Welcome to everyone who has ever had a struggle with eating!
It is so great to know that one is not alone in the challenges of everyday living, especially those moments when you are all by yourself and you get the thought "nobody will know" or "who cares" or "I just can't do it."
These blogs were created to document my journey to a path of gentler eating. I am tired of always choosing to be preoccupied with my shape, my weight and what am I going to eat to fix this "hunger" inside me.
I am grateful to many, many people in my life for their support and love and guidance. It is really amazing the non-judgmental care that they have shown me. A lesson of how to treat my Self...let go of the judgment and enjoy who I am as I am right now.
Here is to 100% commitment to following my path with passion, honesty and willingness. To those who read these blogs, please contribute your thoughts....it may reach someone that really needs to hear what you have experienced or think.
These blogs were created to document my journey to a path of gentler eating. I am tired of always choosing to be preoccupied with my shape, my weight and what am I going to eat to fix this "hunger" inside me.
I am grateful to many, many people in my life for their support and love and guidance. It is really amazing the non-judgmental care that they have shown me. A lesson of how to treat my Self...let go of the judgment and enjoy who I am as I am right now.
Here is to 100% commitment to following my path with passion, honesty and willingness. To those who read these blogs, please contribute your thoughts....it may reach someone that really needs to hear what you have experienced or think.
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Being socially responsible means non-participation in anything one believes to be evil. http://ping.fm/amaLo
Monday, August 16, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Key to happiness in retirement is GOOD HEALTH! (also a good social network!) Read on http://tinyurl.com/23t2ror
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Lifelong wellness just got a whole lot easier! New Nanomeals are incredible! Fight fatigue anywhere-anytime! http://ping.fm/84pot
Monday, June 14, 2010
Let's play, "What if...I live to be 100"
Play is the perfect verb to approach this topic. My approach to life sometimes loses my innocent view as a child....playful, inquisitive, adventurous, and in the present moment. I want all those qualities when I am 100. The other one that I have learned as an adult is grateful.
So, I am grateful that in this moment right now that I am willing to embark on this adventure of finding out what it will take to play the role of a healthy and vibrant centenarian!
This morning I met with my personal trainer, Dex, who brings all the equipment that I need to use to me! Some hand weights, a mat, a flexball, therabands and music. The purpose is to learn how to keep myself fit no matter where I am (if traveling on vacation or on a business trip or at home). We also created a weekly training schedule. We discussed eating habits and simply cutting out some of the starches and sodas could account for 1.5 to 2 pounds of weight loss/ week. And eating 5 to 6 smaller meals in a day. Stuff I know and am working to put in my routine.
Something really cool that I started today was taking Nanofoods (from biopharma scientific). Really great powdered foods that easily mix in water and are super-digestible! I am truly thankful for the technology in food delivery systems now available.
The big challenge for me is to be persistent and consistent. I am a big picture person and a starter! The follow-through and completing what I begin is the challenge. So, I am just going to put it out there to all of you fellow residents in this Universe...your thoughts of and your visualizing me living a healthy and vibrant life are greatly appreciated! Thank you and right back at ya'!
So, I am grateful that in this moment right now that I am willing to embark on this adventure of finding out what it will take to play the role of a healthy and vibrant centenarian!
This morning I met with my personal trainer, Dex, who brings all the equipment that I need to use to me! Some hand weights, a mat, a flexball, therabands and music. The purpose is to learn how to keep myself fit no matter where I am (if traveling on vacation or on a business trip or at home). We also created a weekly training schedule. We discussed eating habits and simply cutting out some of the starches and sodas could account for 1.5 to 2 pounds of weight loss/ week. And eating 5 to 6 smaller meals in a day. Stuff I know and am working to put in my routine.
Something really cool that I started today was taking Nanofoods (from biopharma scientific). Really great powdered foods that easily mix in water and are super-digestible! I am truly thankful for the technology in food delivery systems now available.
The big challenge for me is to be persistent and consistent. I am a big picture person and a starter! The follow-through and completing what I begin is the challenge. So, I am just going to put it out there to all of you fellow residents in this Universe...your thoughts of and your visualizing me living a healthy and vibrant life are greatly appreciated! Thank you and right back at ya'!
