We all know about the expensive programs that we see advertised everywhere, that tell us we can look like a model quick as a wink. Then why would anyone attend hour-long TOPS meetings, week after week? What do they get out of it? I’ve attended weekly for over 2 years, and the winner buzzer on my scales still hasn’t sounded. Those jiffy programs might help us lose weight quickly, but if we haven’t effectively changed our habits, those pounds usually return.
I asked TOPS members why they stick with TOPS. Their answer: weekly meetings build good habits. Regularly checking weight helped them stay focused. Without that weekly weigh-in, old habits can sneak up on you, and you lose momentum. It’s a gradual process. We don’t expect overnight miracles. At TOPS, we celebrate each person’s small step towards good health. Some of our star members reached their ideal weight goal years ago and have maintained that weight ever since. Their shining examples show the rest of us that we can do it, too.
Companionship is another powerful reason for attending TOPS meetings every week. During this pandemic, our group has kept on meeting. We met on Zoom for a stretch of time. And because we’re a support group that follows all the protocols, we can meet in person. The companionship and solid support we give and receive at TOPS is essential to our journey toward optimum health. Even after our meeting formally ends, we have informal conversations about other concerns and interests that people living on a small island share. We find the friendships we’ve built over time to be extra important to us during the pandemic.
A third reason to meet weekly is that our meetings feature an educational piece; we call it “the Program.” Each week one member of the group brings information on a subject related to our health. It could be about physical health, where we learn some new exercises we can do at home. Sometimes it’s about foods that boost the immune system, or about foods that we should try to avoid. Someone might read a paper about emotional health, new medical research prompting questions to take to their doctor, or some helpful suggestions for what to do when they feel stressed. I know I always come away feeling I learned something new. We also learn a lot from our TOPS magazine, “TOPS News,” published six times a year. It’s full of practical ideas and inspiration.
Each week we remind ourselves that we’re intelligent people and that we will take off pounds sensibly. We’d love to see you at our meetings. Come join us at TOPS. We meet every Wednesday morning at the Community Centre, from 9:00 to 10:00. We wear masks, social distance, and sanitize whatever we touch. We’re a low-cost, enjoyable, international self-help program that welcomes everyone. (Your first visit is free.) If you want to Take Off Pounds Sensibly with us, please call.
Submitted by Amber Harvey