Eating Mindfully

Dr. Albers in the news

2012-01-13T19:42:00.002-05:00

Wall Street Journal. Quote by Dr. Susan Albers in Is Your Personality Making You Put on Pounds? by Melinda Beck

CNN Health. Quote by Dr. Susan Albers Can Mindfulness Curb Overeating? by Anne Harding

New TV interview with Dr. Susan Albers

2011-11-22T23:15:00.001-05:00

Holiday Eating!

http://www.fox8.com/lifestyle/newdaycleveland/

Gayle King Interview

2011-11-03T11:19:00.001-04:00

NYC Walk

2011-08-21T23:21:00.002-04:00

Sunday, October 2nd. Eating Disorder Walk 3rd Annual
Dr. Albers will be at:
http://www.edap.org/programs-events/nedawareness-week-walk.php

NYC

2011-08-21T23:21:00.000-04:00

Sunday, October 2nd. Eating Disorder Walk 3rd Annual
Dr. Albers will be at:
http://www.edap.org/programs-events/nedawareness-week-walk.php

From the Dr. Oz Show

2011-08-08T18:12:00.003-04:00

Dr. Albers at Sounds True

2011-07-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Dr. Albers recording the Mindful Appetite at Sounds True in Boulder, Co

Visit their website http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/Welcome.do;jsessionid=7Niy3oyVkdAYW4f8mcjz.app02

92Y in October

2011-05-01T22:58:00.004-04:00

I'll be in NYC the week of October 10th, 2011. If you have a group that would like to host a lecture or media event, please contact us at DrAlbers@eatingmindfully.com

www.92y.org

Binge Eating Diosrder Conference

2011-03-31T19:06:00.002-04:00

Lecture: The Art of Soothing Yourself Without Food by Susan Albers PsyD

Date: April 1st, 2001

Time: 4:30

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Staying Fit With Dara Torres

2011-02-08T00:00:00.003-05:00

Looking forward to Thursday.

What: Staying Fit in 2011 with Olympia Dara Torres

When: Thursday Feb, 10th

Where: Yale Club of New York City 44th Street

Harriet Brown, Brave Girl Eating

2011-02-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

Thank you Harriet Brown, author of Brave Girl Eating, for coming to an eating disorder benefit in Cleveland. Read about it here

Mindful Eating & CNN

2010-11-19T16:15:00.003-05:00

A great article by Elizabeth Landau how mindfulness is used to treat a variety of health issues--including eating issues. Dr. Albers explains her take on this in the article.

Binge Eating Disorder Conference

2010-10-04T22:43:00.002-04:00

I will be presenting at the 2011 Binge Eating Disorder Conference in Arizona. Here is the conference itinerary. It looks like there will be many wonderful speakers!

2nd Annual New York City Walk

2010-10-02T22:41:00.003-04:00

Best wishes to everyone at the 2nd Annual NYC Walk tomorrow. Unfortunately, due to weather, I won't be there this year.

It's a great cause. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Dr. Albers on NPR Morning Edition

2010-09-14T08:16:00.003-04:00

Health Story by Allison Aubrey

Books, Stress, Pizza: A Recipe For The 'Freshman 15'?

Dr. Susan Albers discussing stress eating & college students

Audio link here: http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=2&islist=true&id=1128

Mindful Eating in NYC

2010-09-12T12:31:00.002-04:00

Manhattan is filled with incredible restaurants. I have my list of favorite restaurants, but would like to try something new while I am there next weekend. Feel free to share any suggestions--where do you find your favorite mindful meal in NYC?

29 Days!

2010-09-10T15:33:00.002-04:00

What a great date for a race. 10-10-10

Although I will not be running in the Chicago Marathon, I will be cheering on four very motivated runners this year. I will also be volunteering--giving out water. Good luck to all those who are gearing up for the Chicago Marathon.

Overcoming Mageirocophobia—the Fear of Cooking

2010-09-10T15:27:00.001-04:00

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/comfort-cravings/201009/overcoming-mageirocophobia-the-fear-cooking

2nd Annual Eating Disorder Walk NYC

2010-08-18T15:06:00.007-04:00

Last year, I participated in the First Annual NYC Eating Disorder's Walk in NYC. It was an insiring event. I'll be in NYC October 17th & 18th 2010 promoting mindful eating and back to NYC, one of my favorite cities, October 3rd.

See the Clip Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiffX0EdTnc
Consider walking this year!

Join NEDA’s 2nd Annual New York City Walk

It’s Time To Talk About It. It’s Time To Walk About It!

August 12, 2010 – New York – This October, lace up your sneakers and join The National Eating Disorders Association [NEDA] for the 2nd Annual New York City NEDA Walk on the Riverside Park Promenade. The theme is It’s time to Talk About It. It’s Time to Walk About It! The NEDA Walk takes place on Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 from 11am to 1pm.

The Walk is NEDA’s largest community building event. NEDA is a non-profit national organization dedicated to helping families and those who suffer from bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating disorder. It’s estimated that up to 45 million people in this country suffer from an eating disorder.

The New York City NEDA Walk is chaired for the second year in a row by WABC-7’s Diana Williams. It will include a one mile stroll along the Riverside Park Promenade. This year, we have added more exhibits, food and beverage vendors. And, event organizers are opening registrations to dogs, as well as human walkers!

Diana Williams said, “I am proud to Chair the 2010 NEDA Walk. We had great success the first year bringing out people who were able share their stories. We want to be there for families and friends and support those fighting eating disorders and remind everyone that there is hope.”

Event check-in and the NEDA expo will begin at 9am. The Walk will begin at 11am. Registration starts at just $20 for adults and $10 for children who are 12 years of age and under. NEDA is also offering $5 registration for dogs, so that your four legged friend can walk with you! Pre-registration is suggested by September 20th on www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.

“For far too long, many people suffered from eating disorders in silence. We say it’s time to talk about it and it is time to walk about it, to raise awareness that eating disorders are real illnesses that deserve real attention,” said Lynn Grefe, NEDA CEO. “This Walk is a way to break the silence, create community, and engage the public in our efforts to help eradicate these debilitating illnesses and lead people toward help.”

