Client Spotlight: Finding Peace with Food

I find immense joy in sharing my client's successes (click on the Tag "Client Spotlights" for more inspiring stories).  Here's another spotlight that gives me goosebumps.  Check out J's story of learning to surrender control and find peace with food.

Recently, I've caught myself at random times having an unfamiliar feeling: I'm no longer controlled by food; I enjoy it and the nourishment it provides.

When I went to see Marci a few months ago, I could only say these words in the abstract and imagine what it would feel like to really mean them. At the time, I had a whole repertoire of strategies to prevent myself from gaining weight, among them eating Slim Fast bars with a few real foods thrown in around them. I was afraid to eat anything else, but would catch myself binging once my hunger reached an uncontrollable level. This was my secret burden; I carried it everywhere like an old jacket that no longer fits. It was having an enormous impact on my daily life, energy level, and well being (besides not being effective in weight loss), and by the time I saw Marci I was really ready for change: The jacket had to come off.

The first thing I had to do, and the most difficult step of all, was to surrender my logic and trust in a new way of thinking about food. Eating three times a day seemed impossible, and I was afraid of gaining more weight. Nevertheless, I stuck with the program and eventually became comfortable with it. Then, I noticed little changes: I wasn't thinking about food all day long. I had the energy to go to the gym, work better, and socialize more. Even if I couldn't trust myself with food at that moment, I could trust Marci, and this got me through.

Weeks later, I did lose a few pounds. But this seemed minimal compared to the freedom I felt for the very first time in my life. It was like a new beginning. Grocery shopping was enjoyable, and the world of food looked more manageable. Although I still struggle with emotional eating, I have come farther than I ever thought was possible -- and know that, with help, others can do the same.

Finding a healthy relationship with food is a journey.  And finding supports along the way is crucial.  If you find that you are struggling more than you'd like with food- considering enlisting support from family, friends, or a professional you feel you can trust.  I'm happy to provide you with a list of referral sources for therapy or talk to you about nutrition therapy if you feel it may be helpful to you or someone you love.

Your nutrition therapist in Cambridge,
Marci
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Calorie-Free Chocolate?

So I am a chocolate LOVER. And I was intrigued by an article introducing a new product- Le Whif.  It's an inhalable, calorie-free chocolate.  It was developed by a Harvard professor (the same guy who brought you breathable insulin).  Here's a short article and interview with the product developer.

Le Whif is already being sold in France and Japan.  But what do you think?  If it was available in the US, would you buy it?  Do you think it would help tame your chocolate cravings?  Does it have the potential to heighten cravings?  What about causing chocolate binges when the calorie-free version isn't quite satisfying your sweet tooth (I'm thinking back to the Snackwell's binges from a decade ago).

I have to admit, I'm a total skeptic.  I can't imagine taking a puff of chocolate tasting air would fix my need for chocolate.  I get total satisfaction from taking a bite out of some high quality chocolate (no Hershey's for me!) and savoring it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. :)
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Natural Remedies: Ginger & Nausea Relief

Sorry for my delay in blog posts!  Not only have I been busy at work, but I had the misfortune of acquiring some sort of terrible stomach virus.  Fortunately, I felt well enough to speak at the WECAN event at Harvard this afternoon on the topic of "Becoming Your Own Nutrition Expert."  

One of the attendees was curious to know about natural, nutrition based remedies.  And I had a great recommendation based on my recent stomach upset.   It is the perfect "natural" antidote to a queezy stomach.  It's called a Ginger Steamer from Crema Cafe' in Harvard Square. They use a ginger broth and add fresh lime juice and honey.  Not only is it delicious, but totally warm and soothing. If you are on the verge of getting sick, have a bit of an upset tummy, or just want a feel good kind of drink- I highly recommend it!

Here's some reliable information from WebMD on ginger as an anti-nausea remedy.
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Oprah, Giving Up Dieting?

I have always been frustrated by Oprah's need to drag the entire United States on her latest diets, weight gains and losses.  But this article gives me hope hat she may finally be "getting it."  I'm grateful for her sharing a brief interview with author Geneen Roth.  Please check it out.  

Geneen is the author of multiple books on the topic of eating disorders, emotional eating, and binge eating.  Her latest book "Women, Food, and God" is next up on my reading queue.  The book's basic premise: how you eat reflects your fundamental beliefs.  It's the process of understanding and redefining those beliefs that allows you to permanently change your relationship with food.

