Selvera Weight Loss Plan: First Consultation

A unique feature of the Selvera program is that you consult one-on-one with a registered dietitian.  She is basically a coach with the education and knowledge.  One thing that really turned me off to other  similar programs in the past is that the consultant you work with may or may not have had a weight issue and may or may not (may not in my experience) have actual knowledge about food and diet needs.  I don't know that my Selvera consultant has ever had a weight issue but I do know that she has gone to school for enough years to have earned an M.S. and an R.D after her name.  That does mean something to me.  Anyway, I was in the middle of a bridal shower SAYING NO to cake but eating salsa by the spoonful (because it seemed a better choice than the cake) when Amanda called for our scheduled first appointment.  As she began going over the basics of the program with me, I discovered what will be my greatest obstacle.  She's talking and I'm turning it off thinking yeah yeah I already know all of this.  STOP!  I need to just stop with that attitude because while I might think I'm a know-it- all when it comes to diet and weight loss, it SURE HASN'T GOTTEN ME WHERE I NEED TO BE!!!  (Yes I'm shouting and for a good reason.  I need to get my own attention!) I need to trust that maybe I don't really know everything and maybe someone who has earned four capital letters after her name does.  

So I tried to humble myself and open my mind to what she was saying and I really did get a new perspective.  As part of your diet week, you are allowed 3 "discretionary" exchanges.  These are meant to cover the moments that come up in our lives that include food and for which we don't need to just watch other people have all the fun.  As I was planning the week ahead and telling her about all the special events that might be coming up,  I realized that I have way more than three - and that this week is not unique or special in my life.  Hmmm - could this be one of my healthy eating road blocks. While I was trying to figure out which life events I wanted to make discretionary eating events,  I  mentioned to Amanda that I had a teacher appreciation luncheon this week.  There was a moment of silence on the phone and then she said "Well, do you HAVE to eat the luncheon food?  Is there any reason you can't bring your own?"  It was a revelation!  No indeed I didn't HAVE to eat the luncheon food!  But then a little voice in the back of my mind said "but you want to eat the special luncheon food.  You've earned it!"  Luckily Amanda's  larger voice added "I'm not saying that you can never eat at a luncheon again, but do you really have to this time?"  And there was the ah-ha moment.  Yes, there will be lots of other special luncheon opportunities in the future right now I need to worry about dropping weight.  It is and always has been my choice what I eat.  For now I'm happy I have someone on my side helping me to make the best choice.  

Selvera Weight Loss Plan: The Last Weight Loss Plan You'll Need

If you want to know the nutritional value of any food, just ask an overweight person.  If you are curious about the fat, carb, or protein content, just ask someone who is a veteran dieter.  We know how to lose weight, we've been doing it all of our lives.  So why do we continually fail?  Whoever can legitimately  answer that question should write a book; they'll make a lot of money.  I sure can't.   I have in fact reached a point in my life where I admit I have no answers.  I don't know what else I can do to lose weight.  I've been told by my doctor at Kaiser that I am not heavy enough to qualify for the surgery.  I am not diabetic enough for the medication that might actually help me lose weight.  I just need to "exercise more and eat a healthier diet".  Thanks doc, I had no idea.  So it was with some desperation that I  clicked on an ad posted on my Facebook page titled Selvera, the last weight loss plan you'll ever need.  Curious, I clicked on the Selvera site to learn more.  Selvera provides for $150 a month, personal nutrition counseling, a Bluetooth enabled scale and pedometer that go straight to your  counselor who is a  registered dietitian, and an optional pre-packaged food plan (about $450 a month).  After a lot of desperate consideration, I decided why not - I'm not getting anywhere on my own.  So I took the plunge and ordered.  Less than a week later, my box from Selvera Arrived.  This is what was included:

A folder with information about the diet plan and the support involved.

A fancy schmancy scale that connects to your nutrition consultant via Bluetooth.

Two weeks (yikes!) worth of food. You also need to purchase  fruits and vegetables on your own.

A cool Blue Tooth pedometer.

A personalized note from Amanda, the registered dietitian who I will talk to on the phone once a week.

Soooo we'll see.  It feels a little bit Big Brotherish…but maybe I'm at a point in my life where I need Big Brother.  I'm sure as heck not making it on my own.  Interesting true story:  today was the culmination of Teacher Appreciation Week and the kids were to bring in a sweet treat for their teacher.   Even though I had a desk full of goodies, I really didn't have big cravings or desire to dig in.  I won't actually start the food plan till next week but the idea of stepping on a scale tomorrow that goes straight to my dietitian kinda makes me want to avoid eating crap.  Interesting….so WE'LL SEE!

My desk filled with goodies!  I gave in a had a chocolate covered strawberry.  It's fruit right?    But really, nothing was very tempting.  

Disclaimer:  I am reporting on my Selvera experiences entirely without compensation or consideration.  Every opinion is my own based on my personal experiences, successes and failures.