Walk sponsors this year include Brookfield Properties, Newmark Knight Frank, Whitestar Contracting & Consulting, All Points International Dist., Inc. (API), as well as NEDA’s media partner, WABC 7 and WPLJ radio, and official airline sponsor, Continental Airlines.

For more information regarding the New York City NEDA Walk, please contact Jeff Cannon at Think Cannon at 212-993-6464 or jc@thinkcannon.com.

Dr. Albers in Vanity Fair

2010-08-12T15:28:00.003-04:00

A few comments by Dr. Albers in Vanity Fair for Olay campaign p. 138

Twitter

2010-07-17T22:16:00.002-04:00

It's official. I've entered the world of Twitter. Join me at
@eatingmindfully.com

Good News! A new book is coming...

2010-05-25T13:01:00.002-04:00

Great news! If you are a fan of the eating mindfully series, I've just signed on to write a new book. It will be published in summer of 2011!

Rethinking Food, Eating and Dieting

2010-05-24T21:23:00.003-04:00

Rethinking Food, Eating and Dieting by Martica Heaner, Ph.D., M.A., M.Ed., is a Manhattan-based exercise physiologist and nutritionist, and an award-winning fitness instructor and health writer.

Article link below:

http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100259280

Where Fashion Meets Food

2010-05-20T10:07:00.003-04:00

Thank you to Erica for posting her review of 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food

http://www.fashionmeetsfood.com/2010/05/how-to-tuesday-soothe-yourself-without.html

Dr. Albers' Quote for CNN Health

2010-04-28T22:11:00.003-04:00

Study: Chocolate and depression go hand in hand

By Denise Mann, Health.com

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/26/chocolate.depression/?hpt=C2

Named an "Essential Read" today by Psychology Today

2010-04-19T10:16:00.003-04:00

The Body Dilemma: Mothers & Daughters. This blog is a response to the New York Times article on April 17th entitled "The Fat Trap."

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/comfort-cravings/201004/the-body-dilemma-mothers-daughters

John Tesh Blog

2010-04-09T22:05:00.003-04:00

Spring is definitely within our sights, and surveys say that 67% of us say we do, indeed, feel better in Spring. Winter, however, isn't the only factor in fighting depression, stress or anxiety. We have 10 self-soothing techniques, from psychologist Dr. Susan Albers' book 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food.

http://johnteshblog.typepad.com/john_tesh_blog/2010/03/feeling-stress-become-your-own-massage-therapist.html

The Best Valentine's Day Gift for a Mindful Eater

2010-02-09T12:44:00.006-05:00

Don't know what to get your sweetie for Valentine's Day? See some of my suggestions on the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-susan-albers/the-best-valentines-day-g_b_453501.html

Shape Bride Magazine

2010-02-09T12:35:00.006-05:00

Shape Magazine for Brides is now on news stands. See a quote by Dr. Susan Albers about the intimacy of cooking with your significant other.

If you missed the show...

2010-01-26T21:03:00.004-05:00

In case you missed the show, here are the clips:

Video Clip 1

Video Clip 2

Dr. Oz & Stress Eating

2010-01-22T10:04:00.009-05:00

If you missed Dr. Oz yesterday, you didn't get the chance to meet Jennifer. Jennifer is like most comfort eaters. Comfort eaters eat when they are stressed, bored, overwhelmed--and sometimes in response to any feeling at all.

Jennifer bravely shared with the world her goal to stop this pattern. At the time of the show, which was taped approximately a month ago,

Jennifer's Truth Tube Numbers Were;

Weight 381
Waist Size 54 inches
BMI 65
B/P 140/98
Neck Size 16 1/2
Joint Pain - Yes

If you are an emotional eater, you realize how much emotional eating can rapidly get out of control and dominate your life. Jennifer wants the basics--to be able to take her kids to the zoo and walk around comfortably without her weight getting in the way. Unfortunately, comfort eating can sabotage your health, relationship with your family and self-esteem. Dr. Susan Albers gave tips on how to break loose from this difficult habit.

Curious how Jennifer is going since the show? Get a sneak peak by joining her blog http://jennifercandoit.blogspot.com/

Send her your support! A kind word or helpful tip can make all the difference.

Here are suggestions on how to stop stress eating from Dr. Susan Albers
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/tips-stop-emotional-eating

Dr. Oz on Thursday

2010-01-18T09:33:00.005-05:00

Dr. Albers makes an appearance on Dr. Oz on Thursday January 21st. See the trailer: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/thursday-dr-oz

I'll be giving some tips to the stress eater mentioned in this clip.

By the way, since the show...she's doing great! She's done amazing work.

Questions about Mindful Eating??

2010-01-11T12:37:00.006-05:00

Want to pick Dr. Susan Albers' brain about mindful eating and how to stop stress eating? Here is your chance. Join the Body & Soul Magazine Whole Body Action Plan Challenge. Log into this site:
http://community.wholeliving.com/group/actionplan and create a profile. This takes one minute. From Wed January 13th-15th, Dr. Albers will be answering questions online.

Also, tune in today to Martha Stewart Living Radio / Sirius XM
Whole Living Program or see tips from Dr. Albers in the January edition of Body & Soul Magazine.
www.marthastewart.com/radio

My New Year's Resolution

2010-01-06T22:04:00.002-05:00

Read about my New Year's Resolution in the Washington Post.

Healthful-living experts weigh in with their New Year's resolutionsby Jennifer LaRue Huget's Column Eat, Drink & Be Healthy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/05/AR2010010501428.html

Coping with the Mindless Eating Holiday Blues

2009-12-25T22:42:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays!

Hopefully, you enjoyed the holidays and ate mindfully. If you had difficulty click here to find tips for how to recover quickly from mindless eating, click here

Shape Magazine Article

2009-12-21T22:46:00.003-05:00

Want to learn about ending emotional eating? Pick up a copy of the January 2010 issue of Shape. Dr. Susan Albers shares one of her tips for coping with emotional eating.

Washington Post: A Mindful Eating Exercise

2009-12-13T22:03:00.004-05:00

CLICK HERE: Mindful Eating Exercise in the Washington Post

Dr. Albers on the Dr. Oz T.V. Show

2009-12-09T09:14:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I spent the day at NBC studios in NYC taping the Dr. Oz T.V. show. I was a guest on the show discussing stress eating. The show will be airing in the next two weeks.

