by Sandra Edwards

As I reflect back, I wanted to tell you why I was so convinced that the Hugs concept was right for me..... and why it’s right for you!

I am a Registered Dietitian and a Sports Nutritionist. As long as I can remember, my passion has been to help people learn how to pursue a healthier lifestyle. With every job that I had, I tried to fit my mandate in - I worked with older adults, businesses and high schools, co-workers, doctors, family, friends.

About seven years ago, I made a big decision to delve into a private practice. An opportunity came up looking for entreprenurial dietitians with a fitness interest – and I took it up – to facilitate a healthy lifestyle program on my own – but being a part of a small group of dietitians in Toronto. At this same time, I also evaluated the Hugs program, but decided against it mainly because I needed someone closer who could mentor me so I could learn from experience and grow in confidence. I underwent several training courses in preparation for teaching. This included a Fitness Leadership program, first aid, CPR, course training, along with a personal development course called “Money and You”. This last program which took place over an entire weekend had a huge effect on me – and still to this date. During this program, I learned to understand myself better, to accept myself for who I was, and to realize that it was OK to make mistakes. In fact it was not only OK, it is often the best form of learning!. I realized I had been afraid of failure – which was definitely holding me back from truly pursuing what I truly was capable of doing.

I did teach the other “healthy lifestyle” program and did well. I worked hard- and it was very rewarding. There was, however, something that made me very uncomfortable in this program – and I was adamant it had to come out – it was a diet plan. – albeit a healthy one – it was still a diet. Every time this lesson came up- I felt really uncomfortable. I also realized that the program had the wrong focus - it still focused on body changes – measurements, body fat and weight changes. Even though there was nothing seemingly unhealthy, we were still teaching the diet mentality. We really did not get into self esteem issues, feeling good about yourself enough. We didn’t touch emotional eating issues. At this time I stopped teaching the program, and thought about Hugs again. I made a decision to start up Hugs programs in my area. I already knew how to market. Now I had something I truly could feel passionate about. Every time I pick up the You Count, Calories Don’t book, I regain my excitement. I now get group support via email, fax and phone. I love being a part of a bigger picture – where there are facilitators around the world teaching the Hugs program. I don’t dwell on the past. It has helped make me appreciate Hugs
even more!

At this time, even though I felt right about my decision with Hugs, I had a huge obstacle. With a private practice as a part-time venture for 7 years – along with another part-time job, it left me little time for my family (I have two children 7, and 9 yrs old) and little time for myself, let alone starting up a new program! Along with my husband’s support, I gave up my secure “part-time” job to expand my private practice (which enabled me to pursue Hugs) and have a bit of time for myself. It was scary – at first, but now, I really know I’ve made the right decision.

My first Hugs group programs are rolling out now. I have started many individuals with the Hugs program, and look forward to starting up a support group. My nutrition practice is doing very well. I’m able to once again, pursue other personal interests –playing tennis and running, and spend more time with my family.

Eating is a very personal thing – and I commend everyone for taking that big step to change their lives. We do need to be at peace with food – food is fuel and we need to retrain our thought process to get out of the ever-present diet mentality that surrounds us. Most of my clients initially want to lose weight, and think they need a structured plan – I convince them otherwise – I’ve seen too many individuals jeopardize themselves by relying on the scale. Diets don’t work! We need to learn how to trust ourselves again.

Enjoy your journey – and keep feeling good about yourself – you are worth it. It is possible to get to the point of preferring healthier foods because you want them. It is possible to live a healthy lifestyle where you need not ever diet again. Let yourself believe that you can.
Remember You Count, Calories Don’t.

Sandra Edwards, BSc, RD
Markham Physiotherapy Clinic
10 Unionville Gate, Suite 308
Unionville, ON L3R OW7
ph/ 905 479 -0869
fx/ 905 946 1431
email/ sandraedwards@home.com