Comments from Participants of the HUGS Adult Program in North America

I thoroughly enjoyed it and am sad it’s over. I feel that I have learned a lot about myself and how important it is to take care of myself. I feel positive that I have made a lifestyle change that will stick with me forever! I feel a big sense of relief and peace with myself. L.C.Metuchen, NJ

It helped me to make peace between myself and food. B.G. Edison, NJ.

HUGS has helped me through my stressful life both in the workplace and at home. Learning to deal with the problem and how to continue on and solve it. F.M, Jamestown, NY.

I think this was a very good program. It really makes you think about your health and the way you feel about yourself. K.B. Jamestown, NY

HUGS is practical, sensible, down-to-earth. We’ve been given lots of information/education, we’ve been made aware of our attitudes and how to start changing them. We’ve been given very specific tools (ideas) on how to overcome old habits and make positive changes. We’ve been taught how to think like non-dieters. Thanks!" J.E. Medicine Hat, AB.

Helped me to assess how I felt about food. Also my feelings about myself have changed, not so critical of what I think are my failures. S.B. Juneau, AK

Made me more aware of balancing my meal ie protein/carbo. Thinking more before I grab something to eat ie psychological hunger., B.S., New Brunswick

I’ve really enjoyed the program – I don’t focus on food/diet now but on eating and being healthy. If I decide I want an ice cream or cookie, I thoroughly enjoy it without guilt. But I find I don’t crave those foods as much because I found out it’s ok to have them! M.H. New Maryland, NB

I don’t think about dieting anymore. I just try and eat healthier and watch the fat and exercise regularly. I think it’s a great program. G.W., Edmonton, AB

It helped tremendously by giving me a more positive outlook and educating me on the diet mentality. B.E. Wrangell, AK.

I really enjoyed the class – and I learned a lot about not feeling guilty about what I ate – that says a lot. K.K., Wrangell, AK.

It gave me options. Gave me doors to open, or close as I wish. And it’s ok if some of the doors are hard to open (or close) I am strong enough as I am now (not having to wait till I am thinner) to open or close those doors. Yahoo! J.C., Wrangell, AK

I focus on health rather than weight. I now realize that diets have never worked, and no longer punish my body/mind in this way. I’m trying to learn to enjoy the journey – rather than obsess over past mistakes or be overly anxious for the future. D.P., Wrangell, AK

To help reduce mindless eating; to make me aware of stress/emotional eating; instructor’s personal examples or sharing what worked for her; meditation/visualization were valuable new ideas for me. L.W, Toronto, Ont.

I’m enjoying it and feel it has helped me to stop obsessing about food. I eat breakfast now; I eat more consistently; I feel better. R.B., Toronto, Ont.

Eating better breakfast, drinking more water, not obsessing about weight, eating slower (sometimes!). C.W., Toronto, Ont.

Would not have missed. It has shifted my focus from food to quality of life in a variety of ways. My measures of success have shifted and are much more realistic. I look forward to the Newsletter and follow up and/or reinforcements in some manner. Excellent Facilitator! J.E. North York, Ont..

Has given me a new outlook on life and eating habits, why I’m eating, how to face eating problems. D.Q., Whitewood, SK

I gained confidence in myself, more aware of the good food around us. F.F., St. Front, Sask.

I really enjoyed hugs as it showed me how to feel good about myself, and how to enjoy my foods. I have lost a few pounds, and have more energy to do things. S.B., Sask.

I found this program really rewarding. It really helped me to get out of the diet cycle. It also helped me feel better about myself by listening to, and hearing others. I always thought that I was the only one who has gone through the ups and downs of dieting. It gave me confidence. L.B., Melfort, SK

I now eat breakfast almost everyday and breakfast included a protein which will hold me over until lunch. Prior to HUGS, I felt that it didn’t make a difference whether I ate breakfast or not. C.H., Bitten Lake, Alberta

I feel better about myself. I am more in touch with my physical hunger and am gaining control over my emotional hunger. I.A., Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Helped me feel better about myself and am not as preoccupied about my weight. C.T., Tisdale, SK.

I feel much better mentally and physically. I take more time out for myself, exercise and eat slower, enjoy meals and taste food. I have also not had a migraine headache in 8 weeks! D.P., Rose Valley, SK.