Click on the www.droz.com website for updates on upcoming shows

Eating Smart is all in Your Mind

2009-12-09T09:08:00.003-05:00

Article about Eating Mindfully in the Washington Post by Jennifer LaRue Huget

Discussing Mindful Eating

2009-12-02T07:29:00.004-05:00

Short video of Dr. Susan Albers discussing her four books and the concept of mindful eating.

Thanks for the Comments

2009-11-29T17:03:00.004-05:00

Thank you to those who commented on my recent Huffington Post article entitled

Weighing College Students: Discrimination or Life Saving

Helping students to eat more mindfully is a wonderful goal. How to accomplish it is a little more tricky (without doing harm). As you can see from this article, it is a controversial topic.

Akron Beacon Journal

2009-11-29T15:08:00.001-05:00

50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food mentioned in the Akron Beacon Journal today.

Oprah Article

2009-11-20T16:43:00.003-05:00

See my new article on www.oprah.com

Ways to Avoid Stress Eating During the Holidays
Oprah.com - Chicago,IL,USA
By Dr. Susan Albers Put down the cookie! Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers offers simple ways to not eat your way through stressful situations this holiday ..

2009 Events

2009-11-14T21:45:00.002-05:00

October 28th Lecture for Las Vegas Weight Management Conference

December 12th Lecture on Holiday Eating at New Beginnings Counseling Akron, Ohio

Eating Mindfully in German

2009-11-14T21:35:00.002-05:00

Every now and then I get wonderful emails from mindful eaters across the globe. Thank you for your emails! Yesterday, a woman in Germany contacted me. Eating Mindfully was published in German last month. She is seeking other people/support groups in Germany who are interested in mindful eating. If you know of any, please contact me and I will pass along the info.

Dr. Susan Albers' Holiday Mindful Eating Tips on Health.com

2009-11-11T21:58:00.002-05:00

Click here to see a slide show:
http://eating.health.com/2008/10/19/slideshow-stop-and-smell-the-sweets/

More Magazine

2009-11-09T21:56:00.001-05:00

New Posting on Holiday Eating by Dr. Susan Albers

http://www.more.com/2030/9551-the-healthy-way-to-eat

Mindful Cooking

2009-11-08T21:18:00.008-05:00

Who taught you to cook? There are often many people responsible for shaping your ability to whip up a meal--a mom, a great aunt, your grandfather. A person, besides my mother, who I would add to the list is Jane Snow. Back in the day when you couldn't just turn to google for a new recipe, we consulted the newspaper. Jane was a food writer for many years. Her award winning work has been published nationally. Many of our favorite family recipes are those we cut out from her column. Many years ago, I got the pleasure of meeting Jane and she put one of my own favorite recipes in the paper. I met up with her again at the Buckeye Book Fair. She was promoting her new book, Jane Snow Cooks: Spirited Recipes and Stories

http://www.janesnowtoday.com/

Since that time, I've learned how important cooking is to mindful eating. You really appreciate food in a new way when you spend the time to create it.

Conference

2009-11-01T21:48:00.005-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas to talk give the lecture: Mindful Eating 101: Teaching your Clients the Basics of Mindful Eating. This is a photo of Nadia Reda, a weight loss coach, and Dr. Susan Albers.

I'd like to thank those who extended the invitation to speak at the conference and to those attending the lecture. It was a pleasure to meet people who are enthusastic about mindful eating!

That's Fit--Read Three Posts on Dr. Susan Albers

2009-11-01T11:02:00.005-05:00

That's Fit is a wonderful web resource. It's motto: Get Healthy, Be Strong, Live Well Articles by: Sarah Treleaven

Breakfast Really Is This Doctor's Most Important Meal
http://www.thatsfit.ca/2009/10/28/mindful-eating-advocate-dr-susan-albers/

How to Be Happy: Quit Mindless, Emotional Eating
http://www.thatsfit.ca/2009/08/07/how-to-be-happy-quit-mindless-emotional-eating/

Comfort Eating: How to Break the Habit
http://www.thatsfit.ca/2009/10/16/comfort-eating-how-to-break-the-habit/

Getting Motivated to Eat More Mindfully

2009-10-29T11:42:00.002-04:00

Read 5 Tips to Getting More Motivated:

CLICK ON PSYCHOLOGY TODAY BLOG

Trick or Eat: Mindfully Eating Chocolate

2009-10-22T23:16:00.003-04:00

What is more frightening than ghosts and goblins during Halloween? For many people who are trying to eat healthier, walking into a grocery store brimming full of bags of little Halloween candy bars brings up a lot of fear. If you are concerned about steering clear of trick-or-treat sweets the next few weeks, don't worry.

This year try practicing a mindful chocolate meditation. For many people, it is okay to eat chocolate rather than completely avoid it. Not only would eliminating chocolate be no fun, but it also isn't realistic. Diet books want you to believe that you can eradicate chocolate and other treats from your life. Instead, learn to eat candy and other foods you crave in a new mindful way.

Why does slowing down and eating candy mindfully help? For people who eat chocolate, they are often thinking about the next piece of candy before they even finish the one they are enjoying. That is when they go for more. You can eat an entire candy bar and not really taste one bite. Eating chocolate mindfully is intended to help you to really get joy from it and to eat just enough to feel satisfied. This is such a challenge.

Before you get started:

Practice mindfully eating chocolate before you have a craving, prior to Halloween and when you are in a good mood. It's like learning how to swim. You don't want to practice swimming during big waves. Get the hang of it when things are calm.

Be mindful of how much candy you buy. Buy only exactly what you need or a little less. If you are afraid of running out, you are less likely to overeat it. As we all know, more is not necessarily better. The pleasure can quickly turn to displeasure when you eat too much chocolate.

Considering buying yourself an expensive piece of chocolate to eat mindfully and save the cheap version for kids (or if you feel that kids will get more than enough candy, buy stickers or a cool pencil to drop in bags).

Timing is everything. Buy trick-or-treat candy as close as you can to the date. Having candy hanging around can be too difficult for people who crave chocolate.

