San Francisco Womens Journal » Wellness

Is Your Relationship Dead or Alive: Relationship vs Relating

SFWJ — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:37:12 +0000

Rick Snyder

Why is it that most of the time, people talk about their relationship but very few people actually pay attention to how they are relating? What I mean is this: the idea or concept of relationship becomes a step removed from the actual quality of connection that is happening moment to moment.

by Rick Snyder
SF Bay Area Therapist and Life Coach

Relationship is a Noun

We often relate to our “relationship” is as if it is a static, solid thing. We “thingify” it.

“Yeah, we’re working on our ‘relationship.’” “The most important relationship in my life is……”

If you feel into it, you can feel the heaviness of how the relationship has become a fixed concept, a thing to deal with, even if it’s to celebrate.

What goes missing; is the reality that a relationship is alive, always changing, and happening moment to moment.

As soon as we relate to our relationship as a thing, we begin to deaden it ever so subtlety until one day, it actually begins to feel like a relic – even when we are still in it!

Relating is a Verb

The most alive question of all is to begin feeling into how you are relating in this moment. What is the quality of your relating? Can you feel the spark? The attraction? Even the dullness? What’s happening as he looks you in the eyes, and you turn away?

Even if you feel into what you’re not sharing with your partner, by bringing awareness to this moment you focus your attention on the quality of relating that is happening right now. Shifting and bring aliveness to the quality of your relating only happens in the present moment.

Begin tuning in to how you are tuning in.

The Juice of Relating and the Dryness of Relationship

Relating is an alive verb that is constantly occurring in each moment. It is the only place where a real transaction or exchange is happening. Otherwise, we are relating to our relationship as an idea. And that means it’s already somewhat fixed, dead or a concept vs. an alive experience to…experience. We assume we know what our partner will say next, and miss each opportunity to bring a freshness to our experience.

So continue asking yourself, how am I relating right now?
Rick Snyder, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and MFT Intern, is a life coach and therapist in private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is as also a course leader for the Authentic Man Program and The Transformational Coaching and Leadership Training.

Rick is passionate about helping men, women, and couples discover their purpose, power, and aliveness in their careers and in their relationships. Drawing upon his background in Somatic Psychology, Emotional Body Awareness, meditation, and martial arts, Rick also infuses his work with humor, providing an uplifting and potent blend of profound awareness, authenticity, and play. For more information, check out Rick’s services at RickSnyder.org.

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4 Keys to Balance Your Hormones Naturally!

SFWJ — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:45:12 +0000

Daniela Frieda

Are you ruled by your cycles? Do you have intense mood swings before your period- from sadness to anger and irritability? Do you have bloating, weight gain, and uncontrollable sugar cravings before your period?

There is a solution.

by Daniela Frieda, CA Licensed Acupuncturist
Specializing in Women’s Health

Balance Your Hormones

Hormonal balance is key to experiencing healthier and more balanced menstrual cycles. How do you balance hormones? You start by being healthy in your everyday life.

These four recommendations will help you feel overall healthier and will support you to balance your hormones.

1. Eat Fresh, Whole foods

Packaged foods are heavily processed and devoid of the nutrients our body needs to heal and function optimally. To get the essential nutrients your body needs, I recommend eating fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, healthy fats, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy.

Be sure that you are not adding unhealthy hormones and chemicals into your body through your food.

I recommend choosing all organic foods, and choosing dairy, eggs, and meat that are hormone-free.

2. Move Your Body

Regular moderate exercise is vital to health. Exercise can relieve or prevent symptoms of PMS such as depression, mood swings, bloating and weight gain.

I recommend finding a form of exercise that is joyful and fun for you.

Some ideas include dancing, running, walking, resistance training, kickboxing or pilates. I especially recommend yoga at least once per week for whole body balance. Yoga is a powerful way to connect inward, decrease stress, and balance your mood.

3. Breathe Deeply

Have you ever delayed your period or even skipped a period due to stress? This shows that stress management is essential for healthy menstrual cycles. Breathing offers powerful relief.

Take slow, deep breaths into your belly whenever you find a moment in order to calm your spirit, relax your body, and ease tension.

For even greater benefits, schedule a regular breathing or meditation practice into your daily life.

