Food Freedom

Are you tired of obsessing over what goes in your mouth? Does counting calories wear you out? Have you tried every latest diet to keep the weight off but it just keeps coming back? If so, read on, because food freedom is within reach. Achieving healthy, sustainable weight loss doesn't involve following a rigid set of criteria. And it definitely isn't achievable when you label foods "good" or "bad." To find true freedom around food, try engaging your mind AND your body and let go of food rules in order to develop new eating habits. Mindfulness combined with nourishing nutritional guidelines are the keys you need to keep weight off for good. Listening deeply and paying attention to what you eat and how you feel is Mind-Body Nutrition. YOUR MIND How many times have you scarfed down a meal without even taking note of what you were eating? Or, maybe you've used food to placate an uncomfortable feeling: fear, sadness, or any other emotion. If this sounds familiar please know there is NO judgment. You're human, and perfection is not the goal. Eating fast and rushing through meals contributes to vicious cravings, an increased stress response, and impaired digestion and assimilation of nutrients. In fact, 'fight-or-flight' stress leads blood away from the digestive system, decreasing digestive enzymes, and can even cause the entire system to shut down if it's chronic! When you eat slowly and mindfully while enjoying your food and chewing it properly before swallowing, you experience: - Enhanced metabolism - Increased calorie burning - Increased oxygen to your system - Physiological relaxation response - Increased fat burning Mindfulness can also help you get curious about the foods you crave. Awareness is the first step to understanding your cravings! When you replace negative self-talk with genuine interest and curiosity in why you are reaching for that sweet treat, you can begin to unravel what you're really craving on a deeper level. YOUR BODY Let's begin by debunking some major food myths. First, eating fat does not make you fat. In fact, fat-Omega 3s or Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are clean, calm and stable burning fuel! They help sustain your energy throughout the day and reduce cravings, while stabilizing your mood and keeping skin, hair, and nails looking youthful. Here's where you can find healthy fats: Salmon, sardines and other wild fish Seeds, nuts and nut butters Flax seed, chia seed and hemp seed Olive, coconut and avocado EPA/DHA supplements Unhealthy fats are trans fats, hydrogenated oils or oils that have gone rancid from high heat processing. Many packaged foods contain some form of unhealthy fat. Unhealthy fats are one of the lead contributors to age-related diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  Second, you can eat more and weigh less. Use nutrient-dense foods for your meals. This will "crowd out" foods that no longer serve you. A rule of thumb here is to eat the rainbow! Adding lots of whole, fresh, colorful fruits and veggies are the cornerstone. Eat protein and high-quality fats, some whole grains, and drink tons of clean water. A balance of macro- and micronutrients help keep you feeling satiated, with balanced blood sugar and a revved up metabolism. My Recommendations: Become a slow, relaxed eater - start by adding 5 minutes to each meal Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing to aid digestion Be curious about emotions and your cravings. Don't judge your food or yourself! Remember: We are ALL emotional eaters Pay attention to what you eat and how you feel after you eat certain foods Eat along with natural bio-circadian rhythms - avoid late-night eating when metabolism slows down Try including protein, fiber and high-quality fats for breakfast and lunch Fill 50% of your plate with colorful veggies - cooked and raw. Always include dark leafy greens Always choose whole grains over refined carbs. Whole grains are absorbed slowly by the body, providing sustained energy Practice the "80-20 Rule" - follow these guidelines 80% of the time and 20% of the time, anything goes! Be Liberated!  Here's something to consider as we head into the July 4th holiday. Make a list of everything you appreciate about yourself and your life. Doing this will help you see what is right in your life.  Additionally, embracing food challenges can lead to personal growth and transformation. By moving beyond your challenges, you can break the diet shackles and experience true freedom once and for all!  ~ Thanks to Karen Malkin