Put the candy away. Out of sight, out of mind (for the most part). The harder it is to get to the treats in the back of the closet or up on a high shelf, the better. You are likely to make the effort to get it when you really want it.

Steps to mindfully eating chocolate: Use one chocolate kiss or a mini candy bar.

1. Notice the weight of a piece of chocolate in your hand. Look at it closely.
2. Observe the shape and color. Use at least three words to describe it to yourself.
3. As you unwrap it, listen closely to the crinkle of the foil or paper.
4. Bring the chocolate up to your nose, and inhale deeply. Notice what
thoughts come in your mind as you do this. The smell of chocolate can bring up some powerful feelings and memories. Deeply Inhale.
5. Do any critical thoughts come up like, "I shouldn't eat this"? If so, let the thoughts come and go as if you are letting go of a balloon.
6. Place the chocolate in your mouth. Notice the flavor, richness, and
texture. Pay attention to how the sensations change as it melts and molds to your mouth.
7. Follow the sensations as the chocolate slips down your throat into your stomach.
This is how you can eat chocolate mindfully. Again, it takes practice. Notice how different this is from popping pieces of chocolate mindlessly into your mouth.

When you are less afraid of uncontrollably eating Halloween candy, you'll be able to more fully enjoy the experience and eat just enough to join in the festivities without going overboard.

Eat, Drink & Be Mindful™

Susan Albers, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist who specializes in eating issues, weight loss, body image concerns, and mindfulness. Albers conducts mindful eating workshops nationally and internationally. 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food, Eat, Drink & Be Mindful: How to End Your Struggle with Mindless Eating and Start Savoring Food with Intention and Joy

http://www.eatingmindfully.com

A Week Without the "F" Word: 5 Tips

2009-10-14T10:10:00.001-04:00

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/comfort-cravings/200910/week-without-the-f-word-5-ways-end-fat-talk

New York City Walk: NEDA 2009

2009-10-12T23:44:00.005-04:00

See the 2 Minute Video! Join Dr. Susan Albers on the walk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiffX0EdTnc

Buckeye Book Fair 2009

2009-09-22T22:50:00.001-04:00

Come join me Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at the Wooster OARDC. See http://www.buckeyebookfair.com for more details

Join me in NYC for a fundraising walk

2009-09-18T18:27:00.005-04:00

Walk with me to raise money for the National Eating Disorder Association. See my fundraising page: http://www.firstgiving.com/susanalbers

I refer a lot of clients and families everyday to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

When: October 11th, Sunday
Time: 11:00 AM
Place: Riverside Park W. 83rd NYC

They provide education, prevention programs, conferences, a hotline, and keep tabs on insurance and health care coverage issues. I'm thankful they are around and will do whatever I can to help raise money!

Interview on Huffington Post

2009-09-17T15:26:00.005-04:00

Want to know more about mindful eating? I covered some of the basics in this new interview by Karen Leland on the Huffington Post.

Washington Post

2009-09-15T09:13:00.003-04:00

A shout out to 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food in the Washington Post

Costco Book Signing

2009-09-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Huffington Post Article

2009-09-08T19:36:00.001-04:00

Click here to see Dr. Albers' article The Hippest, Old-Fashioned way to Avoid Overeating

Costco Signing

2009-09-08T09:40:00.004-04:00

If you would like to meet Dr. Albers, she will be signing books on Saturday!

September 12th

Time: 11am to 2pm

Location: Costco Store #632

Address: 1500 Gemini Place
Columbus, Ohio 43240

Phone: (614) 987-1900

Article in US News and World Report

2009-09-02T09:13:00.004-04:00

10 Ways to Conquer Emotional Eating
The author of a new book about avoiding emotional eating shares 10 tips
By January W. Payne
Posted September 1, 2009

Read an article about Dr. Albers' new book, 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food

http://health.usnews.com

Book Party!

2009-08-28T23:41:00.006-04:00

Thank you to everyone who attended Dr. Susan Albers' book signing and reception

*Cake by Pink Mansion Cakes

COSTCO FAN

2009-08-26T09:48:00.003-04:00

If you miss the book signing on Friday, stop by Costco on September 12th 2009.

Costco
1500 Gemini Pl
Columbus, OH 43240-7002
(614) 987-1900

The Economy Eating You Up? (VIDEO)

2009-08-22T10:23:00.008-04:00

Brief interview of Dr. Albers discussing the economy & comfort eating.

VIDEO:
See it on youtube

More to Love? Sex, Body Image and the Weight of Attraction

2009-08-20T22:00:00.002-04:00

See Dr. Albers' New Post on the Huffington Post

Okay, I admit it. I watched an episode or two of The Bachelor once upon a time when we were blissfully ignorant to the fact that almost none of the relationships survived. It is easy to understand why the show had to come up with a new version of itself. It got old, fast. So, let's review. The producers came up with various spin-offs. The new seasons matched people by factors such as height, wealth, and age. We should have braced ourselves on what would come, matching people by weight.

More to Love is a show about plus sized individuals looking for love. Here is the question I ask. Why do we need a separate show for people based on their weight? I think that matching people by weight is like matching people by their shoe size. Being the same size does not mean you have anything in common. Some of the contestants do share a sense of being excluded or limited by their weight, which is unique to someone who is curvaceous. However, these women are no different than any other women. Their personalities are diverse. They are just as charming and lovely (and at times catty) as any other women.

What is concerning about the show is how much it highlights the women's insecurities as if is something unique to these women. For example, in a recent episode, one of the women did not want to get into the pool and reveal her bathing suit. Who does love to parade around in a bathing suit? This is not always a symptom of your size. Unfortunately, this slant reinforces that your weight and size should define your level of self-esteem and confidence level.

When you listen to the women on the show discuss their experience dating, you get a sense that weight has played a part in their self-esteem. Several contestants gave examples of hurtful dating experiences and negative weight slurs from people that damaged their self image. It is true that your experiences do impact your self-esteem, but often doesn't determine it. The roots of your self-esteem are formed much earlier in your life. People with self-esteem are able to shrug off negative comments, no matter what they are about. Fortunately, there are many contestants who are very happy with who they are and what they look like.

