Thank you to those who have written to “dear efap” for input on your dilemmas. As you are aware, we read every inquiry that comes in but we are only able to print a small selection of responses.  Our “pithy” answers are modeled after the lighter hearted Dear Abby style and are grounded in common sense.  If your issues require a more personalized level of support please call EFAP (1-800-505-4929) and we can confidentially book you a counselling appointment with a senior level therapist.

We welcome all inquiries – please submit these to dear.efap@efap.ca. All printed responses use the anonymous descriptor that you sign your inquiry with and do not reveal any identifying information.  Our goal is to support you through insight and common sense.

Below is our response to the next selection – enjoy!

I’m heading to Hawaii this Spring Break and I need to shed a few unwanted pounds.  Any suggestions?

~ Wanting the Bikini Body

****UPDATE****

In light of some feedback Dear EFAP has received regarding this article, we would like to acknowledge that we are not experts in the area of diet and would like to change our initial response to the writer.

We would like to encourage anyone interested in addressing weight related issues to review VCH Public Health’s set of Key Messages for VCH Staff.  These messages focus on health, not weight, and promote wellbeing in body and mind for all: Key Messages

We also encourage anyone who is navigating weight related issues to consult with their Family Physician and/or a Registered Dietitian.  If you are dealing with any associated psychological challenges as well, please feel free to connect with us 604-872-4929.

Dear Wanting the Bikini Body,

Well, I’m no diet expert but a healthy way to consider losing weight is to focus more on speeding up your metabolism than fixating on losing the weight.  When we diet we can put ourselves into a kind of starvation state that actually slows our metabolism down.  This is because our bodies think we’re starving, so they compensate and try to conserve energy.  So, thinking of ways to boost your metabolism, while also eating responsibly, is a better way to get that bikini body.

The Oprah website suggests 5 things to keep in mind to boost the metabolism:

1. Try eating an egg at breakfast, because high protein causes our bodies to produce more heat, and thus burn more calories.
2. Eat meals that are 25% smaller. This just makes sense, and if it’s difficult, try fooling your tummy by fooling your eye and put those meals on a plate that’s 25% smaller.
3. Don’t sit still, keep moving and move throughout the day. Try walking down the stairs at the end of a shift, and if you need to sit and think, try walking and thinking.
4. Try circuit exercises rather than strength based exercised. This will keep your heart rate up, and this in turn will melt away those pesky little calories.
5. And finally, push yourself. If you’re walking, try and walk faster for that last 20 yards to the bus stop, or try moving a bit more while you’re dancing around your apartment.  This extra push will help stimulate the metabolism and get you to your goal.

A little of this, eating with conscious purpose – that means register what’s going into your mouth and ask yourself is this going to get me to my goal? – and drinking lots of water for the next 2 weeks, and voila!  Hot Hawaiian bikini beach babe – have a great vacation!

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The advice offered in this column is meant to be used as general guidance based on the facts provided. The opinions or views expressed should not be relied on as treatment or counselling services. If you are a VCH staff member and find yourself in need of counselling or support, please contact EFAP toll free at 1-800-505-4929 or 604-872-4929, your family doctor, or another appropriately trained and qualified specialist.