AROUND THE BEND PERSON OF INTEREST
KC: What was the experience of writing the book like? AC: For me, writing a book was a long and tedious process, full of uncertainties and lots of self-doubt. I really had to work on my mindset and constantly remind myself why I was writing it. I kept telling myself that if just one person felt less alone, or more hopeful about their own journey with weight, food, and body image, then the process would all be worth it. KC: So, you had to revisit what I can only imagine were some fairly harsh wounds in order to put this piece of work out. Why do you think it is important to share your story with others in this way? AC: I felt it was important to share a very raw account of my story because I know what it’s like to feel ugly and uncomfortable in my own skin. I also know the sheer frustration of obsessing about what, when, and how much to eat to try to lose weight. I know what it’s like to feel undeserving of something—be it love, a career, nice clothes, whatever—because you’re overweight. I know how lonely and maddening this journey can be, and I wanted to do my small part to help others who are struggling know that they’re not alone and that it is possible to lose the physical and mental weight for good.
Alexis Cano
LOCAL AUTHOR SHARES HER WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY AND ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO ASK THEMSELVES “WHAT IF?” BY: KYLIE COOPER PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ KC: Your book, The What IF? Diet Plan, came out just over a year ago now. What initially inspired you to write the book? AC: In all honesty, my book was initially inspired by the anger and frustration I felt toward the health and diet industry. I naturally skipped meals as a young adult, but stopped because I knew it was “bad.” So, instead of listening to my body I became obsessed with learning all I could about health, nutrition, and exercise so that I could lose weight in a healthy way—but nothing ever worked for me. What inspired me to continue writing my book, though, was the freedom I felt from not obsessing about food or my body anymore, and realizing that changing our beliefs is really the key to permanent weight loss. 24 The Bend
KC: The philosophy laid out in your book is centered around mindset and shifting the way we think about food. With your background in psychology, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the relationship between our mindset and our food. AC: I feel that society has taught us to give WAY too much power to food! Yes, what we eat is certainly important and influences many aspects of our lives, but I don’t believe food should control how we feel or determine how our day goes. I’m a big believer in ditching labels like “good” and “bad” when it comes to food. Instead, I like to focus on appreciating and truly enjoying our food, whether it’s salad, ice cream, steak, whatever.