The point, for all of us, is that we accept ourselves and are healthy at whatever size we are. As a psychologist who works with people at all ends of the weight spectrum, one thing that I have learned is that your weight does not correlate with your self-esteem. I've treated clients who were rail thin, verging on emaciation with a very troubled self-esteem and body image. I've also treated clients at the upper end of the body mass index range with a stellar self-esteem and vice versa. We want to believe that there is a perfect correlation between weight and body image. It gives the illusion that self-esteem is just a diet away. Kudos to Emme, the host of the show. Emme is a successful plus sized model who has done a lot of advocacy work with eating disorder prevention and promoting accepting and loving yourself at any size.

I wonder where The Bachelor-like reality shows are getting their dating advice? Why do they keep matching people based on superficial factors such as weight and height (i.e. the dwarf version)? Does it make good TV? What really underlies attraction? So many factors play into it. For example, the Propinquity Effect states that repeated exposure to someone increases their level of attractiveness (falling for a co-worker after you get to know them despite not having an initial attraction). According to Morry's attraction-similarity model (2007), attraction is based on similarities or the "birds of a feather fly together" approach. Another theory indicates that people are happiest when they perceive their partner to be of a similar level of attractiveness (not necessarily a similar weight). There are many other theories about why people are attracted to each other. At the end of the day, it's hard to explain why we fall for the people we do. Wouldn't it be nice if it fit into a nice, neat box?

My advice: Why not play on people's strengths rather than on the vulnerable parts of their self-esteem? For example, enlist contestants who have a similar, unique hobby such as people who run marathons or share a common job. I guarantee that The Lawyer Bachelor would have plenty of backstabbing drama while also stimulating the mind and finding two people who may have some similarities in their background and personality.

Again, what is important in finding a mate is that you are healthy and happy. Looking for love based on a single dimension of who you are, your size or anything else, won't get you too far. If you are single, look for someone who loves and respects you. If the number on the scale matters that much, run away, fast!

www.eatingmindfully.com Author of 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food

You are Invited

2009-08-19T00:22:00.003-04:00

Join Dr. Susan Albers for a book signing and reception at the Wooster Book Company on August 28th, 2009 at 7:30 P.M.

For more information see: www.woosterbook.com

Shut Up and Eat: Comfort Eating and Pasta?

2009-08-16T20:40:00.009-04:00

Yes. Your eyes are not deceiving you. This is Dr. Susan Albers with Vincent Pastore (aka Salvatore, "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero and Tony Lip (Carmine Lupertazzi) from the HBO show The Sopranos. We both just happened to be signing our books this weekend in NYC. We crossed paths at Arthur Ave in the Bronx. One would think Shut Up and Eat (an Italian cookbook by the Italian American actors from The Sopranos) and 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food might be rivals, enemies even. But, having flipped through the cookbook, there are actually more similarities than differences. And, there is quite a bit of overlap in our reading audience. Those who love Italian food often need to find ways to enjoy comfort foods in mindful portions rather than using good foods to be comforting-which puts you at risk for overeating.

Perhaps 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food could be a useful book as Vincent Pastore whisks off to his next TV project. Maybe another reality TV show? Pastore lost 29 lbs in the 4th Season of Celebrity Fit Club. Hanging out at Arthur Ave, as he did for the majority of the day, isn't easy for anyone who enjoys to eat. Arthur Ave in the Bronx is lined with bakeries filled with cannolis and crusty bread, homemade pastas and gallons of olive oil. Try out the Arthur Ave Cafe for homemade food and, if you are lucky, an a cappella song from the owner's mother. You will feel that you are being virtually transported into the cookbook.

Here are observations of the mindful eating overlaps between Shut Up and Eat and 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food.

1). In Italian cooking, "fast food" does not include McDonalds or Taco Bell. According to Italian cooks, it's common to make a pot of sauce with several pounds of lean meat, cook it slowly and freeze it. When you want dinner, pull out a portion, and microwave. Wallah. Food in only a few moment. This jives with mindful eating. Planning ahead can help you make good, healthy food fit conveniently into your life.

2) Food & Feelings are Intertwined. Each of the recipes in this cookbook are accompanied by a personal story. The actors vividly describe the scents and emotions connected with their home and caregivers. It's no surprise that we turn to food in our most vulnerable moments. Who wouldn't be tempted to transport yourself for a millisecond back to the comforting feelings associated with your childhood? Reading this cookbook reemphasizes and makes it crystal clear why we so easily get caught in using food to manage feelings.

3). Mindful Shopping. The actors' families often bought fresh ingredients from the market daily instead of a weekly grocery trip. The ingredients were fresh and they only bought exactly what they needed, no impulse buying. Eating mindfully begins with mindful shopping. Keeping healthy foods handy makes healthy eating one step easier. Thankfully, vegetable markets are popping up all over the country reviving this tradition to some degree.

If you love food, Italian food, or any other kind, rest assured that I am not suggesting cutting these traditional foods out of your life. Instead, learning to eat good food mindfully and finding healthy ways to calm yourself without food can help prevent you from overeating. It's worth the effort to preserve the memories and emotions associated with traditional comfort foods. When you overeat foods you love, the good vibes get transformed into guilt and regret.

Who would have thought Dr. Albers and The Sopranos would have anything in common? Apparently, we both know quite a lot about comfort food and comforting yourself with food.

Insightful blog

2009-08-14T05:47:00.002-04:00

Every now and then you run across a blog by someone who has exceptional insight about eating issues. Thank you to the bloggers who share their struggles and triumphs.

Here is a peak at one: http://raspberryclover.blogspot.com/

Also an article by Jane Brody about her struggle with binge eating

NYC Weekend

2009-08-13T20:59:00.002-04:00

The NYC weekend is approaching. I look forward to talking about the release of my new book! Thanks for the invitation.

You Tube Video: Dessert Tea

2009-08-11T08:08:00.005-04:00

Hello,
Here is a sneak peak at one of the tips from my new book, 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food. Click here for link to video

Dr.Oz & Comfort Eating

2009-08-05T12:17:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Oz about comfort eating today. Here is a sneak peak at an upcoming episode of Dr. Oz on FX radio (to be aired soon). If you don't already, tune in! Dr. Oz has a wonderful program on Oprah radio with a broad range of medical and mental health issues. He will be moving to TV on September 14th.

