FAQ
We hope to supply you with answers to your questions about our program as quickly as possible. So we have compiled lists of frequently asked questions by category. Click on a subsection of FAQs or see our pricing sheet here. This not only provides you with an overview of Thin Within, but provides you with a great handout to give to others. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please feel free to contact us!
GENERAL QUESTIONS?
Including questions such as:
- How is the Thin Within program different from other weight loss programs?
- What do God and faith have to do with weight loss?
- How much does the program cost and what do I get for the money?
MEDICAL QUESTIONS?
Where you can find answers to questions like:
- Is this a healthy way to eat? Isn’t it unhealthy to eat whatever you want?
- Is it necessary to eat three meals a day?
- Can you do this program while you are pregnant?
GENERAL FAQ
What is Thin Within?
TW is a unique spiritually based, non-diet approach to weight loss. It is a 48-week program that is grace-oriented, Biblically sound and teaches you to listen to your body’s natural internal hunger/fullness signals. You will learn to eat like a naturally thin person which will enable you to reach and maintain your God-given size.
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Please read Our Hunger Philosophy for more information.
How is the Thin Within program different from other weight loss programs?
Physiologically, Thin Within is different because it is a non-diet approach. We don’t count calories, fat grams, nor weigh & measure food. There are no food plans….no “good foods” or “bad foods”…..because food is not the problem. Overeating is the problem. TW teaches us to eat the foods we enjoy in response to our natural God-given signals of hunger and fullness, so that we will naturally melt down to the size that God intended us to be.
Spiritually it is different because it is a grace-oriented approach. Our hope is not in the external keeping of food rules, but our hope is in the transforming power of God’s grace that not only saves us, but empowers us to live the overcoming abundant life.
Read more about the Origins of Thin Within and Judy Halliday’s Story
Who founded TW? Who is Judy Halliday? What are her credentials and background?
Judy Halliday, R.N. is a registered psychiatric nurse and co-founder of Thin Within. She is author of the best seller Thin Within: How to Eat and Live like a Thin Person and co-author (with her husband Arthur Halliday, M.D.) of Silent Hunger (also published as Thin Again).
How can I eat the foods I enjoy and still lose weight?
Weight loss occurs when you cut down on the overall amount of food you eat. In Thin Within, you’ll no longer be eating large quantities of tasteless low calorie foods, but a much smaller quantity of foods you truly enjoy. In other words, you cut back on the quantity of food you eat but maximize the quality by only eating the foods you enjoy. As you learn to eat in response to true physiological hunger, you’re going to find you are satisfied with much less food, and you will enjoy each eating occasion a whole lot more.
What if I am not religious? What if I am not a Christian?
TW started 26 years ago as a non-religious secular program. The hunger/fullness principles are a very effective, proven weight loss method adaptable for everyone.
What do God and faith have to do with weight loss?
God is the creator of our bodies and we must look to Him in order to know how best to take care of them – that is…. we check with the manufacturer! He designed us with internal signals of hunger and fullness – as we purposefully live in response to them, we are living by faith that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by an awesome creator. We are trusting in God and His plan rather than diets to change us.
What denomination is the TW program?
Non-denominational
What is your doctrinal or mission statement?
Please see our Statement of Faith.
Is there an exercise program with TW? Is exercise involved in TW?
No, there is no formal exercise program in TW. Our recommendation always is Spirit filled eating the TW way, plus living an active life (we encourage at least 30 minutes 3 times per week.) of whatever physical activity you enjoy doing. Walking is of great benefit. Some form of enjoyable movement will allow you to be more aware of your body’s signals regarding hunger and fullness. The benefits of exercise are enormous including enhanced cardiovascular function, improved muscle tone, stress reliever, and a host of other things….. However, exercise is not the sole solution to weight loss.
Can I pick the lesson material up at a bookstore?
No. However, the Thin Within book will be available in bookstores.
Can I do the program by just reading the trade book?
You’ll get an overview of the program in the trade book, but in order to experience the true essence of the program and get the best results, you should begin with our first quarter starter kit. This will provide you with the weekly lessons and daily exercises you need to begin your journey.
How much does the program cost and what do I get for the money?
Click here to see the pricing sheet and descriptions of the workbooks.
How much homework is there each week?
There is suggested homework to get you in the Word of God each day of the week. It is not mandatory to complete your homework in order to come or participate in a support group, but is extremely helpful to spend daily time in the Word of God in this transformation process.
What is the refund policy?
All sales of product kits are final.
MEDICAL FAQ
Is this a healthy way to eat? Isn’t it unhealthy to eat whatever you want?
Yes this is a very healthy natural way to eat. Your body will call for a healthy variety and amount of foods. It is in fact the way God has intended you to eat.
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You say there are no forbidden foods but aren’t there medical conditions where certain foods are prohibited?
It is always important to check with your physician to be sure there are no dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, heart or circulatory problems, or abnormally high cholesterol. Our experience is that as people practice the Thin Within principles they begin to make wiser food choices, and as they release weight, their cholesterol levels naturally drop. We don’t recommend counting grams of fat, which can become another legalistic system.
Is this program medically recommended?
Yes, please read our endorsements from both medical doctors and other professionals. However, be sure and always check with your doctor before beginning any weight loss program.
My physician has put me on a _______ diet. Can I still do that and be on this program?
Always check with your doctor – with his blessing you can eat in response to your body’s hunger signals from 0 – 5. Even if your doctor has put you on some food restrictions, you can learn from this program to turn to God when you are wanting to eat those restricted foods and receive His strength. What you ultimately learn from TW is to distinguish the difference between true stomach hunger which can only be satisfied with food, and heart hunger which can only be satisfied through a loving relationship with God. Your doctor can tell you which foods you are allowed to have to satisfy the stomach hunger. TW will lead you down the path of God’s provision to fill your heart hunger.
I have been diagnosed with ______. Can I still participate in Thin Within?
It is likely that you will be able to participate in the Thin Within program. However, it is always best to consult with your physician beforehand.
Is it necessary to eat three meals a day?
No! It used to be when we were all much more physically active than we are now. God is going to show you how you function best; whether to eat frequent small meals, three “square” meals, one large meal, or some other combination daily.
You can trust your body to indicate when or how often it is time to eat. If you choose to eat more frequently, you will find that a light snack (eating “0” to “3” on the hunger scale) will allow you to get to your “0” more often. This is an acceptable meal portion for those who prefer to eat more frequently.
What about drinking 8 glasses of water a day?
Remember water is 50-75% of your body’s weight and is essential to good health. Fruits, vegetables, & salads contain a lot of water, so if you have a lot of these in your diet, it’s okay to drink less that 8 glasses.
Can you do this program while you are pregnant?
Absolutely, it is important to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy and the TW method is an excellent way to limit your weight gain to no more than your doctor recommends. While pregnant the body often gives even clearer signals of what is needed for the growing baby – for example, craving milk when the skeletal system is developing – protein for the muscles – truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Obviously it is extremely important that you have adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals and frequent checkups from the obstetrician. However, it is always best to consult with your physician or obstetrician beforehand.
Why am I getting headaches?
Most headaches are so called tension headaches, caused by stress, worry, our hectic life style, etc. You may experience some headaches secondary to changes in your eating habits (for instance if your caffeine consumption decreases) but this should be temporary. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor if headaches continue beyond three or four weeks.
