Our Clients Say
In the Word of Margaret from Maine
When I began my journey with Ellen I felt lost, out of control and heavy hearted. With Ellen’s help, guidance and support I now feel mindful, healthy and energized. I gained control, lost weight and found myself in the process. I am truly grateful for the tools she shared with me and the lessons she taught me. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who is ready to do the work.
In The Words of Julie in Minnesota
“Ellen, I used my mindfulness skills this morning — they work!! I went from feeling worried and having hunched shoulders to feeling calm and confident with my shoulders back. I then thanked God for you and for the skills I’m learning. Then I cried — the tears were from a deep part of me that is overjoyed about my new found skills.
Thank you for the work that you do — and for being so good at it.”
In the Words of A,B., Ontario, Canada
The past 18 weeks have been the most valuable time I have ever spent on the telephone!
Thank you so much for your guidance, mentoring, and friendship. It has been so nice to have a “coach for living” with such compassion, wisdom, and empathy. I feel that our work together has been a great success and I can now practice what I’ve learned. With gratitude and fondness…
In the Words of K.H, of Cincinnati…
I could not believe that once again I needed to lose over a hundred pounds, weight regained after Lap- Band surgery. I was out of control and desperately searching for something, anything that might end this madness once and for all. During this time, I received an email from Ellen offering to help me change my relationship with food. We began working together and I discovered my excess weight was not a lack of willpower, but that I was using food to cope with life. I learned to recognize the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger.
We worked together for over six months before I lost the first pound, but during that time I was reinventing myself and my life. Ellen helped me gain the confidence to go to the gym. Water aerobics seemed like a good way to start exercising, but it had been years since I had worn a swimsuit. Ellen pointed me to resources where I could find one I was comfortable wearing. While I was in the pool exercising I watched the swimmers with envy. They seemed so free. I started swimming lessons and recently, on a beautiful spring day, I went for my swim. I felt like I had just won the lottery and I think, really, I have. I never imagined that life could feel this good.
Thanks Ellen, I could not have done this without your help!
In the Words of Susan in Southern California
I’ve heard it said that “when the student is ready a teacher will appear”, and Ellen Shuman was that teacher for me. She listened compassionately and non-judgmentally, encapsulated the issues, and “virtually” walked me through a set of wonderful skills that literally gave me a step-by-step approach on how to deal with my feelings, change the direction of both my thoughts and how I react to those thoughts and feelings. She did this with such compassion until I understood the skills completely and could use them on my own to achieve a life I have only dreamed about!
After 25 years of seeking out help and getting to a point of knowing the “why”, but never knowing how to change things, Ellen has helped me in a matter of months put the finishing touches on what it is I need. She has given me concrete skills on “how” to achieve a balance and harmony in my everyday life. The results have been amazing and life changing. She is an awesome teacher as well as a great role model for what she teaches. She is also one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever met in my entire life.
In the Words of Jennifer K., NYC
I have not had even close to one binge in at least 6 months (maybe more…) – until I thought about writing to you today, the word binge hadn’t actually crossed my mind in months and months – I even forgot I ever had a problem!
Just wanted to thank you again for all of your help. The lessons you’ve helped me learn really help me on a daily basis, and give me faith to know that I will always have an abundance of everything I need, which is a really comforting feeling.
In the Words of S.D., from NYC
Thank you, Ellen. Thank you for the phone seminar, the handouts, and for having the courage to do it for yourself, and for teaching people hope that there are ways to be empowered in the midst of those extremely rough emotions that have been very damaging for me.
The call was very helpful, you didn’t just learn it, you lived it, and that is truly inspiring.
In the Words of JJ in Chicago
Ellen’s program, A Weigh Out, truly was my way out after 30 years of out of control eating. Ellen, with her non-judgemental demeanor and her expertise, coached me on how to finally be free to live my life with joy.
Don’t wait 30 years if you can help it! Thank you, Ellen.
In the Words of Becky Mollett
I have a voice! Yes! Yes! Yes! Can’t thank you enough for the person you are helping unleash in me! Thanks for sharing the gifts God has given you. They truly have changed my life for the better!
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In the Words of Mary C, in Cincinnati
I worked with Ellen Shuman of A Weigh Out from January to July 2009 regarding disordered eating issues and healthy weight loss. I learned about her thru local publicity (TV and newspaper), and several years ago participated in her call-in seminar to learn more about her program. I found my work with her to be very beneficial. She has an excellent understanding of eating disorder issues, and how to coach folks to work thru the issues to address the root of the issues, and how to make sustainable changes. I achieved my goals of reducing my weight by 20 pounds, reducing my risk for diabetes (A1C levels decreased significantly), and sustaining my weight loss. Previously I would lose weight, feel deprived, and gain it back. Previously, the root of the issues were never addressed. Even psychologists and psychiatrists that I consulted over the years (primarily for other issues) lacked knowledge in this area. The coaching and support provided by Ellen was invaluable and very useful. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to be healthier and deal with eating issues to use Ellen as a resource, especially if they are like I was, fighting a losing battle with weight and weight loss over many years. I had pretty much given up after repeated failures before, but knew I needed to do something different for my health and life. I really appreciate the tools and time and positive results that I received and have the tools and capabilities to sustain the weight loss I’ve achieved in the future. My family is also very grateful for my improved health and energy, both emotional and physical.