How do you know if you are stuck in a stress eating trap? If you are an emotional eater, you are all too familiar with the signs of comfort eating.

Tell-Tale Signs:

1) You eat when you are not physically hungry.

2) It is hard to find things that satisfy you. You don't stop when you are full.

3) Cravings are triggered by an emotion-anger, anxiety,boredom etc.

3) Comfort eating has a mindless component to it. You may not enjoy the food or eat it mechanically as if in a trance.

Thankfully, there are many ways to soothe yourself without food. Here is one simple suggestion. When you get the urge to comfort eat, try pampering and soothing your senses in other ways.

1) Cocoon yourself in a blanket

2) Light a fragrant candle (lavander for example)

3) Take a hot bath

4) Sip hot or cold tea or water

5) Put on cozy clothes.

For other suggestions, see the book, 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food by Dr. Susan Albers

www.eatingmindfully.com

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too

2009-08-01T17:01:00.001-04:00

http://www.examiner.com

Brief article by Lorie Dudley, LA Examiner

Chicago

2009-07-30T14:33:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to meeting with the Chicago Mindful Eating group!

New Psychology Today Posting

2009-07-13T07:46:00.001-04:00

So much to blog, so little time...

Source: www.psychologytoday.com
Are you a Gastrosexual? Comfort Food, Cooking & Sex By Susan Albers, Psy.D.

Cake & Eat It To

2009-07-09T16:09:00.002-04:00

A short article about mindful eating.

Comfort Foods: How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

Guest Blogger

2009-07-09T05:53:00.003-04:00

I've just joined the ranks of Bloggers at Psychology Today. Look for my new blog, "Comfort Cravings"

P.S. Blogging is soothing...give it a try.

The Man in the Mirror

2009-07-07T22:25:00.005-04:00

It is likely that you have been inundated with Michael Jackson news. Regardless, it's important to comment on a photo collage of Michael Jackson in the recent edition People Magazine. The collage showed the changes in Michael Jackson's appearance from his childhood to recent years. One can't help but be intrigued and ponder these photos. We don't know exactly why his appearance changed so much over the years. We can only speculate. But, the photos do suggest that Michael struggled with significant body image issues. Being male, rich and a celebrity did not protect him from significant problems with his appearance.

What is clear is that there became a point where Michael did not seem to see himself as others did. This may be a feeling that is familiar to you if you have an eating issue or struggle with your body image. Perhaps your boyfriend says he loves your body when you hate it and constantly want to go on a diet. Or, you are really bothered by some feature of yourself (like your chin or thighs) when other people don't really seem to notice it as much as you do. In extreme cases, such as with eating disorders, other people say you are too thin when you don't see that at all.

It would be nice if sometimes we could see ourselves like other people do. Almost to a fault, we are much harsher on ourselves than others. Sometimes you may be able to see yourself through the eyes of a parent or a spouse and sometimes not. When you've lost all ability to do this, it can become dangerous, as in Michael Jackson's case. His apparent pursuit to change his appearance seemed to be more detrimental than helpful. You see the picture of Michael as a kid and think, "what a cute little, happy kid." The most dramatic change, of course, was his nose. By the last picture, it was clear that his nose may not have even been functional.

Accepting ourselves is a challenge. But, seeing yourself accurately and the way that people who love you see you is important. So the next time you are knit picking your appearance while you are looking in the mirror, imagine what someone who loves you would say about the man (or woman) in the mirror.

The View

2009-07-07T22:21:00.004-04:00

The View's Sherri Sheperd discussed her 'Bathing Suit Challenge' on the show today. She showed a brief video clip from her video diary. She has a team of professionals helping her make these changes. Way to go Sherri for being mindful of your health and wanting to make some healthy alterations to your lifestyle.

Unfortuntely, it sounds like she may be falling into the same trap that many dieters encounter everyday. It's hard to stick to diets that are difficult to do everyday and may not include the kinds of foods you like to eat. This was particularly highlighted when she abandonded the plan during her trip South.

So, this is my plea to Sherri. Stop Dieting! Try mindful eating!

Mindful Motivation

2009-07-07T21:58:00.005-04:00

What would it take for you to give up chocolate (or insert your favorite food here). 20.00? 100.00? 1,000? A New York Times article quoted a study today that concluded this: Money does not motivate people to lose weight. This is no surprise to many of us. When you try to manage your weight to "get" something from the out, it just doesn't last. In other words changing your eating habits to get a date, for money, to make your partner happy, to impress someone, just doesn't work in the long run.

The study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that money had very little effect. The group that was offered $60 lost an average of just 1.4 pounds, while the controls lost 1.8. Those who made the $100 deposit dropped an average of 1.9 pounds more than the controls, but, the authors write, people motivated enough to risk their own money would most likely have lost weight with any program.

Read the rest at the New York Times

Candy, Kids and the 4th of July

2009-07-05T23:18:00.004-04:00

Most 4th of July parades have outlawed candy. I had not given it much thought until I made the trip to my hometown to see a local parade.

Throwing out candy to the crowd is banned from most parades because it is a hazard. I witnessed this first hand. Unfortunately, kids ran out to catch the candy between floats. Not to mention the risk of being hit on the head with a piece of candy or two.

A boy (about six years old, I would guess) next to me collected more candy than most kids do on Halloween and ate seven lollipop (yes, I counted them).

Kudos to Little Tykes who handed out plastic baseballs to kids, Giant Eagle gave out mini pretzel bags and a local shop handed out Frisbees. I am sure all the parents appreciated your non sugar freebies.

It is difficult enough for parents to try to teach their kids to eat mindfully. We can all understand how difficult it is when faced with situations like this.

TV Triggers Mindless Eating

2009-07-02T21:09:00.008-04:00

Most of us know all too well that there is a connection between mindless eating and watching TV.

Unfortunately, this is also the case for kids.

Yale University researchers conducted a series of experiments to test the effects of food commercials on television. One test found that children aged 7 to 11 who watched a half-hour cartoon that included food commercials ate 45 percent more snack food while watching the show than children who watched the same cartoon with non-food commercials.

