THE COMMUNITY CONNECTION
What's the best diet?
A group of doctors and researchers from the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, decided to investigate the answer to that question which is so often asked today.
They started by recruiting 800 overweight men and women between the ages of 30-70 years. They divided them into four groups and put each on a different diet. One group consumed a low-fat, high-protein diet; another was put on a low-fat, average-protein eating plan; one group was asked to follow the high-fat, high-protein approach popularized by Dr. Atkins some years ago; and the last group got to try out the high-fat, average-protein plan.
The doctors, recognizing the vital importance of coming up with effective solutions to help people reduce their weight and improve their health, worked diligently, carefully monitoring the test subjects for two years.
The final results revealed a very significant finding: All the diets worked pretty much the same. As long as the overweight individuals in the study restricted their calorie intake, they were able to lose weight and improve their health.
The New England Journal of Medicine published the findings of this study in its prestigious journal, February 26, 2009. In reading the full report I learned about the methods utilized in the study and looked over the data which supported the findings that virtually all the people in this study got about the same results. That appeared to be the most significant finding of the research. As I continued on, I stumbled across something that didn't make the headlines, but perhaps it should have.
On the next to last page, in pretty small print, the report revealed that study participants who attended support group sessions over the course of the study lost an average of 20 lbs while those who didn't attend the group meetings had sustained an average weight loss of 9 lbs over the two year protocol. That's a 225% difference!
One of the researchers very astutely concluded that the study demonstrates effective weight management isn't a matter of finding the right macronutrient (protein, carbs, fat) combination; it's a matter of finding the right support. And that's what this assignment is all about.
SUPPORT GROUPS, FELLOWSHIP AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Modern science may be just beginning to discover the power of community support to help people change their lives but the tradition goes as far back as recorded history. Tribes, villages, relatively large groups of extended family, these are all examples of supportive communities which banded together to increase the group's and each individual's survival and strength.
The spiritual traditions from as far back as 3000 BC have been found to include fellowship—worshiping with others—as a fundamental element of their practice. Fraternal organizations and governing groups have been around for ages as well. Right on up through modern religion and even science, groups and communities of people who share common beliefs and intentions have a strong tendency to come together in order to embolden each person's capabilities as well as that of the collective group.
Right on up through a few generations ago there was still a strong sense of community in towns and cities all across America—people seldom felt alone and isolated in their experience of life. Fast-forward to right now, large-scale studies and surveys show that nearly half the population reports that they struggle to feel like they belong to any meaningful group. Along with that statistic, people report a 37% drop in their perceived quality of life compared to 45 years ago. In that period of time, rates of depression, anxiety, overweight/obesity and addiction have gone up as much as 700%.
Audio Coaching
Listen to Bill Phillips describe in detail, key parts of this Assignment which will help you make progress this week.
Right click here and select Save As to Download MP3
Transformation Video
Denver Gala 2009
Before & After Photos
Chris from Nevada became 123 lbs. lighter in 2009.
Comments
this one going to be work for me to get done, but growth is never easy thank you Bill............Con
That stuff about serotonin vrs dopamine was just fasinating (though a little fightening!). I think this week's assignment is going to be a really fun one.
Bill, you said "...And with more local Transformation get-togethers each month..." How do I get one started in my city??
Bill: Sorry I haven't been commenting on each assignment. I've been posting them on my page, but I wasn't too sure where you wanted us to leave our response to your assignments. Maybe it's here. Anyway, I've really enjoyed the assignments so far. I am about a week behind because assignment 4 took me a long time to think about, and honestly I still haven't finished it. I just decided to move on and see if I can think of something for assignment 4 later. For sure, during this transformation so far, I've learned a lot of things about myself, not even necessarily directly from the assignments, but the process has just made me think about things a bit more. I like Assignment 5. I've always been one to enjoy connections and community, but during college, I've become "too busy" and have let many of my connections slide. Recently, I decided 2 things: 1. Don't say I don't have time, make time; and 2. Get involved in the community in some way. With those two things in mind, I joined the local Lions club a few weeks ago. That has been absolutely awesome!! We meet every week, and I have decided that is my time to get away from all things school and just enjoy the members of my community (I go to school in a definite college town - without students the population is 7,000). I love the group because we laugh a ton and have a great time. As far as people who are trying to reach similar goals as me, I have found Annabelle from T.com to be a great friend. Thanks for everything.
Share in my joy! That is what I say before I begin to visit with my accountability partner about transformation status. We share the joy and it is such a lift for both of us no matter if only one is having a good day. My partner inspires me and I have been able to inspire her. This is huge in that she is on her 2nd challenge and I'm just a noob. Share the love....