In the Words of P.S., Washington, DC
On the list of life-changing phone calls I’ve made in my 30 years of life, my call to Ellen Shuman ranks at the top.Ellen is a natural born healer. She has helped me find my voice after years of silence and I don’t know where I would be without her patience, guidance, and partnership. As a woman of South Asian descent with a traditional Indian family, I knew that my family’s expectations had driven me to seeking control through food. My therapist never talked about this or even considered the possibility. On the other hand, Ellen knew instinctively that I needed to gain insight about my family issues to truly heal. She also studied my cultural background to be able to relate to me and my pain. As someone who has suffered from binge eating disorder herself, Ellen offers insight, wisdom, and a formula for healing that works. And as an experienced life coach, Ellen forms a healing team with you. As a result, you never feel alone as you are learning the skills that will carry you through your hardest moments. Working with Ellen has been an irreplaceable step on my road to healing and I will always be grateful to her as a coach, teacher, and mentor.
In the Words of Hana, Ontario, Canada
I’d like to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to take part in the telephone seminar. It was insightful. I found it interesting and informative.
As well, I felt like part of a group, trying to understand and overcome a problem together….the fact that it was a conference call where you asked for direct feedback, and spoke from personal experience, made it very real and friendly….. thank you for sharing.
In the Words of Dawn from New York
Each day things are falling into place easier and easier. Coaching has been one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and now it’s time for me to step up. You are an awesome coach, thanks for your help in guiding me on this path.
In the Words of Shelly from South Carolina
I had an emotional eating problem for a very long time.
I knew I was doing it because I had issues but I was not sure exactly what those were. I felt helpless because I knew something was wrong but could not articulate where it was coming from. Consequently, I would go on a diet only to fail because emotional eating was impossible for me to conquer. Ellen helped me to see exactly why I was overeating and how it manifested itself. Knowledge really is power. Becoming aware of my issues changed my emotional compass and steered me in the precise direction I needed to go in order to correct my abusive eating patterns. I am now in control of my eating which is something I’ve wanted for myself for years. Even bigger is that I am in control of my life and do not have the food thoughts that I used to have. Ellen taught me the skills I need to ensure that I continue this corrected pattern. I am comfortable with myself, at peace, confident, educated and aware!!! This will serve me well for the rest of my life and I don’t believe I could have realized any of this if it weren’t for Ellen.
Thank you Ellen for this most amazing gift. It has been wonderful working with you.
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of Julie in Minnesota
“Ellen, I used my mindfulness skills this morning — they work!! I went from feeling worried and having hunched shoulders to feeling calm and confident with my shoulders back. I then thanked God for you and for the skills I’m learning. Then I cried — the tears were from a deep part of me that is overjoyed about my new found skills.
Thank you for the work that you do — and for being so good at it.”
In The Words of Martha, Georgia
“I learned a lot during our time together. Thank you so much for your wisdom, insight, commitment to my success and passion for putting what you know out into the world.”
In The Words of Jennifer K., New York, New York
” Ellen has given me back so many hours of my day and life. Now that I don’t spend time bingeing and self-loathing, I am creative, productive, and HAPPY! I feel a sense of freedom that eluded me for a good ten years. I no longer need food to self-soothe, something I used to think unimaginable. Ellen has given me all the tools I need to live a more meaningful life, something for which I am eternally grateful.
Thank you, Ellen, for committing your life to helping those of us who have nowhere else to turn.”
In The Words of Bre from Ontario
“I would just like to thank you Ellen. You have been a blessing in my life and I have enjoyed our talks. I truly feel I have learned some life lessons along with skills I will continue to use in order to get to know my emotional self.”
In the Words of Jay Gottlieb, DO, FAOCD, FOCOO, Dermatology/Facial Plastic Surgery
” Personal coaching with Ellen has helped me on several levels. When we first met by phone, I weighed 202 pounds, had a 39 inch waste, could not sleep at night and I felt overwhelmed on many levels. Today I weigh 160 pounds, I have a 31 inch waist, I sleep on average of 6 hours a night and feel in control of every aspect of my life. Though a series of phone coaching sessions, Ellen was able to analyze my issues and help me become aware of how I was interacting with people and situations. I have been able to help other people in my life with their situations because of my new ‘awareness’. My gratitude goes to Ellen.”
In The Words of D. Lewis in Florida
” The work I have done with Ellen Shuman over the past year has made an immeasurable difference in the way I view my life and conduct myself.
When we began our weekly phone sessions I was desperate to try anything to control my eating. I had been on every diet plan, weight loss system, 12-step programs, hypnosis… you name it, I had tried it. At 42 years of age, I was tired of it all, but knew there had to be something out there that would work. After reading an article in Oprah Magazine, that mentioned Ellen and “A Weigh Out”, I called in for the free one hour conference call. Ellen was speaking my language. The questions regarding whether or not I needed this program left me with a resounding YES! I realized that I needed to change my perception of and relationship with food. No easy task! There were worksheets, homework assignments, gratitude lists, paradigm shifts, and countless other tools that I needed to use in order to bring about the change that I would ultimately have to make.