Read the report posted on US News and World Report

Say Goodbye to Boredom Eating

2009-06-28T15:56:00.004-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me that there are a number of websites that completely pull me in and before I know it twenty minutes have passed in the blink of an eye. I've included two interesting sites that crossed my path this week. If you are feeling bored today and at high risk for boredom eating, pull up your computer and check out these two sites.

http://www.wordle.net/

Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends.

http://www.wefeelfine.org

Since August 2005, We Feel Fine has been harvesting human feelings from a large number of weblogs. Every few minutes, the system searches the world's newly posted blog entries for occurrences of the phrases "I feel" and "I am feeling". When it finds such a phrase, it records the full sentence, up to the period, and identifies the "feeling" expressed in that sentence (e.g. sad, happy, depressed, etc.). Because blogs are structured in largely standard ways, the age, gender, and geographical location of the author can often be extracted and saved along with the sentence, as can the local weather conditions at the time the sentence was written. All of this information is saved.

The result is a database of several million human feelings, increasing by 15,000 - 20,000 new feelings per day.

Stop Eating Contests! Mindful Eaters are True Winners

2009-06-25T21:03:00.007-04:00

A famous "eating contest" is coming up next week, read my blog about it published on the Huffington post today

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-susan-albers/protest-against-eating-co_b_220643.html

Paint Made Flesh: Modern Bodies

2009-06-18T23:14:00.005-04:00

What is beauty? What words pop into your mind? Thin? Perfect? Flawless skin? You may think twice about how you define it when you see this new exhibit.

According to NPR www.npr.org

In pop culture — in movies, on TV, in the pages of fashion magazines — the nude bodies we see are airbrushed, powdered, polished to perfection.

On the walls of the Phillips Collection, in an exhibition called Paint Made Flesh, you'll see a different story: scars, bumps, blots, bulges of fat.

This collection sounds pretty compelling. These famous artist didn't brush away imperfections. They found people, as they really are, worthy of a work of art. Would people be inspired to eat mindfully and stop fad dieting and starving themselves if they viewed more photos of "real" people being presented as works of art?

The exhibition Paint Made Flesh — featuring work by 33 artists including Picasso, Alice Neel, Eric Fischl and Francis Bacon — is on view June 20 to Sept. 13, 2009, at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.

Cone or Dish?

2009-06-18T21:50:00.005-04:00

According to a study reported in EatingWell Magazine, licking an ice cream is more satisfying than eating it with a spoon.

Kay McMath, a food technologist for New Zealand's Massey University is quoted as saying "Flavor in ice cream is released when the fat-which carries the flavor is warmed to at least body temperature."

In other words, when you lick ice cream, your tongue warms it up. This is in contrast to a spoon which insulates the tongue from the ice cream. The flavor is released in a different way.

The study also hypothosized that ice cream is more satisfying in a cone because it takes a lot longer to eat (licking takes much more work than spooning)

The moral of the story: to eat ice cream mindfully, consider ordering a cone. It's likely that you will be satisfied with a smaller portion because it will last a lot longer and the flavor will be fuller.

Airplane Food

2009-06-17T22:54:00.002-04:00

I recently took a flight on Air Tran. They are one of the few airlines that still feed you a little snack. On this flight, it was pretzels (no big surprise there). I happened to turn over the package of pretzels to find Air Tran's attempt at combining mindfulness, airplane snacks and mindful eating. This is directly quoted from the back of the pretzel package.

Eating Instructions:

1. Think about our wonderful low fares at airtran.com as you open packet.

2. Place a pretzel in mouth. With each crunch, be reminded of our low fares.

3. As you swallow, remember again just how low the fares are.

4. Repeat until pretzel packet is empty.

5. Keep empty packet to remind yourself to book at airtran.com where you'll always find our lowest fares.

Quote of the Day

2009-06-15T22:19:00.001-04:00

THE BITE OF EVERY FOOD THAT YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH LITERALLY TALKS TO YOUR DNA.
-MARK HYMAN

Video from www.urbanzen.org

Inspiring Mindful Eater

2009-06-14T14:46:00.003-04:00

RunningONEmpty posted this Youtube video about mindful eating. He's sounds like he's got exactly the right idea. I wish him well on his mindful eating journey.

In this video clip, he discusses making a mindful eating contract with himself (which he models after the contract in the book, Eating Mindfully)

Organic Garden

2009-06-12T15:30:00.003-04:00

Do you want to eat more mindfully this summer? Try planting an organic garden. It's great exercise. Fresh veggies taste great. Good for the environment. It's a win-win for everyone.

NYTimes article about White House Garden

Never Say Diet

2009-06-11T22:47:00.002-04:00

The author of this article tried a mindful eating exercise from Eat, Drink and Be Mindful with a Whoopie Pie (chocolate soft cookie with a cream center--I explain this because Whoopie pies are not very popular where I live). So, you too can try out a mindful eating with any food you have trouble eating in a mindful way.

Watching What We Eat

2009-06-09T21:45:00.004-04:00

I read a review of "Watching What We Eat" by Kathleen Collins in the Wall Street Journal last week. The review mentions that cooking shows have changed dramatically in the last 50 years-beginning with Julia Childs and now onto some of our famous chefs-Wolfgang Puck, Lidia Bastianich, Emeril Lagasse, Sara Moulton etc. The author ends the article by quoting a restaurant consultant who said,

"Paula Deen should be illegal in most states. It's unhealthy food...[but] it is compelling television."

This statement made me ponder how watching food TV may impact mindful and mindless eating.

On a positive note, when you watch dishes being put together right before your eyes, you can't help but be amazed by the complexity, time and skill it takes to create meals and gourmet dishes. After an episode of Ace of Cakes, you look at cake in a new way--with amazement and with a new appreciation. Watching chefs cooking also gives you a much better sense of what ingredients actually are in some of your favorite meals.

On the other hand, does your mouth water while watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives? Do you find yourself suddenly hungry and craving a snack while watching the food channel? Do you see the chefs munching mindlessly on their creations? Perhaps some cooks focus on the pleasure of their creations and neglect to mention how healthy or unhealthy it is.

