The Vitality Approach
The vitality approach calls for a
shift from
negative to positive thinking
about how to
achieve and maintain
healthy weights.
The Vitality Approach involves:
Healthy Eating
Active Living
Positive Self and Body Image
Change from a
weight centred approach:
DIETING
Restrictive dieting
Counting calories, prescriptive diets
Weight cycling (yo-yo diets)
Eating disorders
TO THE VITALITY APPROACH:
HEALTHY EATING
Take pleasure in eating a variety
of foods
Enjoy lower-fat and complexcarbohydrate foods more often
Meet the body’s energy and
nutrient needs through a lifetime
of healthy enjoyable eating
Take control of how you eat by
listening to your hunger cues
Change from a
weight centred approach:
EXERCISE
No pain, no gain
Must be done three times a week in your target
rate zone
Burns calories
High attrition rates for vigorous exercise
programs
TO THE VITALITY APPROACH:
ACTIVE LIVING
Value and practice activities
that are moderate and fun
Be active your way every
day
Participate for the joy of
feeling your body move
Enjoy regular physical
activities as a part of your
daily lifestyle
Change from a
weight centred approach:
DISSATISFACTION WITH SELF
Unrealistic goals for body size and shape
Obsession and preoccupation with weight
Fat phobia and discrimination against overweight
people
Striving to be a perfect size and to maintain an
impossible ideal (thin or muscular) body size
Accepting the fashion, diet, and tobacco industries’
emphasis on slimness
TO THE VITALITY APPROACH:
POSITIVE SELF AND BODY IMAGE
 Accept and recognize that healthy bodies
come in a range of weights, shapes and sizes
 Appreciate your strengths and abilities
 Be tolerant of a wide range of body sizes and
shapes
 Relax and enjoy the unique characteristics
you have to offer
 Be critical of messages that focus on
unrealistic thinness (in women) and
muscularity (in men) as symbols of success
and happiness
Change to the Vitality Approach
Healthy Eating (not dieting)
Active Living (not just exercise)
Positive Self and Body Image (not
a dissatisfaction with yourself)
“Healthy living” results in “Happy living”