Labels:
100 year lifestyle,
emotional eating,
exercise,
wellness
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Just did my first workout session on my goal to reach 100 yrs old...endurance, strength and structure! Join my team. http://ping.fm/4VPQn
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thurs, May 6, @ 7 am, come hear an expert in escrow services speak on getting business. http://bit.ly/bN9Fe1
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
One Week Without Did not Make Me Weak!
It has been seven whole days without having coffee AND I was in several situations where I could have chosen to have coffee. I was at a workshop on Saturday where lunch was provided and it would have been a natural to have coffee. Also, on the way to the event, I would normally had gotten a coffee. I didn't and I actually was okay.
This evening I went out for dessert with a friend and we normally both have coffee. I chose to have herbal tea AND it was delicious...I actually got to enjoy the new flavor without adding a bunch of cream and sugar!
So, what have I learned or am I learning from all of this?
It is important that I share with others what I am doing and get support for what I am doing. Ask for help. In this moment, I had some sadness come up and thought of my father. He had a program in his subconscious that said something like "Do it yourself. Don't ask for help. Don't let others know." He was an amazing man and he also was a man who kept a lot of his inner thoughts private. I know he wanted to reach out and he would...it just seemed like such a struggle for him...that is the sadness.
A workshop I went to this weekend was about our body's stories....the traumas/ wounds that we hold as memories in our bodies. I want to let go and bring to completion my contract of "doing it all alone." I don't need to prove anything to anyone (not even, you, Dad). It is actually a sign of strength to build a team of support.
So the lesson I learned from my Dad and in this past week is the importance of asking for help and support. (It is a reason I started this blog...to not be afraid of being visible and in so doing letting others know that I need their support as I go through life.)
This evening I went out for dessert with a friend and we normally both have coffee. I chose to have herbal tea AND it was delicious...I actually got to enjoy the new flavor without adding a bunch of cream and sugar!
So, what have I learned or am I learning from all of this?
It is important that I share with others what I am doing and get support for what I am doing. Ask for help. In this moment, I had some sadness come up and thought of my father. He had a program in his subconscious that said something like "Do it yourself. Don't ask for help. Don't let others know." He was an amazing man and he also was a man who kept a lot of his inner thoughts private. I know he wanted to reach out and he would...it just seemed like such a struggle for him...that is the sadness.
A workshop I went to this weekend was about our body's stories....the traumas/ wounds that we hold as memories in our bodies. I want to let go and bring to completion my contract of "doing it all alone." I don't need to prove anything to anyone (not even, you, Dad). It is actually a sign of strength to build a team of support.
So the lesson I learned from my Dad and in this past week is the importance of asking for help and support. (It is a reason I started this blog...to not be afraid of being visible and in so doing letting others know that I need their support as I go through life.)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Coffee, Cola or Just Plain Water!
Well, three days ago I would not have thought that I would go three days without drinking coffee or coke! And I have done it. Day 1....excruciating headache, the toxic kind where it feels like the whole inside of my skull is throbbing. Sleeping did not get rid of it either! I did not start off the day by thinking no coffe or soda, it just worked that way. Boom, a toxic headache by late afternoon. I drank plenty of water to flush the system and to no avail...it was just one of those things that was a wake up call as to how much coffee and caffeine from sodas I have been consuming!
Day 2, first thought was get a coffee on the way to the gym which is my normal routine. Instead, I went straight to the gym. I ate all my meals at the office that day, using the microwave to warm up my meals. Still I wanted to "treat" myself to a latte or a mocha and I said "no, not today."
Day 3, I actually am not craving to have a coffee or a soda yet! I am drinking more water and drinking some almond milk (which is really tasty!).
So, tomorrow morning I will be at my business networking group where I usually have coffee. In this moment, I am 100% committed to not eating emotionally, to not give in to those triggers that want extra cream and 2 packs of sugar in my coffee! It will be okay, no matter what. In this moment right now, I am okay, feeling sleepy and getting ready to end my day.