If you are addicted to food TV, like many people, consider how this may help or hinder your mindful eating efforts.

Trust Your Senses

2009-06-08T22:49:00.003-04:00

(See www.tesh.com)

Learning to really taste your food (rather than eating in an automatic, mechanical way) is a significant aspect of mindful eating. This involves tuning into your senses. This article weights in on how to use your senses to your advantage.

When it comes to eating, there’s an old saying, “My eyes were bigger than my stomach.” The truth is, all five of your senses can cause you to eat too much. Here’s how to use your sense of taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing to keep your diet on track. This comes from Self magazine.

The first of the senses that can hurt your diet: Sight. A study in Obesity Research found that people who are blindfolded eat 24% less than those who can see their food – and feel just as satisfied. That’s because people use their eyes – instead of their stomach – to decide how much to eat. Your takeaway from this: Close your eyes halfway through your meal to see if you’re still hungry. When you’ve had enough, you’ll feel it.

The next sense that can derail your diet: Smell. Foods smell strongest when you’re hungry – and taste best, too. Barbara Rolls is a professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University. She says that as you get full, things don’t smell or taste quite as good. The test: Sniff your plate. If you’re no longer tempted by the food smells, you’re probably full.

Then there’s taste. Basically, you crave what you’re used to. A six-month study in the journal Appetite found that when dieters substituted low-fat foods for high-fat ones, they began to prefer the low-fat foods. You can re-train your taste buds with simple substitutions: skim milk for full-fat in your lattes, baked potatoes instead of fries, and broth-based soups – like minestrone – instead of creamy soups, like broccoli cheese.

Another sense that can derail your diet: Touch – specifically on the tongue. A study at Purdue University fed volunteers the same number of calories of roasted peanuts or peanut butter. The result: The people who ate the nuts felt full, longer. Why? Because foods that take longer to chew also spend more time in your digestive tract. The takeaway: Pick chewier, crunchier, whole foods – like apples instead of applesauce.

Finally, pay attention to sound. Restaurant customers order more food and drink when fast music’s playing. So, if you’re about to order dessert, take a couple of deep breaths, and consider whether you’re really still hungry – or if the music’s doing the talking.

Slow Food

2009-06-07T22:56:00.003-04:00

I had the good fortune to be invited to a "Slow Food" event this weekend. It was incredible. When the Caprese salad (mozzerella, tomato and basil) started off the meal, I knew I was in good hands. I understand how the word "slow" might scare you (expecially if you are a very active person). It's not slow motion. The motto on the website of this organization explains it well.

Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.
To do that, Slow Food brings together pleasure and responsibility, and makes them inseparable.
Today, we have over 100,000 members in 132 countries.

"Slow Food" goes hand in hand with mindful eating as you can image. To read more see http://www.slowfood.com/

New Harbinger Blog

2009-05-31T11:55:00.003-04:00

I highly recommend "Off the Couch" the new blog by New Harbinger Publications (the
publisher of Eating Mindfully & Mindful Eating 101).

I recently wrote a brief article for their blog. The title is "The First Secret Step to Mindful Eating."

Eat Your Ice Cream Cone One Sprinkle at a Time

2009-05-31T00:31:00.005-04:00

Kids are naturally mindful eaters. We all come into the world (if we are medically healthy) knowing when we are hungry and when we are full. If you have a small child below the age of two, you know this. You can't force a one year old to eat when they aren't hungry. After the age of two, parents begin to see changes in the way their children eat. Kids are influenced by other things than their hunger such as cartoon characters on boxes of mac and cheese and lollipops given as a reward. I know it's hard to believe that most of us are born with the natural ability to enjoy food and eat only when we are hungry. Kids are so good at it that they can eat an ice cream cone slowly (almost too slowly as you will notice from the drips). However, they enjoy every single lick. I caught a video of this little girl enjoying an ice cream cone. 20 minutes later she handed it to her mother and was done (with half the cone left). If only we could eat sweets like this child.
So, the next time you are trying to eat mindfully, turn to a little one for inspiration.

Unveiling the New Cover

2009-05-25T16:44:00.002-04:00

At last, it's here! The cover of my fourth book-to be released in September 2009.

Mindful BBQ's

2009-05-24T21:43:00.004-04:00

Three BBQ's tomorrow. That is a lot of celebrating.

Nothing better than a salad with strawberries to start off summer. I searched the net tonight for a recipe. I found it on the Eating Well website. It is a magazine by the Dietetic Association. The images in this magazine are stunning. Makes healthy food look irresistible.

Chocolate, Spam and Wine

2009-05-17T21:09:00.003-04:00

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, the downturn in the economy has not been a friend to mindful eating. This article discusses a noted increase in chocolate, wine and Spam since the drop in the economy.

Consider how your eating habits have been impacted by tough times? Are you engaging in more comfort eating? Or, soothing yourself with chocolate and other small edible treats?

Congrats to the Biggest Losers

2009-05-12T22:06:00.005-04:00

One of my clients stated that she was looking forward to watching the Biggest Loser this evening. She always gets a boost of inspiration and hope that she can make some real changes herself. So, I had to sneak a peak at the show tonight.

Two things stood out to me.

The episode focused on inviting back former contestants. I was particularly interested in a statement made by one of the oldest contestant. He attributed the positive gains he made in his weight and eating habits to changing his "mind" He believed that it was "his mind," not the food standing in the way. So true and wise.

Also, the episode consisted of clips from past shows. At various points, viewers saw clips of the trainers talking to the contestants as they ran on treadmills dripping in sweat. The trainers stood within inches of the contestants' faces and repeated positive phrases over and over again like "you can do this." Later, there were clips of the contestants repeating (without the trainers present) "I can do this." They seemed to have gained the repertoire of soothing and encouraging words from their trainers to help them motivate themselves without the trainer present.

Erasing negative self-talk and replacing it with positive compassionate words that encourage you to keep going are the skills you can learn in Eat, Drink & Be Mindful. Even if you don't have the luxury of a trainer, you can learn how to erase the negative dieting self talk that holds you back and replace it with the type of positive, compassionate encouragement that the contestants used in this show.

Congrats to those contestants who have learned how to eat mindfully!