The work took time and effort, but so did staying overweight. The energy I used to focus on food and diets was now being channeled into working on another, better way of looking at things. I learned that I had trained my mind to “go to food” in many situations where food was NOT the answer. This was neurological, but not irreversible. I also learned early on that there were levels of awareness. This allowed me to measure my progress without a scale.
I truly believe that I would not be where I am today without the help of Ellen and this wonderful program. Today I can look at my life, my choices, and my weight with a new perspective. It was never about losing weight with Ellen, it was about doing the work. The process. It was not easy to trust the process at first. For years, my focus was on a number- either on the scale or on my clothing. This time it was different, the focus was on me, and why I was making the choices I made. I was no longer a victim, but a well-equipped (with the many tools) participant in my life and a new respect for the way I treated my body.
I am so grateful to Ellen Shuman and the “Weigh Out” program for helping me change my perspective and my life. I know that she is only a phone call away, and there is always a well informed, caring voice on the other end pulling for me to live my best life!”
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of P.M.K. from Texas
“I am NO LONGER an emotional eater! I was referred to Ellen by my mother, a former client who has had great success working with Ellen. I jumped at the opportunity to work with Ellen after seeing the result of her work. Ellen has helped me to find the root(s) of my emotional eating and with much guided practice has helped me to use the tools necessary to overcome it. While I am no longer a client, the ‘lessons of Ellen’ will continue to benefit me all the days of my life. Thanks, Ellen!”
In The Words of Alex from New York
“Ellen played a key role in my recovery from binge eating. Her strong believes that eating habits have an emotional side are true. Ellen, being very insightful, helped me to become aware of the issues that were hampering me from making a lasting change. She helped me believe that old habits can be changed for good and that everything depends on my own motivation and desire to change. I feel that Ellen is very invested in my success.”
In The Words of Balinda from Florida
” Thank you, Ellen, for your wisdom and insight and for the great work you are doing to help people like me! The weight loss is very nice, but even better is that almost every day, at the end of the day, I have found myself saying “I have no regrets about today”. That is huge, after beating myself up so many times about eating. I am truly feeling that I have made a permanent life change.”
In The Words of Gwen Sullivan, Texas
“I stumbled onto a podcast with Ellen while looking around on www.girlfriendology.com. I woke up this particular morning with the realization that I had lived many more years with my eating disorder than without it and I was so discouraged. After I listened to the podcast, I went to Ellen’s website and signed up for her free telephone seminar. I almost skipped it, but felt something tugging me in. When I signed up for your free telephone seminar, I thought that
1) nothing is free and 2) I was beyond help. I was wrong.
Your seminar was free and your approach was absolutely no-obligation. And, more importantly, I had a glimmer of hope that you could help me. (Do you remember how angry I was at everybody around me when we started?!?)
Fast forward to today and following 6 sessions with Ellen. I do not give a second thought to food unless I happen to be hungry. Then, I figure out what I want to eat and eat it with complete freedom. I go to parties and social events and don’t worry about whether or not there will be something I am “allowed” to eat at the event. Everyone comments on how great I look and wants to know what I’m doing. But the fact is, I haven’t lost any weight! And get this, I don’t care!! I am part of a group of women who post on a private blog. These women have never seen me in person and even they are asking me what I’ve done to change. I feel so good in my own skin, in my own body. I can look in the mirror with appreciation. I am grateful for my body and all it gives to me and does for me. For the first time in my life, I love myself exactly as I am and I have peace.
One of the most valuable and unexpected outcomes in this journey with Ellen is the creativity that has come to me. My mind is clutter-free. I don’t have obsessive thoughts around food and weight and body image anymore, and this has freed me to use my imagination, to be happy, to be more loving and kind, to appreciate my friends and family. I am finally at peace.
I had a long and difficult job interview last week and the interviewer kept tossing hypothetical problems at me. With each problem, I gave hypothetical solutions by thinking them through using Ellen’s tools of recovery. The interviewer actually asked me how I was able to come up with the solutions so quickly and told me how impressed he was with my problem-solving abilities. I told him that I had been working with a coach to overcome some obstacles and that my coach had taught me these valuable skills. Needless to say, I got the job. (I turned it down because it wasn’t in alignment with my new goals. Wow!)
Ellen, thank you so much. I want you to know how much you have helped me. I never thought it possible.”
With much love and gratitude,
Gwen Sullivan
In The Words of Patricia from PA
“I was desperate to break the diet and binging cycle which had help me in its grip since I was a child. I never thought that I could ever make peace with food, and through my work with Ellen, I feel like I am finally able to eat like a ‘normal person’ without all the focus on body size, dieting, losing and gaining weight, etc., It’s been an enlightening and satisfying journey!”
In The Words of Ann B., Florida
“Ellen, I have definitely continued to be impacted by the coaching time you spent with me. I’ve managed to lose about 20 of the 40 lbs I gained since moving here. The whole idea of being mindful, present to my feelings, actions, and thoughts has been powerful. Not in an instant change way, but dramatic over time. Thank you again for investing in me and my well being.”
In The Words of Jon from Houghton, Michigan
” Working with Ellen in one-on-one telephone coaching has been life changing for me. She has provided me with the tools to help me “stay connected” in my daily life; and not to “disconnect” with food, food thoughts, or other compulsive behaviors. Before working with Ellen, I had no idea that is what I was doing. I have lost weight, but more importantly, I have found myself. It is so “freeing” to not be on a diet anymore.