Yes, I'm a goof... I just reallized I can actually post Bill a message on his profile page. If you read below you'll understand... I'm sure I've opened the door for some retaliation... Forgetmenot...
Bill - I just want you to know that If you would just allow me to put messages on your profile it sure would make this process a whole lot easier for both of us! LOL!!! OKAY......just to let you know I've been running behind with these assignments, not because I'm dragging my feet but because your assignments are harder than any of your exercise plans. I think I've lost more weight doing these written assignments than all the workouts combined. Anyway - I find that it takes a lot of mental effort to effectively translate thoughts onto paper, (your probably saying at this very moment, "yeah tell me about it!"). Just let me borrow your editor and I promise I'll quit teasing you. But seriously call me so we can by-pass all this writing business; my fingers are killing me. = ) As you can see, I have a lot to say. Also, it might give Stoney a break.... Okay enough of the joking =-} So........ I'll start with what I really came here to say! You are AMAZING! I just completed assign. 4 and I thought, there is know way on earth that I can possibly jump into assign. 5. But with a big push and assign. 6 tapping me on my shoulder, I sat down to listen to the audio and take notes! -------------- Let me just say - I thought you were amazing because of your accomplishments during the BFL days, WOW, the information you shared in week 5 is so profound. This information is the fuel I needed to fill up my tank. ...... Now, I actually think I may be able to get both 5 and 6 done this week - finally getting caught up. Keep your fingers crossed. (Side note ... you must stop reminding us/T.com that we only have a week to finish the assignments... this kind of pressure is causing adreneline, cortisol and all of those other chemicals you've mentioned, to screw up my weight loss. (Just Kidding) Okay back to the point....... I'm excited to say that you gave me an answer to a question that so many friends have been asking me. (How is it that my cravings have subsided or just gone away?) I find myself speechless, not knowing the true answer. However thanks to you, assig. 5 just revealed the answer along with an amazing wealth of information that I needed. Now I can answer this question by saying, "my serotonin levels are up and dopamine levels are down! Whoa!!!! Amazing. Also, I now have a new motto "Striving for Bio-Balance" ... And another moment that I loved and needed - validation about taking time getting comfortable and developing skills to navigate around this community. Thanks!!! Here's the BIG'EEE ---- after listening to assign. 5 - I 100% believe that you, "Bill Phillips" can achieve your goal and change the world. ----- Thanks for everything.... your the best... =-) I hope this left you smiling as well as others in the community. I love this place. ---- Fondly, Forgetmenot - Janell
Please excuse the typo's throughout the previous post. Tired... Janell
Bill - I just want you to know that If you would just allow me to put messages on your profile it sure would make this process a whole lot easier for both of us! LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OKAY......just to let you know I've been running behind with these assignments, not because I'm dragging my feet but because your assigments are harder than any of your exercise plans. I think I've lost more weight doing these written assignments than all the workouts combined. Anyway - I find that it takes alot of mental effort to effectively translate my thoughts onto paper. (your probably saying at this very moment, "yeah tell me about it!") Just let me borrow your editor and I promise I'll quit teasing you. But seriously call me so we can bypass all this writing busness; my fingers are killing me. = ) As you can see, I have a lot to say. Also, it might give Stoney a break.... Okay enough of the joking =-} ----- So........ I'll start with what I really came here to say! You are AMAZING! I just completed assign. 4 and I thought, there is now way on earth that I can possibly jump into assig. 5. But with a big push and assig. 6 tapping me on my shoulder, I sat down to listen to the audio and take notes! -------------- Let me just say - I thought you were amazing because of your accomplishments during the BFL days, WOW the information you shared in week 5 is so profound. This information is the fuel I needed to fill my tank. ...... Now, I actually think I may be able to get both 5 and 6 done this week - finally getting caught up. Keep your fingers cross (side note ... stop reminding us/T.com at the end of those audios that we only have a week to finish the assignments... the pressure is causing adreneline, cortisal and all of those other chemicals you've mentioned screw up my weight loss...JK....= 0 ................................. Okay back to the point....... I'm so excited, you gave me the answer to a question that so many friends have been asking me.(How is it that my cravings have subsided or gone?) I find myself speachless, not knowing the true answer. However thanks to you, assig. 5 just reveal the answer along with an amazing wealth of information that I so needed. Now I can answer this question saying, "my serotonin levels are up and dopamine levels are down"... Whoa!!!! Amazing. Also, I now have a new motto "Striving for Bio-Balance" = ) ... And another moment that I loved and needed - validation about taking time getting comfortable and developing skills to navigate around this community. Thanks!!! ------Here's the BIG'EEE ---- after listening assig. 5 - I believe that you, "Bill Phillips" can achieve your goal and change the world. ----- Thanks for everything... your the best... =-) I hope this left you smiling. And if you don't get to read this, my hope is for others to be left with a huge smile. --- I love this place. ---- Fondly, Forgetmenot - Janell
Bill, Thank you so much for this assignment, and a wonderful blend after Assignment 4. What I've recognized in Community Connection over the last year is that being a part of a community is a significant blessing, and being a member viewed as someone who contributes and offers unconditional support is earned through our own actions. I am unexpressably greatful for this opportunity. Thank you, blessings, and love. ~Kim
This community is the best I feel loved and inspired every time I get on the site, thanks Bill for all the encouragement.
