One of my jobs as a food coach is to figure out who the eater is.

As humans we cannot help but to think. But when thoughts – conscious or not – hinder your health, then I become a key component in the equation.

If you are entertaining negative inner dialogue when you sit down to your meal, you reduce the value of that meal by 60%. It can be the healthiest meal of your life, but you won’t digest or assimilate it properly.

What are you holding on to?        

When you look at pictures from your 29th Birthday, what memory sticks with you the most? Did someone in 9th grade years ago make a side comment that hurt your feelings? Did a co-worker say something insulting and inappropriate? What we remember and how those memories make us feel is what we hold on to. No one else feels the story like you do. It’s deep, and its part of your bodys cellular and muscle memory too. The why and how it stuck with you can inhibit your vitality.

Are you carrying yesterday’s baggage? is an article I found that puts a perspective on this baggage concept that I hope you find helpful. However, the author did not consider a coach in the options. As you read this article, if there is anything you identify with and think that maybe it might be a reason your health practices, your food behaviors, or your body image struggles are negatively directing you – remember that you do not have to do this alone. The author herself says you may not understand or know how. Knowing who you are as an eater is where your direction finds energy. Exploring your thoughts, accepting the need for change, identifying the challenge, and embracing the choice is how you manage the direction. If you are ready to let go of your baggage, as your coach we will explore your lifestyle desires. Together we can create a supportive and sustainable life management guideline, bringing you closer to a Healthy Relationship with Food that fully supports the lifestyle you Deserve.

Years ago when I was a teacher, a fair percentage of the students grades relied on a required research paper. The only requirements from the school was that the papers be at least 5 pages, and have 3 resources. Oh, and a class presentation was included. I had to pre-approve the topics so there would be no overlapping of content. I have always held the belief that we are each responsible for our selves, so I pushed this assignment a bit farther. I asked the students to not only have a minimum of three resources, but that the paper and the presentation demonstrate their arguments for or against those resources. These show and tells took up full weeks. Extended conversations were had, and a lot of questions were always raised. I had a 100% pass rate – I think it’s still a record at that school. I was there for 5 years. And I always had more students than my classroom could hold. Any students making up missed days preferred to sit in my classes. I had a wait list for my classes. I used to complain that I never had enough time to cover the material because we were always in such a debate over something.  Some students even wanted to stay after.

Anyone can write or say anything. There is a lot of content out that there, and some is not well intended. Some content is out right manipulative. Some is meant to confuse. Some demands control. And yes, there is A LOT of really, really good and well researched information out there from which you can form a positive alliance with.

When you are facing a decision, or looking for a choice, or seeking an alternative, where do you go? How many of you pull up at least 3 websites and actually read some content before deciding if you agree? How many of you get a second doctors opinion? A 3rd? How many friends do you confer in the process? Do you intentionally look for something to counter what you just read – because that’s not a bad idea?

You have worth. Food is the longest relationship you will ever have in your lifetime – are you making good choices on its behalf? How much value do you give your food? What is your opinion on GMO foods? You can afford the time it takes to research what you need to live a long and healthy life. Every time you make a purchase at a grocery store, a restaurant, or similar, and every time you raise your fork to your mouth – you have just made choice, one that supports or negates your health consciously or unconsciously. How much time have you really spent thinking about all of this? My job as a Coach with a Focus on Nutrition is to help you decipher all the nutritional information out there, assist you with  your WHY, and guide you in developing an conscionable worth that is sustainable and suits your lifestyle.

We come in to this world and we drink mothers milk. We eat, we partake in meals, we consume, we starve, we struggle. There is a reason we do all of this, but you may not fully understand the depths of why we eat, indulge, and survive the way we do. We hear things, we see things, we mimic, and we experiment. We perceive things to suit our needs. We are curious.

Girls emulate their mothers and other prominent female figures in their world. They are very susceptible and vulnerable to what they see and hear. They observe your responses and develop your actions, and they want the same for themselves.

This astounding statistic shows how our societal pressures have affected us negatively and impact our overall well being. Body image and the stigma of weight is a societal and cultural problem. As individuals we must tackle this. Together we can overcome this.

We’re in a food revolution. Being accountable for our own health and wellness is becoming more apparent. Our language, our beliefs, and our perceptions surrounding food and how we connect that with personal health is what my work encompasses.

Break the cycle, heal yourself and support your daughter now. Together we can create the Healthy Relationship with Food that you and our daughters Deserve.

Last week was class 1 in my Introduction to the Psychology of Eating Workshop. We had a great turn out and some really great discussions were raised. I want to Thank all of the participants for making it a success.

The workshop is designed to help you strengthen your personal relationship with food and in week 1 we learned what the concept of eating psychology means. Week 2 we will discuss emotions and perceptions and how they affect our choices.

I look forward to seeing you. And, bring a friend!

You can go to my Announcements tab for more details, or contact me for more information and inquiries. Class is 7:30 pm and is held at 8232 Philadelphia Road in Rosedale MD at the Little Brick House Wellness Center.