Our work to address my 35 years of compulsive behavior has been challenging, but well worth it. I am continually amazed at how Ellen relates to all my “issues”, and how she has provided me new insights to allow me to see my way through them. I would recommend Ellen to anyone dealing with emotional eating.
In addition, Ellen has helped me set and achieve my personal and professional goals. Although we have not met in person, I truly feel I have found a life long friend.
Thank you, Ellen. I will always be grateful. ”
In The Words of Christine from Salt Lake City
“I came across A Weigh Out purely by chance. I was reading the Oprah magazine and there was a great article on binge eating that I identified with. I saw Ellen’s name and immediately looked it up on the web. I was thrilled to see all that was offered and how perfectly it was matched for me.
In the time Ellen and I spent together I was able to zone in on where I was having trouble. With her gentle guidance I was able to develop tools to help me through the times that lead me to binge. The most interesting part for me was that while I was honing in on these tools for the purposes of my eating concerns, it actually started affecting all aspects of my life. I was more in control at work and I was spending less money of frivolous items – both of which were becoming concerns for me. Ellen has tools to help in every tough situation you come up against and by using these tools they no longer seem so tough. It was the best time and money I’ve ever spent! ”
In The Words of Denise from Chicago, IL
” Working with Ellen has been an amazing experience. This is for anyone who has tried every diet program (like myself!!) and failed. The skills I have learned from Ellen I use every day and will continue to use them for the rest of my life.
It is a life changing experience!!!”
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of Rachel from Utah
“Ellen Shuman and A Weigh Out provide a special service in helping you discover what your emotions do to drive you to eat. If you are looking for a quick fix or easy way to stop eating, this is not the place to find it (it doesn’t exist!) However if you want to explore and learn what emotions are driving your hunger and then learn how to deal with those feelings effectively without food, A Weigh Out is your starting point. More than a month after completing my sessions with Ellen I feel that I gained the valuable tools I need to face my emotions effectively and deal with issues in my life in more successful ways than eating to cope with them. ”
In The Words of Ann in Florida
” Dear Ellen,
I’ve learned by participating in one-on-one coaching and more recently your group conference call complementing the Eckard Tolle book series on Oprah. I had a major life breakthrough during the course of our ten weeks regarding my obsessive habit of worrying.
I’ve learned to stay focused on the moment at hand and, as needed, how to bring myself back to the present moment. I learned that my worry and regrets were either in the future or the past in most cases, therefore by focusing on the moment my tension has eased.
Thank you for guiding me on the journey to self awareness. I’m forever grateful. ”
In The Words of K.W. from California
“Ellen Shuman made a huge difference in my work to understand and overcome the binge eating disorder I’ve struggled with for most of my life. She was an amazing teacher, role model and support. She taught me specific tools to work with then checked in with me to discuss what worked and what didn’t. I felt I could share my successes as well as my failures with and she was never, ever judgemental, always eager to teach me something new, to try something different.
She was personally present in our conversations, sharing relevant bits of her life and experience to help me feel that I was not alone. While we focused mainly on eating issues, Ellen always worked with me as a whole person. When I was ready to talk less about food and more about the other things in my life I wanted to accomplish, she was a real support there as well. I can’t say enough good things about her. ”
In The Words of KH from Cincinnati
“I had just begun working with Ellen when Oprah’s Webcast for A New Earth was announced. Ellen offered to host a telephone book club to help us understand the book and use Eckhart Tolle’s ideas to cope with our emotional eating. It was informative and inspiring to share my thoughts, fears, and hopes with others who have a similar relationship with food.
Ellen guided us through the chapters each week and we were able to use Tolles’ message to understand our behaviors and to begin to change them. It was great to share our spiritual awakening with each other. The book is complicated and I would never have been as successful understanding it without the support of the group. I was pleasantly surprised that A New Earth was so useful in many areas of my life. Thanks Ellen, I look forward to the next book club ”
In The Words of N.B.from Wisconsin
“Ellen’s A New Earth telephone group was an enlightening experience for me. Having this opportunity helped me relate Eckhart Tolle’s concepts specifically to emotional eating. These concepts enhance the mindfulness skills and tools that I learned through coaching sessions with Ellen. I especially enjoyed the comradery that I felt between everyone on the telephone. It was a networking of people working toward a common goal and an extremely positive experience. ”
In The Words of Adele Barrett, Ontario, Canada
“I so appreciated the New Earth phone group that Ellen formed, it helped to bring the ideas of the book to life for me. It was great to hear how the other participants were using Eckhart Tolle’s techniques and melding them with the tools learned in Ellen’s coaching. I feel an awakening slowly blooming in my world, it grows a little faster when I share it with others. I miss Ellen and the group and hope that we will continue in the fall. ”
In The Words of K.K. from Ohio
“Ellen, Thank you again for an amazing session this morning. I am astounded by how all of “my baggage” is tied together.I think you just may have saved my life (and my sanity) after years and years of searching for answers. ”
In The Words of Lana from Chicago
“A Weigh Out is one of the best tools available for dealing with binge eating disorder. Ellen helped me to get in touch with my own thoughts and feelings, and learn how to change some of the more negative ones. She provided me with effective strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression – the root causes of my overeating.
