There are so many opportunities in modern culture to fool yourself and others.  You can date on the internet so you can lie about your age and how you look – at least for awhile.  You an use clothing to cover up “flaws” in your body. And the list goes on.  I’m concerned about how we fool other people but more concerned about how we fool ourselves.  Everytime I sit and talk to a patient about their nutrition or exercise habits, I have to ask myself what am I doing in those areas?  Everytime I talk to someone about stress management, I have to look at my own stress-filled life and see if I’m doing ok or am I not coping well with stress. (more…)

How did we end up as a nation where over half of our citizens are losing the battle of the bulge?  I’ve talked about genetics already.  But our genes haven’t changed in the last 50 years while the percentage of us who are overweight or obese has skyrocketed.  Currently there is no state in our nations with less than 20% of its people who are not obese.

Well a lot of other things have changed in the past 50 years.  When I was a kid, we had only one Mc Donald’s in our hometown.  We also had a Dairy Queen.  Going out for fast food was a rare treat, usually reserved for long car trips when we couldn’t find a restaurant such as Stuckey’s to have a sit down meal.   (more…)

I’ve had many patients tell me that they are overweight/obese because they “love to eat.”  When I ask them which foods they love most, they usually have a quick answer – Italian food, Mexican food, chocolate, sweets, or (fill in the blank).  But there’s always a question they can’t really answer. 

What does the food you love to eat taste like.  Describe in detail your favorite food.

Take a moment.  Stop reading and answer that question for yourself. (more…)

When I was a kid, I was skinny!  As I became a young adult, I was still skinny.  Over time, I plumped up quite nicely.  But you know what’s funny?  I didn’t even realize how “lucky” I was to be skinny.  All the time people tried to feed me.  I could eat whatever I wanted without gaining a pound.  I wore the cutest clothes. But I was CLUELESS as to my privileged status in society as a “thin girl/woman.”  What I always knew is that I looked like my Mom and her Mom and that all my sisters did too.  My Mom was skinny until after the menopause when she described herself as “pleasingly plump.”  She never seemed to realize that you have to be thin to be happy or sexy.  In that way, I’m most lucky that I had a Mom with such a positive view of herself.  (more…)

UPCOMING RETREAT: Save the Date

October 16-19, 2009 

The Awakened Body Journey is a women’s retreat scheduled for October 16-19, 2009 in the setting of the foothills of the beautiful Rocky Mountains outside of Denver, Colorado.

This 4-day, 3 night retreat is designed to provide nourishment for the mind, body and spirit.  Outdoor adventures, visioning, teaching, coaching and group interactions will enable you to find comfort and confidence in your own body’s wisdom and help you shift your relationship with food.  

COME HOME TO YOUR BODY!  

Look for more information on this website for The Awakened Body Journey. Or contact Deb Roffe 303-550-5923 or Carolyn Ross, MD 520-440-0079 

Are you a chronic relapser or yo-yo dieter?  Do you often reach your goal weight or get close only to find yourself throwing all your hard work away for a binge or because you just can’t diet anymore?   (more…)