Maria's Journey: Lightbulb moments
So I got the munchies on Monday afternoon whilst working (downside to working from home), I hadn’t been shopping yet, and all I could find in the fridge was an organic carrot. Really unimpressed I phoned a friend. It was a good move, my friend suggested that I always keep an avocado and some hummus in the fridge, that way I can flavor up the carrot…great tip! I’m so glad that I went along to Phil’s seminar as a few light bulbs went on. It was quite a technical seminar about
Maria's Journey: ten weeks in - what is emotional eating?
Had a good session with Phil. We talked about emotional eating and what I found really interesting was that for someone so slim and who has never had weight loss issues he admitted to being an emotional eater. I was amazed. The term “emotional eating” immediately conjures for me an overweight person. So I reflected on my relationship with food. The last few years have been particularly stressful with work and family ‘stuff’. Reflecting on what food means to me bring words
Fourth principle: support of friends and family
‘How hard is it to get well on your own with zero emotional input and support from others? I would have to say it is very difficult, and our stories confirm to us that it is needed. Even if family or friends do not understand why you are doing what you are doing their endorsement of your choice is invaluable. Victoria made great progress at times when emotional support was available. Anne would only surround herself with positive people. John found some friends questioned wha
Third principle: Self responsibility for getting well
‘Who is in charge of your healing? Is it the doctor, naturopath or specialist? Ultimately it has to be you! Health professionals are there as guides to help get you on the right track, and each of them have their place in your process, if that is what you choose. But you need to be in charge! Looking at our subjects, it is fascinating to note that two took self-responsibility and sought no outside help! John found the answer on the net, and just experimented from then on, onc
Second principle: Rest and recuperation
The second necessary principle to getting well is ‘Rest and recuperation’. This is an extract from my book ‘Journeys Back to Health’ written in 2006 with a follow on comment from today: ‘How can a body heal if it is under stress? The reality is that it can’t, because the energy is being diverted into various metabolic activities that are unnecessary in the current situation. For example, if you go to work, the physical and mental actions are driving the cells in your body int
Maria's Journey: 8 weeks in - spicing up my life
So in the last session Phil suggested spicing up my life …with herbs, spices and variety mainly thermic inducing spices. Apparently, some foods cause the body to heat slightly which has a positive effect on the metabolism…put very simply what Phil explained in detail (thermogenesis!). Spices and food such as cayenne pepper, paprika, curry powder, ginger, garlic. Also, the gut needs to be repopulated with a variety of gut bacteria, so a wide variety of veggies. The suggesti
Maria's journey: 6 weeks - all about health and wellness
Six weeks in, wow I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. Similar challenges to the last blog in terms of busy-ness and time, mostly the busy mornings but I am just loving the fruit in the mornings I can grab a few pieces of fruit and have them throughout the morning if I get hungry, so simple and delicious. Water is still a challenge but drinking lots of green tea. Since my reflexology session with Phil I have been sleeping so well. I’m getting the wave of sleep at ab
The Seven Principles
‘Positive beliefs and attitude' The first of the seven principles to turn your health around revolves around your attitudes and beliefs. Following is an extract from my book ‘Journeys Back to health’ written in 2006, and an additional comment at the end with my current view: 'In Violet’s story, I made the comment that I can often see who is likely to get well by the belief pattern displayed by the client. Frankly, some people do not believe they will get well, and this alone