It was nice to speak with someone who had once been an overeater. I felt like Ellen really understood what I was going through. She was sympathetic and non-judgmental. I enjoyed my one-on-one conversations with Ellen because the focus was on me – unlike other programs that I have tried. I would recommend A Weigh Out to anyone who is struggling with overeating. Healing is possible through this program. ”
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of Laura Armitage, Georgia
“Dear Ellen,
What a relief to talk to someone who understood me so well. I felt so comfortable with you from the very beginning. I almost hated to reach a point where I could manage on my own, but I’m there! I really appreciated your endless listening, but also your ability to gently remind me of my thought patterns, goals and abilities. I really value our work together. I thank you for your interest in me, my family, and even my work in Africa.
This holiday season is such a relief! As you know, I have binged since childhood, and dieted and regained for over forty years. It is amazing to look forward to spending time with family and friends and not have a goal of either strict dieting or crazy overeating. Also, I don’t have to be the one to run all of the errands, just to be able to eat secretly. I’m so happy with how I feel (mentally and physically) that I’m not even tempted to have any food that I don’t feel that I can handle now.
Finally, at sixty one, I feel that my discipline with eating matches how I handle the rest of my life. I’m no longer an organized, sensible, sane person who has one very crazy “out of control” problem! Of course, I do realize that I have to continue to monitor my eating and thinking. Thank you so much for all that you have done for me, and for all that you do for others. ”
In The Words of Sue, Florida
“I am doing great and just wanted you to know that it all has so much to do with the skills you taught me. I just want to remind you that although my life is extremely busy, I think of you often as one of the best things that happened to me. Your coaching has helped me with food, family, work, and led me to the love of my life. My boyfriend proposed in June. We are enjoying being engaged and plan on marrying next year. Ellen, you make a difference in peoples’ lives. You are a gift.
With Gratitude! ”
In The Words of Mel Dyer, London, England
“I wish I could quantify the amount of energy I’ve spent over the last 25 years, looking for the ‘perfect’ diet. Having tried every diet, read every book, parted with significant amounts of money in the process, I’d come to the conclusion that I must have a character flaw. Until I found Ellen and I participated in the free phone in session and it resonated with me immediately. Though it was with some skepticism that I booked some one on one coaching. I’d had years of ‘failures’ under my belt and part of me felt that it would be inevitable that I’d have this to add to this list. So I promised myself this would be THE last attempt I’d try – and it has been ! For reasons I didn’t expect – that I can finally say – my search is over.
The one on one coaching has helped me identify why the desert cart held such allure and has provided me with skills and insights that have changed my life. I now feel empowered, and free to get on with living in harmony with food instead of at war with it ! ”
In The Words of Eileen Seaman, Cincinnati, OH
“My experience with A Weigh Out turned out not to be about my weight dragging me down, but how I was handling my life. I was going through the motions and frustrated that nothing was turning out the way I wanted it to. My goals were all swirling in my head and I was running in circles thinking if I could just lose the weight I would get my life together. Then I saw there was a free telephone seminar, listened, signed on, and week by week my self-created mess of a life was transformed into a calm, self-aware, mindful life that has clear goals and tools to change my life and keep my life the way I intend it to be. Thank you Ellen! ”
In The Words of Faith, Smithfield, VA
“The sessions you and I had have changed my life. Of course, there was a great deal of prayer involved also. But I want you to know since my last update to you I have lost 25 pounds! Not because I’m on a diet, but because I’m making better choices – one choice at a time.
Your question – “What is it I’m asking the food to do for me?” changed my entire concept of why I was eating. I realized that food CANNOT comfort me, love me, nor be my friend. Then I started seeing a transformation from Unconscious Negative Behavior all the way to Conscious Positive Behavior as I realized that overeating food was actually making me feel worse. So now, when I’m stressed I realize that eating fruits and vegetables makes me feel better in the long run because they help me to think better and give me more energy. I also exercise a minimum of three times a week.
I never thought that I would clearly understand how to change the relationship I had with food, but thanks to your program and lots of prayer, my life has changed. Thank you so much. ”
In The Words of KAM, Chicago, IL
“I can remember the time and place when I first found comfort in food. Yep, I was 13 years old, fall of my freshman year in high school, after school at 3:30pm, sitting in front of the television. I had finished half of box of vanilla wafers. Wow…I thought…”I enjoyed this so much, let’s try it again tomorrow”…and I did. I finished the box and from that day on “emotional eating/binging/purging” was the main part of my life.
I would diet, you name it…fasting diet, Weight Watcher’s three times, the vinegar, kelp, and vitamin water diet, cabbage soup diet…anything that would help me lose weight. I even attended meetings for “Overeaters Anonymous”!!! Oh yeah…the weight came off but it always came back. I was “married to my bathroom scale.” Have you seen the commercial with the woman with the bathroom scale “chained to her ankle” walking around? Well, that was me…42 years in an emotional state of an eating disorder. I would also go as far as using laxatives before a Weight Watcher meeting when I had to do my monthly maintenance weigh-in AND I would even spit out the window of my car (uh huh..gross) to help my weigh in. My life revolved around what the scale said EVERY morning. If my weight was “up” I was unhappy, if my weight was the same, I was unhappy, if I had lost…well then I was happy! BUT, I was always “on-the edge” with a binge. This was my “Achilles-heel”…carbohydrate binges in the evenings—cookies, ice cream, anything sweet, or potato chips.