So to end my day, I reflect on what I accomplished and on what I am grateful for. And I am feeling good...had broccoli, a sweet potatoe, strawberries and blueberries, some rye krisp with peanut butter...I did not go for any trigger food...chewed some gum this morning during a Board of directors meeting instead of having coffee...that was a success!
Day 2, first thought was get a coffee on the way to the gym which is my normal routine. Instead, I went straight to the gym. I ate all my meals at the office that day, using the microwave to warm up my meals. Still I wanted to "treat" myself to a latte or a mocha and I said "no, not today."
Day 3, I actually am not craving to have a coffee or a soda yet! I am drinking more water and drinking some almond milk (which is really tasty!).
So, tomorrow morning I will be at my business networking group where I usually have coffee. In this moment, I am 100% committed to not eating emotionally, to not give in to those triggers that want extra cream and 2 packs of sugar in my coffee! It will be okay, no matter what. In this moment right now, I am okay, feeling sleepy and getting ready to end my day.
So to end my day, I reflect on what I accomplished and on what I am grateful for. And I am feeling good...had broccoli, a sweet potatoe, strawberries and blueberries, some rye krisp with peanut butter...I did not go for any trigger food...chewed some gum this morning during a Board of directors meeting instead of having coffee...that was a success!
Labels:
caffeine,
coffee,
cravings,
emotional eating,
sugar
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Process versus Substance Addictions
In Ernie Larsen's book "Stage II Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction" I began to understand the difference between a substance addiction and a process addiction. When I use the term addiction, I usually think of a drug. Drug addiction is a substance addiction like alcoholism is a substance addiction. As I started my recovery process, I began to see that I had an addictive personality where I sought things outside myself to distract, numb or medicate the dis-ease I felt within myself. Some of these addictions were part of life and I was not able to do without such as food or sex or relationships. I discovered that these are called "process" addictions.
What sets them apart from drugs or alcohol is I can't follow the advice of "just don't take the first bite." I have to eat. I also discovered that these process addictions are tied deeply into our survival programming...that is eating, sex and love or belonging are all crucial to one's being able to successfully continue living. There are strong positive and almost immediate rewards for eating, having sex and being loved.
I hated the places where my darkness took me. Eating junk food and comfort foods and then pretending that I was eating healthy...lying to people which created a fear cycle that perpetuated my emotional eating. Or staying in relationships because I was afraid to be alone only to find myself laying in bed with someone that I felt I didn't love. That is one of the worst feelings to be in bed next to someone I didn't even think I could love. But being too afraid to leave and to live alone and to face the loneliness that I pushed deep inside.
So, those patterns can last what seems a lifetime and they can lead to even crazier behaviors. I've heard of people banned from supermarkets because the manager knows them as the person who eats their way around the aisles and never buys anything. What the manager doesn't know is that person once outside and alone, purges/vomits all that they have eaten. That emptiness cannot be filled with something that doesn't bring love. God, to remember my story and the stories of others is to touch on some real pain.
So, now I use that pain to correct my choices today. I remember the loneliness and emptiness and I ask myself "In this moment am I 100% committed to not emotionally eat?" In this moment before I eat, I can stop the madness by choosing serenity over the insanity.
My favorite phrase is "It's simple, not easy." One day, it will be easier. I know. I have experienced it so. And I will again.
What sets them apart from drugs or alcohol is I can't follow the advice of "just don't take the first bite." I have to eat. I also discovered that these process addictions are tied deeply into our survival programming...that is eating, sex and love or belonging are all crucial to one's being able to successfully continue living. There are strong positive and almost immediate rewards for eating, having sex and being loved.
I hated the places where my darkness took me. Eating junk food and comfort foods and then pretending that I was eating healthy...lying to people which created a fear cycle that perpetuated my emotional eating. Or staying in relationships because I was afraid to be alone only to find myself laying in bed with someone that I felt I didn't love. That is one of the worst feelings to be in bed next to someone I didn't even think I could love. But being too afraid to leave and to live alone and to face the loneliness that I pushed deep inside.
