Most of our regrettable choices are made when we feel rushed, overwhelmed, or under pressure… The hideous $200 pair of sandals you bought (ON SALE!!!) after a particularly rough day.The drive through burger + fries + shake instead of making dinner because the kids pushed you over the edge (for the FOURTH time that week).The second bottle of wine because, “Come on, you only live once!” If you know you’ll be exhausted and stressed and HANGRY at the end of the day, make the decision about what you’ll eat AHEAD OF TIME. That may mean prepping some meals on Sunday that simply need to be heated up – or using a meal delivery service - or scoping out some healthy fast food options. If you know you’ll be rushing out the door in the … [Read more...] about Decisions From Strength
Awareness
Creating Space for Change
Americans spend north of $60 billion annually trying to lose weight, on everything from gym memberships to weight-loss programs to fat burning shakes. I think it’s safe to say the approach we’ve taken so far isn’t really working out for us. But why? In order to achieve lasting results, we need to transform our deeply rooted habits. And changing our habits requires space + time + energy + engagement. Learning and assimilating new + healthier habits is tricky if you spend your days and weeks running from one thing to another with barely enough time to sit and enjoy a meal - or prepare a meal – or get a good night’s sleep. You can’t learn and do better when you’re always adding more + more + more to an already … [Read more...] about Creating Space for Change
The Heavy Backpack (Managing Difficult Emotions)
Last Thursday my husband and I made the impossibly difficult decision to put our sweet Hope down after she experienced what we’re pretty sure was a stroke. She was sixteen and half years old and lived a good long life with humans that loved and spoiled her. One of the skills I teach my clients is how to make decisions that are aligned with their goals and values in the face of difficult emotions. It was my turn to walk the talk. The day after we put Hope down, I went out for a walk (just like I do every day). When I returned, my husband said he was surprised I went. So I shared a tool called The Heavy Backpack with him. We can think of our difficult emotions like a heavy backpack. Now that backpack might be weighing you down … [Read more...] about The Heavy Backpack (Managing Difficult Emotions)
Environment Matters
Why? It’s 10:00 in the evening, the kids are finally in bed, you’ve been going non-stop since sunrise and you want a snack. You open the fridge. There’s a container of leftovers, a granny smith apple, some red grapes and aha! – a package of Hostess Cupcakes. You reach for the cupcakes. While most of us strive to eat well, the actions we take don’t always sync up with our goals. We don’t set out to overeat – or choose unhealthy foods. No one wants to become overweight. So why are two thirds of Americans classified as overweight or obese? Your brain is to blame. The problem doesn’t have to do with a lack of willpower or not knowing what to eat. Our neurological response to food has evolved over millions of years. During … [Read more...] about Environment Matters