I kept a journal for months of my weight and I found I could not go for more than 3 -5 days on average before I had to binge once again. Now, mind you…I am 5′1″ and weigh between 120-125 pounds which is a healthy weight with a healthy BMI. I also walk in the mornings when possible, and here’s the “kicker”…I am a Heath/Fitness Teacher….go figure. I knew what to do, I knew what is healthy BUT I knew I had an eating disorder..Help.
And then 4 months ago I read about of “A Weigh- Out” in the August, 2007 Oprah Magazine. I went to their web site, read everything and said…Oh my gosh..this is me..maybe, just maybe…this will help. I felt guided as I scheduled a phone “meeting” to “discuss” and listen to what this was all about. There were others on the phone line and I realized…I am not alone.
At that point I decided to continue with more sessions with Ellen (the coach) and we would “talk” on a weekly basis. She sent me information and worksheets (which really made me “dig into” my psychological state and the “whys” of my behavior. Little my little I came to understand myself and “food thoughts” were put in its proper perspective. Guess what? I have not been weighing myself—a very big accomplishment — AND the best part….no binges. I have a completely different “mindset” on “who I am” and my relationship with myself and food. I am a lot happier and healthier. I have finally found freedom with A WEIGH OUT (way-out) after 43 years. Thank you…Ellen. ”
In The Words of Melissa in Washington, DC
“Ellen, I have thought about all the ways I could say that my life has changed in the past year of working with you. I think the one that sums it up and means the most to me is that I’m not afraid any more in the way that I once was. I’m not afraid of new social situations and I’m not afraid of losing control with food. I trust my own decisions and intuition in a way that I didn’t before. This frees up my energy to deal with other things so much more important than my next diet.
I also know that I can go anywhere and not be afraid of following/falling off a diet or not being able to find whatever it is I’m supposed to eat. I think that the weight loss will come in time now that I no longer binge but that is just one more factor in the overall sense of peace and well being I feel now. I know I was ready to do this when I found you. I doubt I could have gotten her without your assistance. Thank you. ”
In The Words of Carrie, San Francisco, CA
” I want to say thank you to Ellen for empowering me on my journey to be more mindful in everything I do, including and especially eating. Through the skills she has shown me I feel more confident that I may progress to where food does not control me anymore. I am still a “work in progress” but do feel less burdened, less reactive and have times where I am not thinking about food at all. I have bought the book she suggested “A New Earth” and the “Beginning Mindfulness” CD recommended, and daily I either read a few paragraphs or listen to a brief meditation. I carry my self-care list with me and check in with it daily to remind myself to feel what is going on and to step back if needed.
I highly recommend anyone with an emotional eating problem to seek some help through A Weigh Out. It will also carry over into other areas of your life. ”
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of Bob from Ohio
” Ellen, I just wanted to say “THANKS!” for working with me these past few months. I have been on every diet known to the universe. The problem is that the word DIET means “Don’t eat this, or don’t eat that”. It never worked because the reason I ate was a “reward” to myself for working so many hours at my job, as well as eating to relieve stress. That is just plain wrong! When we were children, we were all taught to “Stop, Look, Listen” before we walked in a school crosswalk. The same goes for a healthy lifestyle.
Ellen helped me open my mind FIRST before I made a choice in diet, as well as other life choices. She works with nutritional skills, along with emotional skills and physical skills. I am no longer on a “diet”, but I now use my inner emotions to act opposite to my negative current emotions. A boxer goes to a neutral corner in a big match to analyze his next move. It’s more of that “stop, look,listen”.
If you are looking for another new diet plan, simply forget it. They don’t work! You need to change your mindset to change your eating patterns. Pills (Prescription and Over The Counter) DO NOT WORK! Trust me. I am a Pharmacist. All they do is raise your blood pressure and give you a cheap high. I was ready for a change. Thanks Ellen.”
In The Words of N.B., Wisconsin
” Working with Ellen has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself in my entire life! Ellen taught me how to let go of all the things that weighed me down, so I could start living the healthy life that I’ve always wanted to live. The biggest relief is that this program has nothing to do with pounds or calories. It’s the answer to an emotional eater’s prayers! ”
In The Words of L. from Maryland
” Before I found this program, I was knowledgeable about what constituted a healthy diet yet I failed at every diet program that I tried because the diets were all about the food and following the diet rules (e.g., what to eat or not eat, counting calories or points, etc.). In contrast, this program taught me how and why I was using food to distract myself from remaining present in my life and taught me the strategies needed to shift my thinking from food thoughts to more effective behavior. The coaching that I received did not focus on my setting and meeting weekly goals for weight loss. On the contrary, the coaching provided instruction and objective, nonjudgmental guidance that led me toward intentional self-care and positive behavioral choices. As I implemented the strategies, the emotional eating dissipated and I became empowered to achieve my personal goals. This program truly changed my life for the better. ”
In The Words of S.S., North Carolina
“Thank you for your help, Ellen! I joined Overeaters Anonymous this past spring and I am happy to say that I have been able to not compulsively binge or overeat for 4 months. Coming from a family of Alcoholics, I can see how I have become a “behavior addict”. I have eliminated the “trigger foods” and I am working every day to deal with the emotions and not to disassociate from them or the situations. I am exercising at a Y closer to my new house. But I know that I would not have been able to be at this point if not for all the work you did with me. I wouldn’t be here without you. ”
In The Words of A.B. from Illinois
” Ellen and ‘A Weigh Out’ came along for me at just the right time. I knew the steps I had to take after many years of weight loss programs, therapy, discussion groups, many, many books read, etc. but talking with Ellen at this point in my life supported me enough to push through my deepest blocks and put the things I knew into action. Things all seemed to come together. My weight is coming down, I feel more balanced and aware than ever. Thank you Ellen for your huge piece in all of this.”
