Be empowered to shift your perspective around food and your body!

woman cooking in the kitchen

As the summer months quickly approach, the buzz around diets and weight loss become more and more prevalent. This summer, try shifting your focus from deprivation and that elusive “bikini body,” which you already possess, and take the opportunity to slow down. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “shoulds” and “wants” that you may forget to glorify the little things that make your life rich on a day-to-day basis. Be empowered to shift your perspective around food and your body! When you breathe, slow down and harness food gratitude, you’ll be pleased to learn that eating can be an extraordinarily joyful experience. Eating requires that you engage all your senses, which cause your brain to release feel-good chemicals, elevating your mood and evoking feelings of trust, enjoyment and relaxation. Let’s try it! Take in and embrace what Continue reading

The Skinny on Weight Loss

Swimsuit season is fast approaching, and many of my students have come to me for help with weight loss. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity continue to be problems across America. The most prevalent setback I see in clients’ diet recalls and food journals is that they eat too many processed foods. Many of them have even tried fad diets, fasting, and pills. These approaches don’t work! The only weight loss method that truly works is to adopt a healthful lifestyle change. So how do you change your lifestyle? First, you have to want to change your lifestyle, not just for a quick weight loss, but for good. Secondly, you have to be patient; healthful fat loss takes time! Finally, you have to eat well and exercise. As it turns out, most people I’ve counseled are willing to do anything to lose Continue reading

Merry and Light?

I have been counseling one of my culinary students for weight loss; she has been successful and is very determined to lose weight through the holidays. Although I know she can, it’s important for each of us to relax and take care of ourselves in every way at this time of year. Generally I suggest that the holidays are a good time to maintain weight, rather than lose. Many of us experience increased stress, more social events, limited exercise schedules, and an abundance of treat foods! Although weight loss is possible, why not focus on exercise, eating well, and allowing some holiday enjoyment?  After the New Year, set healthy goals and go for it! Having a healthy relationship with food and outlook on the holidays is important, as is enjoying yourself and your social calendar. Here are some tips for Continue reading