my story
I didn't know what hit me! I was post-partum, far from family, and my cravings for sugar were almost insatiable. It turns out that I had developed depression, and I was self-medicating with sugar! Consciously I had no idea that was even a thing, but subconsciously my automatic urges knew what they were doing!
Just after my daughter was born, we moved from sunny California to a new wintry home where my husband went to graduate school for four years. The climate and lifestyle shift put me in survival mode where healthy eating fell off my radar!
I had always liked carbs and sweets, but I was surprised when the cravings came on so strong. I knew it wasn't good for me, but I didn't care. Here I was a professional dietitian who supposedly knew so much about healthy eating, and yet I felt powerless against my own cravings.
I certainly didn't want the rest of my family eating the way I did, so I bought and hid treats for myself and I binged in secret. It got to the point where I couldn't entirely function without my sugar fixes. Can you relate??
I finally made the connection that sugar made me tired and more depressed, and I didn't want to feel that way anymore. I wanted to be a good mom and full of energy for my kids. I didn't want a substance controlling me - even if it was food. I knew I was addicted to sugar, and I was ready to let go.
It was hard at first. I prayed through the urges for power to overcome them. Every time I won a battle, I felt tremendous success. I became in-tune to what excessive sugar does to my mood, my sleep, and my energy.
I discovered simple shifts that minimize cravings. I learned about self-care and mental health, and how nutrition is related.
Eventually I overcame the urges to binge and although I still occasionally get cravings, they are nothing like they used to be! I now have strategies in place to manage cravings when they come. I have learned that sometimes my brain tries to trick me into thinking that food is the answer, when the problem has nothing to do with food. I strive to cope with the stresses of life in ways that balance and strengthen me - without overeating!
I have a passion for nourishing the body & soul and helping others feel good. I like to meet my clients where they are so healthy eating feels doable and enjoyable. I want to help YOU discover the powerful but simple shifts that break the cycle of overeating so you can lose weight and finally keep it off!
Love is the best motivator
You can't hate yourself to skinny (and not everyone should be skinny anyway)! You can't shame or guilt yourself into making positive changes either. Begin from a place of love and acceptance to move you forward!
Replace rather than eliminate
The best place to start changing the way you eat is to add healthful foods and practices, and watch them crowd out the less healthy. Let's find ways to strengthen your body & soul, and you will naturally want more of it!
Listen to your body
Get in tune with your body talk that you have been ignoring or that you didn't even know was there. Listening to your own feedback can be a powerful motivator!
Go for small wins
You are more likely to stick to change when it is gradual. A small win gives you momentum to continue with other positive changes. If you continue to work at it, you will eventually have more positive experiences with food than negative ones.