Member Articles

The hallmarks of any weight loss program have always been diet and exercise. Follow the plan, and off comes the weight. This makes sense, but it isn't working. What I mean is: 95% of dieters regain their weight back. We find ourselves racing to the book stores for the latest diet book only to realize it is the same story with a new twist. This is disappointing to say the least. While emotions can play a big role in why we eat and our relationship with food, scientists are discovering there are other things to take into consideration like our thinking styles.

Your thinking style is the way you process information in the world. Are you highly analytical and mathematical, or are you more visual and/or emotional? Finding this answer may help you approach weight loss with a style that will work for you.

Inga Treitler, Ph.D., a cultural anthropologist, and researcher at the national weight control registry followed 10 individuals who lost 30 or more pounds and kept it off for a year or more. She had them take the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) questionnaire which assesses thinking styles.

What she found is quite interesting and can help anyone trying to lose the extra pounds to approach it in a way that will be successful for them. The HBDI helps people define how they solve problems. There are four quadrants:

"A" quadrant: these individuals are numbers people. They are drawn to mathematical and analytical solutions. They often overanalyze situations so much that they have difficulty taking action. They may do well with activities like counting calories, but may have difficulty taking targeted action necessary for lifestyle changes.

Solution: This group might do better with tracking numbers such as calories and/or tracking number of steps with a pedometer combined with regular coaching to help them take action.

"B" quadrant: these individuals love structure and routines. They will always have a plan and are the type to keep a day-timer with all their appointments scheduled. Guess what? This group is the one who is most successful with a traditional diet approach of following menu plans and tracking their progress. This makes sense as they are comfortable following plans.

Solution: This group will do well with menu planning services, tracking calories, or setting goals. They feel comfortable with a specific, structured plan.

"C" quadrant- These folks are spiritual and emotional and are very connected to the human experience.

Solution: This group would likely benefit from a non- diet approach to weight loss rather than a strict diet regime. They will be more comfortable learning about their internal relationship with food, being mindful, and learning about their food triggers. They would benefit from personal guidance from a coach or nutritionist who practices a non diet approach.