You Count, Calories Don't: The HugsTM Plan for Better Health

Arlene M. Gryfe is a Toronto-based professional nutritionist and home
economist.

North Americans, especially females, have an obsession with thinness, as
demonstrated by the proliferation of books on diet, fitness, and body
image. However, many extreme weight loss diets are not based on
established nutrition principles, and may even cause physical harm.
Moreover, much psychological damage can be done to a person who tries
one diet after another and loses weight, only to regain as much, or
more, over and over again.

Linda Omichinski, a registered dietitian, teaches people to focus on a
healthy lifestyle, rather than on a food list and numbers of calories,
and, more importantly, to accept themselves as they are. Her philosophy,
which she describes by the trademarked name of HUGSTM, helps people to
realize that they do have the power to change their ways of thinking and
eating through a nondieting approach. Self-esteem is increased by
building a sense of control over one’s life, which further enhances
one’s power of self-control. Of course, exercise is an important part
of this philosophy, but instead of undertaking a regime that is
difficult or detested one should adopt a sport (even walking counts)
that is enjoyable and provides satisfaction.

Omichinski gives insights into why people eat (boredom, loneliness,
stress, anger, fatigue, etc.) and how to cope with these situations.
Ultimately, “what” and “how much” people eat really does matter,
but the author encourages readers to develop interests and coping
mechanisms other than food, and to select those foods that will help
them eliminate excess weight. She also explains the most recent theories
on energy metabolism and food behavior, and suggests ways of enhancing
physical and emotional health.

Included in the book are several recipes, cooking hints, lifestyle
quizzes, scientific references, the names of recommended magazines and
cookbooks, and, throughout, the encouragement to “[b]e the best that
you can be!”

This easy-to-read book can be enjoyed by all people interested in
achieving successful weight loss, especially those who have tried before
and been unsuccessful. To assist with the program, the author also
markets video- and audiotapes, T-shirts, and other products under the
HUGSTM logo.