In my previous post, I offered up a simple tool to disrupt your inner bully. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend you do. It’s the easiest way I’ve found to diminish self-shaming. Unwinding years (and often decades) of bullying yourself may seem hard, but not changing a behavior that affects you in negative ways is hard too. Making a deliberate choice to end the war with my body was one of the best gifts I ever gave to myself. When you judge yourself or someone else, you’re not helping yourself or them in any beneficial way. I grew up in a household where we spent a lot of time picking other people apart. The tradition continues to this day… He walked around with his shirt off. I shouldn’t have to look at that!Did … [Read more...] about Let Peace Bloom (Ending the Toxic Practice of Judgment)
Disrupt Your Inner Critic
No one likes a bully. Nevertheless, almost every woman has one thing in common. They are a bully to themselves. Most of us aren’t even aware of our behavior. The cruel thoughts just stream through our minds... You’re disgusting.No one would ever find your body attractive.You’d look better wearing a garbage bag.Don’t even think about trying those on. I recently stumbled upon this video. Two best friends wrote down the things they dislike about their own bodies – then proceeded to say these comments out loud, directed at one another. Why do we say things to ourselves that we wouldn't ever say to (or think about) our best friends or children or sisters? When I work with my clients, we focus on one habit for two weeks. I … [Read more...] about Disrupt Your Inner Critic
Three Strategies for Healthy Dining Out
You don’t have to completely avoid restaurants when you’re trying to improve (+ maintain) your health. A few simple techniques can keep you on track + making good food decisions – even when eating away from home. Tip #1: Plan Plan Plan! Most restaurants now have websites where you can view menus online. If possible, do your homework before you go. Look through the menu and decide on your choices beforehand, so you don’t fall prey to temptation or succumb to peer pressure from well-meaning friends (Oh, just order the Fettuccini Alfredo, live a little!). If you live in the US, check out HealthyDiningFinder.com. It'll suggest "best case scenario" options to you even at less-healthy restaurants (fast-food, chains, etc.) If … [Read more...] about Three Strategies for Healthy Dining Out
Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be So Damn Complicated
The allure of a new diet is tempting. Starting over. Renewed hope. Maybe this one will work. This time I’ll stick with it. 20 pounds in 30 days! But as the days and weeks pass, the new diet becomes overwhelming. The strict rules are frustrating. If you eat something you’re supposed to avoid, you feel guilty. If you’re at a social event flush with foods not allowed on your diet, you feel miserable and alienated. There’s another way. It’s not a fad. It’s not sexy. It won’t promise you rapid results. There are no foods or food groups to avoid (yay carbs!). No restrictive guidelines. It can be adapted to every social situation. And you can indulge in your favorite treats without feeling guilty on occasion. It’s what I call … [Read more...] about Eating Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be So Damn Complicated