In The Words T.K., Milwaukee, WI
” For years I’ve heard the sports logo “Just Do It” as a campaign to add activity to an otherwise sedentary life. I have also heard that all it takes to change your size is the “willpower,” a “Just Do It” attitude toward eating differently. But I never knew what to “just do.” I tried just about every eating program on the market, looking for the plan and the support that would help me with my life long food issues. But the more I focused on the food, counting points, calories, fat grams, carbs, ounces, or servings, the less I knew what to do as I slipped further and further away from my own body’s signals of hunger and fullness.
Even when I began changing my language about eating, moving my philosophies away from dieting and toward trusting my body to tell me what it wants and needs, I struggled to let go of the old habits and processes from the years of dieting. I had new language, new desires, healthier attitudes toward food and eating, but didn’t have the skills to turn those attitudes into life-changing actions.
A Weigh Out gave me some tangible, measurable skills to use to help me change the way I approach food. My coach taught me some tools I could use to set my own goals, to have more choices when I face feelings I am uncomfortable with, not just “eat” them. Using the skills helps me to walk through the discomfort without getting bogged down in it. Using the skills helps me redirect my focus onto the goals I want, to be proactive in making choices about food instead of being a victim of my old habits and associations.
Now when I think “Just Do It,” I have a set of skills to do. I can make choices about my eating, about my thoughts around food and my body (or any area of my life) by using the skills I have learned through the A Weigh Out program. I have learned skills that will last a lifetime, not just a fad that will be tried and gone. Unlike a diet which becomes harder the longer it lasts, the skills I have learned grow easier the more I use them. I have begun to see the changes I want in my life and believe for the first time that the changes will continue and be lasting.”
In The Words of K.F. in Wisconsin
” Everything that you have done for me has been an amazing asset toward my recovery and my process in dealing with my eating issues. I have thoroughly loved working with you as well, and want to express to you how much more I learned from you beyond coping techniques for binge-eating. Take care, and eternal gratitude…”
In The Words of SJC of Virginia
” During a particular low point in my life, I was surfing the web and came upon emotional eating and then emotional eating coaching. I had never heard of coaching before and knew I had this problem, so I decided to give them a call. From the very beginning, Ellen got me to refocus on what the weight was all about. She helped me find my way out of my negativity and to start not only being a mindful eater, but someone who believed in herself and all the potential good things that were waiting for me in life. To say that I have experienced a miraculous transformation in the five months that I did coaching is an understatement. I am now exercising five days a week, eating mindfully and working on projects that are more in tune with what I have always wanted to do. As Ellen would say, “the weight will come off” as I stop doing the things I did that kept it on. I am now looking forward to a healthy, happy and bright future because of my coaching. Ellen, Coaching has turned my life around and I will forever be appreciative of you for that. Thanks once again for all you have done.”
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of K.B., Minnesota
” I’m thrilled with the changes I’ve already experienced in many different areas of my life due to the tools Ellen has taught me! Ellen takes the time to thoroughly listen to me. Then she provides practical step by step solutions. She also worked with me to discover the skills to arrive at the solutions for myself.”
In The Words of Cynthia, Idaho
” I’m just so thankful for having found this program. It feels like the missing piece of the puzzle that has eluded me for all these years. It has truly changed my life and I know it will continue to do so as I work at knowing the skills better. I no longer despair over wondering why I can’t figure out what my problem is. And knowing I have a choice in what I’m doing is incredibly liberating. ”
In The Words of Jennifer, North Miami, Florida
” More than a year after my gastric bypass surgery, I was on a quest to find greater stability in my relationship with food. While my stomach had limits on how much food I could eat, my mind still wanted to keep eating! Ellen’s approach to change is completely action-oriented and was based on what I was willing to commit to change. She taught me to find the real triggers of my emotional eating and then how to regulate my reactions to those situations to achieve a peaceful relationship with food. What a gift! I had worked with other people and as a coach Ellen far exceeds them in effectiveness. I think it is so important to realize that gastric bypass surgery is one tool to regain your health, but the skills Ellen teaches to overcome emotional eating is another critical tool. Ellen has allowed me to become mindful of my relationship with food and to choose my today and my tomorrow…it’s my choice!” ”
In The Words of DZ, Ohio
” It’s hard to sum up what the work with Ellen has meant to me. Life changing. The tools to change have been provided which I’ll carry the rest of my life. Everyone always wants to know, “but how much weight have you lost?”. “Sixteen pounds in 9 weeks”, I say. But that’s merely a by-product of what I’ve learned in my work with Ellen, which has instilled in me the desire to make healthy and care-ful choices. Shifts in attitude and perception produce lasting change and unlike the many diets which have failed me over the years, this process will never end. I’ve never felt so free from “food rules” and the grip of a diet with all the accompanying cravings, guilt, and regret. Like a breath of fresh air. Hope!”
