Comments from Participants of the HUGS Adult Program in New Zealand

Eating has become less important on its own but more important as a means of creating health and well being in overall life. S.M., New Zealand

Made me more aware of balancing my meals protein and carb. Eating a good breakfast. Eating when I am hungry, rather than starving or ignoring my hunger till the next meal. Helping me to accept myself the way I am. C.D., New Zealand.

This programme has helped me to get real about food, and body image, activity and exercise. I feel free from all the diet "garbage" and anxiety. I can go on from here knowing I am in charge of my food intake and never have to diet again. I enjoy my walking and aquajogging. I feel happier with myself and more accepting of my body shape. It is very rewarding to compare myself with the person that I was a few months ago. Thank you. A.G, New Zealand

I feel so much better about myself. I like who I am. I feel as though a great weight has come off my shoulders. NO MORE DIETS. A.K., New Zealand

I have suffered from low self-esteem and have dieted for many years without long-term success. This has helped me to build my self-esteem improving my lifestyle slowly. It will take time to reach a level of high self-esteem but I accept that. S.M., New Zealand

I’ve really enjoyed HUGS. I’m liking myslef more and more, had my head up high and am counting my blessings. If I don’t like myself now and wait until I’m "thin", what say, I’m never "thin" – will I never like myself. R.R., New Zealand

Accepting myself more what I am and taking control of my eating by recognizing that I don’t need anymore food. H.T., New Zealand.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and found Jenny an excellent "tutor". We have learned so much especially in a group situation. We have had some incredible discussions and some really fun times. D.W., New Zealand

I can now go for longer periods where I feel better about myself and my size. I also find I sometimes am able to leave food on my plate after I’ve eaten. I hardly ever feel guilty about what or how much food I’ve eaten now. Thank you for your help. S.C., New Zealand

More aware of physical hunger and therefore do not react to psychological hunger. I’m eating slower and tasting my food and stopping when I’m satisfied. I’m usually too tired at this time of day but have made myself come – can have got something out of each week. My attitude thoughts have changed but I still have to put it into practice. I’m consciously slowing down when I’m feeling "stressed". J. D., New Zealand

I’ve learned to recognize physical rather than psychological hunger. Drinking more water and fitting in extra little walks whenever possible. Watching labels and being more selective when shopping for food. I haven’t jumped on the scales but I do feel better in myself and I’m coping with my stress differently and better, therefore my life is becoming simpler. V.D., New Zealand.

Given me a healthier view of my consumption of food. Eliminated my "self bashing" for failing with food and exercise. Learning to accpet my given figure. P.F., New Zealand.

Much more aware of what I’m eating – and the make-up of what I’m eating. The most sensible "thing" I’ve done – have learned so much about me, and my body – will be so much better when I can get motivated to do regular exercise – walking I think. C.G., New Zealand.

The programme was very interesting. I have learned a lot about food and myself. I feel much better about myself and feel I have more control over food. My attitude towards a lot of things have changed everything seems more positive. Thank you Jenny. C.G., New Zealand.

I really enjoyed HUGS. The group part was good, better than I thought it would be. It was all very real now that one can live it it’s great. Thanks Jenny. H.H., New Zealand.

I have appreciated the HUGS philosophy and approach. I felt very trapped having already discovered that diets didn’t work for me and yet not knowing how to achieve all I felt I might be able to be and going through the rest of my life not liking myself or the way I looked. I am finding all the new knowledge and skills useful in changing my lifestyle habits. I feel I have a long way to go re: the body image/self-acceptance thing and being liberated from the "obsession" with food. My goals are still a bit "hazy". Still, I will continue to use the resources to help me with the "psychological" battle! Being part of a group was excellent – "at last – someone else knows how I feel" – not feeling so alone in the struggle to resolve the issue and not feeling like a "head case". I didn’t grasp straight away how the programme worked to get the most out of it. Did strongly recommend people put the time in to revisit the class focus/material as soon as possible afterwards – use the tapes from the beginning along with the book. I think an overview of the "structure" and emphasizing making the best use of the resources at the beginning of the course may make it more useful. W.B., New Zealand. (44 to 80 in score).