Fit Therapist

From a very young age we starting learning about the world around us and adjust to our environment for survival. From the way we act, think, behave, react and interact with others. Our learning comes out in practices, health habits, past times, spirituality and lifestyle choices. All of us are culturally connected to the things we eat whether we prefer rice and beans or oxtail and peas. We are additionally influenced by life events. For years scientists have recognized a link between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the development of eating disorders, i.e. binge eating. Trauma is an actual or perceived life threatening even  often leads to a stress reaction (anxiety, fear, depression, anger). Often times in order to deal with that anxiety people turn to food, alcohol or other substances to mask, avoid or "stuff" the pain. Research shows that 1 in 4 people who binge eat  have PTSD Symptoms of PTSD and Binge Eatin g 1. Stressful memories, flash backs and trigg...

I think all of us can agree that sometimes you mind can be your best friend or your biggest enemy. When we start a goal we are motivated to change. We are thinking positively and hopeful about the future. Over time, that will power is not enough and we go back to our negative thought patterns that took us out the first time. Therefore, the first step to any change is conquering your mind. Humans by nature are pessimists. All of us think negative from time to time, some more than others. In order to move forward we have to fight that with more positive alternative thoughts. Can't I just tell myself "stop thinking that stop thinking that." The answer is no! If I tell you to not think about a pink elephant now all you can do is think about it. Your brain processed the "pink elephant" and not the "not."  First we have to recognize when we are having these negative thoughts. Sometimes they are so common and natural for us we don't even realize whe...

 This is a two part blog to follow up on my last post  Cravings and Why Willpower is not enough . It is proven that the only long lasting technique that proves success in any goal or resolution is to develop a habit that feeds your goal daily. Progression towards your success is a process. It is like growing a plant, you have to water it and give it enough sunlight to later bare the results of your work. So think about what your goal is and how overtime with effort that can transform into something of substance for you. Willpower is fleeting and unreliable. If that is our only source of drive, you will most likely give in before the middle of  2017. Whether your goal is to lose weight or start reading everyday, think of the steps you would need to take for example reading for 10 minutes before bed. Here are 7 steps I take with my clients in coaching them to reach their goals using the SMART technique! Step 1: Write your goals! Writing it down is kind of like a contra...

Websters dictionary defines willpower as "energetic determination." Whenever I ask someone where willpower comes from they say something like "internal strength." It is the desire to control your impulses. It that internal drive that some of us seem to have more of than others. To me this is a not very well defined term yet it is that one thing that everyone wants and believes will move them forward in all of their goals. I need to find the "willpower," the "motivation;" like it will fall out of the air straight into your lap. The truth about willpower!  The truth is will power is considered by some researchers to be a limited and fast reduced resource. The term they use is "willpower depletion." Saying "no" takes a mental toll on you and that is where this "internal strength," comes from. Willpower is like a muscle that after continued use can reach this point of depletion where we give into our cravings or ...

The holidays can be an amazingly stressful time of year! Between shopping, decorating, and dealing with that one miserable aunt who wants to share the misery with the family. It can be difficult to deal with! Talk about stress! Here are some helpful tips I've given my clients to help them survive the stress! 1. Pay Attention : This time of year can be difficult for some people whether it is seasonal depression, social anxiety in the malls or dealing with the loss of a loved one. Everyone is on edge. Pay attention to the feelings that are coming up for you. Recognition is the first step in resolution of the problem. 2. Take Care of Yourself: Make sure you are not putting your health on the back burner. Don't neglect you workouts or nature walks to tackle your to do list. Holiday tasks will get done another day but your health is forever. Don't skip meals or sleep. This is how our body is fueled and restores itself and are key to health and wellness. 3. Prioritize You...