had the discipline to go through the this entire writing program then eating would probably not be an issue. No one would tell an alcoholic to simply record their vodka intake and how they felt about it.
ReplySounds like a good idea. But will it be enough to stop people from going to the fridge? I do a lot of writing, sometimes about weight issues.
When I'm going at full speed and interested in what I'm writing, then I don't feel the need to snack. But if I get stuck in my writing, the first alternative activity I think of is eating. So I reckon it could have the reverse effect if people get frustrated with their creativity.
Though I think a food journal can only help. Sometimes people just don't realise how much they eat.
Reply