This is a great program. Gives us a lot of new info on how to eat better and improve self worth. S.S., Arborfield, SK.

The HUGS program has taken away the guilt I used to feel for eating something "I shouldn’t". Helps improve my self esteem, I feel better about myself, I have increased my activity level. I have put my scale away! Overall, I really enjoyed participating in the HUGS program. D.O., Tisdale, SK.

Stop diet mentality, increased activity, feel good about myself, more conscious in eating habits and healthier cooking with fats, etc. C.F., Tisdale, SK.

The HUGS program has helped me understand how important it is to start the day by eating breakfast. I feel so much better. I am more aware of my eating habits. I have become more active. C.G., Tisdale, SK.

I feel much better about myself. I am able to pick up on my hunger cues. I now am able to enjoy the foods I am eating. T..H., Tisdale, SK.

The HUGS program helped me feel in control. L.B., Tisdale, SK.

The activities were very helpful. The common-sense advice was helpful. A.M., Humboldt, SK.

I’m learning to make slow changes in my life and lifestyle. Attitude is so important too! P.C., Wadena, SK.

I don’t feel as guilty when I eat something fattening and I am able to pick right back up and get on course.Sandra G., Shaunavon, SK.

I have really enjoyed HUGS and feel I have learned a great deal. I don’t have the guilt and I don’t feel deprived.P.B., Shaunavon,SK.

I enjoyed it. I feel that I have god qualities about myself, that I never thought of before. I have a lot to work with now. Thanks for this program. J.D., Eastend, SK.

Better idea of proper foods to eat. Better self esteem.B. M. ,Piapot, SK.

It has built my self-esteem and my knowledge of the food I eat, I do feel better about myself and if I fall in a rut I have my book to refresh my mind and let me know that someone else does understand and sees things in my point of view. C.G., Digby N.S.

Happy, feel good about myself. Exercise, especially the tape. J. M., Digby, N.S.

I have enjoyed it very much. The discussions were great and I enjoyed all the others taking part in the class. I have learned to change some of my attitude towards but it is a slow process. I am confident dieting is over! R.T., Digby, N.S.

It has helped to find that most persons have the some problems re food and weight and that the problems if dealt with sensibly can be overcome. E.A., Digby. N.S.

It doesn’t matter who you are, everybody is important. Do things that you enjoy doing. Looking at eating healthier foods and if we want sweets we can have (them) without feeling guilty. Leaning to taste and savor my foods. Eating slower and learning how to relax. S.I., Digby, N.S.

The program has saved me. I am feeling much more powerful, (increased) self-esteem. I feel I will continue to learn and grow. This was the stepping stone that I needed. A.B., Perth Amboy, NJ

I’ve accepted myself for what I am, the way I am. I have a more positive attitude about exercise. Most of all, I feel empowered to make conscious decisions about eating, exercising and health living ( and the thought processes involved). A.S., Woodbridge, NJ

HUGS program gave me the confidence to enjoy a healthier lifestyle without harming myself with diets and an obsession with food and appearance. F.S., Edison, NJ

It has reinforced things I already know. I am feeling much more motivated to do physical activity. I have a much better attitude about my present weight and have put the scales away. I think refresher courses would be beneficial too. H. H., Wolfville, N.S.

I have more self-esteem. K.F., Avonport, N.S.

Great program! A great course for all health providers to take! R. C., New Minas, N.S.

I enjoyed HUGS very much. My thoughts of how I feel are very important and to make my family eat and feel as good as I do. C. B. Kitscoty, Alberta

I enjoyed the sessions that I attended. The HUGS program has helped me tune in with my body and not to dwell on weight loss. I’m more happy with myself. I can enjoy eating out too. The walking has helped my asthma greatly. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to attend. L.T., Lloydminster, Alberta

I feel HUGS has made me more at ease with my body as it is right now. HUGS has also got me to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has put me in tune to my hunger. My bingeing has almost stopped completely, and I feel more in control of myself. A.S., Cornwall, Ontario

I feel much more in control. I have a greater understanding of how most foods affect our well-being. J R., Cornwall, Ontario