So, those patterns can last what seems a lifetime and they can lead to even crazier behaviors. I've heard of people banned from supermarkets because the manager knows them as the person who eats their way around the aisles and never buys anything. What the manager doesn't know is that person once outside and alone, purges/vomits all that they have eaten. That emptiness cannot be filled with something that doesn't bring love. God, to remember my story and the stories of others is to touch on some real pain.
So, now I use that pain to correct my choices today. I remember the loneliness and emptiness and I ask myself "In this moment am I 100% committed to not emotionally eat?" In this moment before I eat, I can stop the madness by choosing serenity over the insanity.
My favorite phrase is "It's simple, not easy." One day, it will be easier. I know. I have experienced it so. And I will again.
Labels:
addictions,
emotional eating,
process,
recovery,
substance
Monday, April 26, 2010
Emotional Eating--Undereating to Overeating
My weight and my body shape/image has always (yes, always) been something that I have obsessed on. When I was a teenager and a young adult, it was about staying skinny. (what a funny word skinny...because literally, it was just skin over my ribs and you could see the top of my hip bones.) I thought in my head that that was attractive. Secretly family and friends were concerned for me.
One of my first recollections of my weight/body obsession is laying on the kitchen floor after my parents had gone to bed. I was in high school and my pattern was to drink as much water before going to sleep so I didn't feel hungry...but the pain. I would drink water until it hurt and I would lay on the floor until the pain passed. I could never share this with anyone because it seemed so "crazy." And it just kept me isolated and alone or lonely. I would skip breakfast or just drink yogurt and then not eat lunch so I had money for junk food later in the day. I would eat dinner, but I was partly vegetarian so I stayed with a lot of carbs and comfort foods.
The result of all my efforts was on graduation from high school, I was 5-10 and I weighed about 120 pounds! My first year in college I was totally vegetarian so my focus on what I was eating kept me away from why I was not eating....feeling empty and unhappy. Years later I discovered that the one thing I could control with my weight was me! That is my desire to have some control in my life while things at home (between my parents) were shakey and my not knowing who I was sexually, where I fit in.....my weight was what I could control. My shape, my waistline was what I focused on and, of course, the number on the scale. A size 28 waist and staying below 130 pounds on the scale.
Well, my waistline has exploded because of all the emotions that I have stuffed inside over the years. I have been doing a lot of work on the emotions and I will continue to uncover and discover more of the beautiful child within that was lost for so long. So this blog post is about my journey back to discover me and to create the home inside me that I have always been looking for and waiting for. As I have heard others say "We are the Ones that We have been waiting for."
One of my first recollections of my weight/body obsession is laying on the kitchen floor after my parents had gone to bed. I was in high school and my pattern was to drink as much water before going to sleep so I didn't feel hungry...but the pain. I would drink water until it hurt and I would lay on the floor until the pain passed. I could never share this with anyone because it seemed so "crazy." And it just kept me isolated and alone or lonely. I would skip breakfast or just drink yogurt and then not eat lunch so I had money for junk food later in the day. I would eat dinner, but I was partly vegetarian so I stayed with a lot of carbs and comfort foods.
The result of all my efforts was on graduation from high school, I was 5-10 and I weighed about 120 pounds! My first year in college I was totally vegetarian so my focus on what I was eating kept me away from why I was not eating....feeling empty and unhappy. Years later I discovered that the one thing I could control with my weight was me! That is my desire to have some control in my life while things at home (between my parents) were shakey and my not knowing who I was sexually, where I fit in.....my weight was what I could control. My shape, my waistline was what I focused on and, of course, the number on the scale. A size 28 waist and staying below 130 pounds on the scale.
Well, my waistline has exploded because of all the emotions that I have stuffed inside over the years. I have been doing a lot of work on the emotions and I will continue to uncover and discover more of the beautiful child within that was lost for so long. So this blog post is about my journey back to discover me and to create the home inside me that I have always been looking for and waiting for. As I have heard others say "We are the Ones that We have been waiting for."
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