Thanksgiving is a time when most of us overeat. It’s just what we do on this holiday, right? Snack, overeat, repeat. Even though we're a bit uncomfortable by the end of the day, it’s okay. We’re celebrating and giving thanks for the abundance of food on our tables and the family and friends in our
For many emotional eaters, the holiday season's over indulgences begin with Halloween. The sheer volume of candy and delectable treats lining supermarket and drugstore shelves and home pantries is in itself downright spooky! And to add insult to injury, candy is being handed out every where you turn. Candy manufacturers seem to be oblivious to
At this time of year, many of my clients complain about the days getting shorter. Understandably so. It's not just that the summer has ended and the longer, lazier days are behind us. With this particular season change, those who suffer from mild to moderate mood disorders (especially depressive and bipolar) can all of a
Have you ever wondered why some people can keep many of their favorite comfort foods in the house, eat a small portion at a time, and save the rest for later? Perhaps they even forget that they bought those special imported cookies or chocolates and, God forbid, they go stale. Those same folks can go
It's challenging for most of us to stay on a healthy eating plan during this time of year. It seems everywhere we go, someone is offering us something delectable. At the office, the parties and even the malls, goodies abound. Add to the easily available abundance of yummy foods the stress and busyness of the season and
Fasting. Yuck! The word tends to conjure up unpleasant thoughts of starvation, hunger pangs, light-headedness, low blood sugar, restriction and deprivation. We often have to fast before blood work. We fast before medical procedures like colonoscopies (double yuck!) and surgeries. And fasting is a spiritual cleansing ritual associated with many religions. Nobody thinks "Yeah, I want to fast,"
Many clients I work with have been chronic, life-long dieters and even if they’re satisfied with their weight and not currently dieting, they have difficulty giving up the diet mentality. It makes sense--many of us were raised in a culture where we were encouraged to weigh and measure our food and our bodies, and count
Have you ever thought about how powerful your self-talk is and how quickly it can alter your mood? Truthfully, how often does a thought or series of thoughts ruin a perfectly good day for you? How often do you grab something to eat to calm or soothe yourself because of overwhelming, anxious, depressive or shaming
There's a quote I've always loved by Sir Francis Bacon, the English Philosopher, and I'm sure you've heard it. He sad that "knowledge is power." And I definitely believe this to be true. But I also know, from more than three decades of work as a psychotherapist and life coach specializing in overeating challenges, that
I bet you didn't know that today is International No Diet Day. Well it is, and its observed annually on May 6th. It's a day dedicated to raise awareness regarding the dangers of dieting and to celebrate body acceptance and body shape diversity. Despite the entrenchment of the diet mentality in our culture, research demonstrates that diets don't