In The Words of D., New Jersey
” Prior to working with Ellen Shuman, I struggled with compulsive overeating and an addiction to a broad range of diet drugs that seemed insurmountable. Years of work with doctors, therapists and nutritionists resulted in temporary fixes, but never led to real change or permanent resolution. Ellen’s endless patience and wisdom taught me that a rich, rewarding and healthy life was possible only if I made self care my #1 priority. Throughout the time we worked together, Ellen listened intently to stories reflecting all aspects of my life – my food, my marriage, my work, my spirituality, exercise, negative self talk – and helped me to know that I could choose self care over self defeating behaviors. When tending to my emotional, physical, nutritional and spiritual needs became the primary focus of my life, all else fell into place. My marriage improved. My business boomed. And, of course, my health flourished as my weight diminished. I could never have made these significant changes in my life without the expert guidance of Ellen Shuman. Thank you, Ellen. You are the best.”
In The Words of MEM, Cleveland, Ohio
” Life is definitely different than before. Thirteen months ago, I was flailing around trying to “figure it all out”—food, weight, etc., etc. I was in a 12-step support group for many years, but it just wasn’t cutting it—something was just not right. I got tired of praying to God to take the damn brownie away! I knew deep-down that I had a choice in the matter. Don’t get me wrong—12-step groups are wonderful and they worked for me for a long time, but I came to a point where I just needed something more and Ellen had exactly what I was looking for. I was frustrated and I knew that a lot of it had to do with my “operating system”—my mind, my thoughts, my feelings, and what to do with them all. I needed very simple, hands-on instructions, and I found them with Ellen.
The best way to describe Ellen’s program is “mindfulness training.” I knew instantly that Ellen could help me when I participated in her 1-hour conference call seminar. I hired her to be my Life Coach that same day. Through my work with her, I’ve learned that changing my relationship with food and weight all starts with installing a type of “monitoring system” in my mind and watching a screen of my own thoughts, feelings, and intentions float by like an afternoon matinee. I tune into mindfulness and become aware of all those conversations, stories, beliefs, and judgements rolling around in my head—and now, the nice thing about it is I get to decide what to do with them instead of numbing out with a ½ gallon of ice cream.
I already knew what “my issues” were in life when I came on board with Ellen. I was tired of talking about them and wanted to do something about them. With Ellen I was able to UN-learn old ways of thinking and behaving. This is NOT about psychoanalysis—this is about having someone coach me on day-to-day life, and how to manage my thoughts and emotions in a healthy, pro-active way, instead of taking a trip to the ice cream store.”
In The Words of Margo T., Germany
” Ellen, a key reason I chose to work with you instead of other coaches was your expertise in the subject of emotional eating. You came across as a credible and expert source. Food has lost its power! I no longer need it to self-medicate. Through your guidance, expertise and experience with emotional eating, I have found better ways to cope, fulfill, live and enjoy my life. Food was constantly my first line of defense-my stimulus reaction to all emotions. I now know what role food played in my life. I look forward to no longer living a life of feeling out of control, trapped, and guilty. Going through this learning experience made the difference.”
In The Words of Francis, Las Vegas, NV
” I have suffered from emotional eating since childhood and had learned to cope with my insanity. Finally, in exhaustion, instead of weight loss and diet controls, I dared to seek true liberation from obsession, compulsion and frustration around food. That’s when I found Ellen (a case of when the student is ready, the teacher appears). The lessons and skills that Ellen presented in our conversations seemed too simple, at first. After applying myself to the tasks at hand, I found them to work immediately and very effectively. The peace of mind I have found through being willing to become fully aware of my feelings, and by making conscious choices in the moment, is a precious life-giving gift. Thank you Ellen for developing this approach that truly works! You are a goddess!”
With your very own Coach you CAN accomplish what you haven’t been able to do on your own.
In The Words of CB, Alberta, Canada
” For me, it has been overwhelming to think that I could overcome and understand my emotional eating. With Ellen’s help, I have done that. Words cannot describe the freedom I feel and the control I have. Coaching has been extremely powerful for me and all I can say is WOW!
Ellen, you have been an inspiration to me and have helped me figure out who I am and that I am very normal. I feel at peace for the first time in my life.”
In The Words of Traci H., Wisconsin
” Thank you! You have given me the tools and perspective to strike out on my own. You’ve got a great thing here, Ellen. There are thousands of unhappy souls who have and will continue to benefit from your insightfulness, kindness, and most of all, empathy. To engage in such personal, heart wrenching discussions with someone who has experience with this personally and professionally, just made such sense to me. Additionally, coaching by telephone was very effective for me. I would never have discussed any of my deepest thoughts and feelings if we had been face to face. Don’t be surprised if I call you again for a little tweaking.”
In The Words of Teresa G., Cincinnati, OH,
” Dear Ellen,
Just a quick note to say thanks for all of your help and to express my appreciation for your coaching and the “A Weigh Out” program. I have learned excellent new skills for mindful thinking during the time we have been working together. It is amazing how the mind (emotions) can be changed by knowing the