At the risk of sounding terribly cliche' this book is certainly "food for thought."
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WECAN at Harvard

For any of you ladies out there, you may be interested in attending Harvard's WECAN event on Saturday, March 27th.  WECAN stands for Women's Empowerment Convention & Network.

Event details are listed here.

I'll be giving a workshop on "How to Become Your Own Nutrition Expert & Love Food Too!" I'll be raffling off a free nutrition session.  There will also be a ton of other great speakers, workshops, and free giveaways. Hope to see you there!

Marci

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Fitness Fact: Good Computer Posture

Have you ever thought about the number of hours in a day you spend sitting in front of a computer?  Have you ever paid attention to how you are sitting in front of your computer?  The typical American is expected to live for 78 years.  Now imagine how you'll be looking at 78 if you continue to sit hunched over at your computer every day.

This is a relatively helpful article on computer posture.  But here are a couple of points to consider:

• Habit: How you sit is a habit and will likely take many reminders to change or correct it.  Consider setting a posture timer on your computer so you can check your self periodically.
• Strength: Good posture requires strength in the core (both low back and abdominals).  The Mayo Clinic has a slide show of core strengthening exercises.
• Stretching: Actively stretching and releasing tension is great way to correct posture.  I found this awesome YouTube video (below) which guides you through a series of relaxing desk stretches, along with some pretty great tunes to help you relax.

Product No Case: Fiber One 90 Calorie Bars

The purpose of the "Product No Case" blog postings are to share with you foods disguised as "healthy" but are truly not.  And General Mills Fiber One 90 Calorie Bars are a shining example.  They are packed full of fiber (a rather popular marketing ploy these days) in an attempt to look healthy.  Here's what's wrong with this picture.

Product Showcase: Kind Bars

Tips on Canned and Frozen Produce

As part of National Nutrition Month (NNM), The American Dietetic Association has created a few film clips on healthy eating.  I have included this clip on tips for using canned or frozen produce.

I actually talked about utilizing frozen fruits and vegetables in my nutrition tools class at The Wellbridge Athletic Club in Harvard Square. Not only is it an affordable way to keep fruits and veggies on hand without risk of spoilage, it can actually be a more effective way to get those vital vitamins and minerals.  Turns out frozen produce is picked at their prime and flash frozen.  In comparison, fresh produce loses nutritional value as it's transported and sitting on grocery shelves.  Consider how far your strawberries had to travel to make it to your grocery shelves Cambridge, MA.

So the next time you are whipping a meal, consider utilizing frozen produce.  It just may save you a little time, a little money, and boost your diet.
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Edamame Pate' Sandwiches

Are you tired of eating turkey sandwiches for lunch?  If your are anything like many of my nutrition clients, you are looking for simple meal ideas that are healthy, yet taste good!

I just tried a recipe that may be a solution to your deli-meat doldrums.  Edamame Pate' Sandwiches are a simple, nutritious, and easy way to change up your lunch routine.  Simply blend up the ingredients and store for the coming week.  Then dollop on whole grain bread, tortillas, pita, or crackers.  It's a great vegetarian swap for chicken salad. 

The edamame and walnuts are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.  Enjoy!  I did. :)

Edamame Pate' Sandwiches (courtesy of Vegetarian Times*)

1 1/4 cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed (You can buy frozen, shelled edamame at any grocery store.  I have bought it locally at Trader Joe's and Market Basket.  Simply run under cold water to quickly thaw.)
1/2 cup walnuts
1/3 cup mint leaves (packed)
1 green onion, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbs. lemon juice (I recommend fresh, and with lemons .33 a piece, why not?)
3 Tbs. water

Puree the first 5 ingredients in a food processor until finely chopped.

Add lemon juice and water then process until smooth.

Eat with any whole grain of your choosing and make it tasty with toppings of your choice.  Consider arugula, avocado, roasted peppers, tomato, cucumber, and goat cheese.

I ate mine rolled in a whole wheat tortilla with arugula, roasted peppers, and cucumber. MMMmmmm.

*For more simple, nutritious, seasonal, and scrumptious recipes consider subscribing to Vegetarian Times.

*If you are looking for other ideas for your frozen edamame, check this old blog post.
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