I am so grateful for people like you Bill, who read all the way through to the second to last pasge and find a key truth in small print and then share it with all of us. I am grateful for you and your willingness to grant such opportunity for people to discover healing and restoration, to help us find peace. Thank you again. - Cher
Thank you for the opportunity to look at my support and the support i offer others! Nicole
I love this Assignment and after being here almost 2 years, continue to build in being a better "giver" and "receiver", much more open & honest with myself, and have built trusted relationships which bring comfort and energy to my life EVERY day. Thank you Bill for keeping my awareness up to those around me. :)
This assignment begins at a place I have only recently discovered. I have so many skills that keep people at a distance; that ensure I connect with no one, and so few skills (and attitudes) that attract and maintain human relationships. In looking at the worksheet, there are few of the questions I can answer honestly. There is such hope, such promise in this assignment - with a little time and exercise (heart exercise), I will be able to come back to this assignment and easily complete all the questions. I'm often puzzled at my participation in this community - and then I come across an opportunity like this one to grow and learn so much more about myself. What a treasure!!! Peace out, e
And eye opener! Thanks for giving me more tools to suceed.
It is fascinating to hear that there is scientific evidence supporting the impact of support/community. I do believe this also is a component that has been missing in my life for a long time and I am now convinced to take an action to find the socialization and interaction needed to make me feel like a whole person and help in transforming myself into the person I long to be. Thanks for sharing the information.
AWESOME Mr. Phillips. I just completed this assignment and I am ready to put your teachings into practice. I love you and I promise to give my heart and soul to you in return for your generosity. These assignments are having HUGE impact on me already and I am trying to live my life with my heart values. This assignment is so much fun. The sharing circles seem like such an awesome concept. I cannot wait to participate in one. Love you, Shawn
After assignment #4 -I was relieved, thinking #5 would be a piece of cake, a 3 minute scribble! I find (thank you very much) that I haven't had a support system until Tcom and obviously that's why I crashed and burned over and over. I always thought if I broke it-I need to fix it. This assignment is kind of embarrassing for me because I really don't have much support put together except you guys-but at least I know how powerful having it is-This is week 4 for me and I've made it this far because of Coach & Clarissa & everyone here. Thanks Bill :)
Hi Bill, This is such a solid explanation of the positive energy that exists on this site. Ahh. Thank you! It really defined some big stuff for me. Thank You. Cat
Bill, I have always felt that the best thing about this Challenge is the wonderful people that support and encourage each other. I hope I can do all I can to support and encourage others at Transformation.com. i have taken on all the over-weight students and adults here at this High School. I am the example and the motivator. Thanks, very appreciatively.
Great assignment as usual. One of my best friends I met online and we have never met in person. I wouldn't know her if I saw her on the street, but we know lots about each other and have a great connection. Since I live in the middle of nowhere, lots of my friendships are maintained online with the occasional personal visit. I have an accountability partner and she is really helping me, I hope I can help her also. But I haven't ever belonged to a group and so I am hoping to find one to keep up with. I have opened up a lot more since being involved in this, and realized that sharing personal truth doesn't have to be painful, and that being vulnerable isn't criminal! Thanks again, Bill
Bill, what an incredible assignment, one that is vital in transforming, you are truly a life changer
Thanks Bill for this assignment. I am so happy and grateful for this community, I don't fell alone with this anymore. this is so great. I really love this community, and being able to share my thoughts with everyone.
Thank you, Bill. I love the tradition of the speaking circle. I think I'll share that with my online group and see if we want to give it a go in some kind of live call format. I'd like to hear more about how to be a good accountability partner. I liked the parts in the chapter about it, but I would love to gather more insight about this for my mentoring and loving within my family and community. This is a huge element of life and such an important one. I liked the information on the Harvard study. I know you brought it up in a radio show. I have shared about it with several people from that, so it is great to hear more. Best wishes, friend. I really appreciate what you are doing. I hope to make a difference too. Love, Eme