4. Sleep Well

Getting good quality sleep is crucial for the balanced production of hormones. Sleep is key to maintain a healthy weight, curb carbohydrate and sugar cravings, and enjoy a balanced mood.

Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, and try to go to bed by 10:30PM.

To promote restful sleep, create a dark, quiet, comfortable bedroom environment.

Because this is not an overnight solution, these changes may take time to show significant results. But if you stick with it, you will feel healthier, happier, and experience more energy.

Daniela Freda is a California Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She holds a Master’s in Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In her private practice in San Francisco, Daniela integrates acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and nutrition to address women’s health concerns. She offers a natural approach for women’s health isssues including easing PMS and menstrual cramps, regulating cycles, preparing for pregnancy, and migraine. To learn more about Daniela’s practice, please visit DanielaFreda.com.

Kick Your Smoking Habit with Hypnosis!

SFWJ — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:19:19 +0000

Jane Ransom

In February, a friend of a friend telephoned asking for help quitting cigarettes. Sheila had been smoking since age 16. The habit felt like such a part of her that she was willing to give it up only for one very good reason: She was pregnant.

byJane Ransom, Certified Hypnotherapist

Can Hypnosis Help You Quit Smoking?

Sheila wanted to know if hypnosis helps people to quit smoking. Numerous studies have found hypnotherapy to be the most effective way to kick the habit, the reason being that it works to change a client’s subconscious programming.

Like most smokers, Sheila felt that smoking relaxed her, and that she needed cigarettes to get through times of stress. “I know this sounds weird,” she added, “but I sort of feel like smoking is my friend. It’s just always been there for me.”

Nictoin IS Poison

I reassured her that many smokers see cigarettes as their “friend,” even though they know logically that nicotine is a poison (drinking even a thimbleful can kill you) and that a real friend doesn’t poison you!

Most smokers also feel smoking relaxes them, even though this is just as illogical: Nicotine is not only a neurotoxin, it is also a stimulant. Nicotine cannot relax anyone.

So why do smokers have the impression that their “friend” nicotine relaxes them? It is because throughout the years, they have created an association in the brain between cigarettes and moments of relaxation: smoking while taking work breaks, socializing with friends, relaxing after a meal, or with a drink, and so on.

Moreover, usually when a smoker first lights up, she inhales deeply and exhales slowly.

The truth is, anytime you inhale deeply and exhale slowly, you will relax your own physiology. (That is why so often you see public speakers and entertainers taking a moment to breathe before they perform, to calm their nerves.)

You Have Trained Your Brain to Believe that Smoking Relaxes You

Thus, over the years, a smoker’s brain learns to subconsciously associate smoking with relaxation. Once that neural association is created, then whenever the smoker reaches for a cigarette, the brain releases hormones and neurotransmitters connected with calmness.

So it is not that smokers are imagining the relaxation they experience when they smoke. It is just that it’s their brain, and not the cigarette, that is actually creating the calming effect.

Like most of my smoking-cessation clients, Sheila was able to quit during her first session. Through hypnosis, we dislodged her subconscious association between smoking and relaxation, and we created healthier tools she can use to calm herself in the future. The session lasted nearly three hours, because we took time to “desensitize” her to all the old triggers, all those times in the past when she used to reach for a cigarette: with coffee, after meals, having a drink, etc.

Hypnosis Helps You Quit Smoking

It has been more than four months now since Sheila quit. Her recent sonogram came out well. She and her husband Steve are thrilled to be expecting their first child, and they are both ecstatic that Sheila is smoke-free. She will be a wonderful mother, and she already has a great start.

Jane Ransom, MA, C.Ht., conducts hypnotherapy sessions in her downtown San Francisco office, as well as by phone and online web-cam. She helps clients with a multitude of health issues, including weight loss, chronic pain and smoking cessation, and she also leads clients to achieve career, sports and artistic success.

As a public speaker, Jane offers talks and workshops on how to boost self-confidence and motivation, improve relationships and invite inspiration. For more information, please visit Jane’s website, HypnotherapyThatWorks.

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Relationship SOS: Asking for What You Want

SFWJ — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:36:17 +0000

Rick Snyder

A common theme that shows up in many love relationships is learning how to own and stand behind your individual needs and desires. Most individuals and couples that I work with don’t know how to ask for what they want.

by Rick Snyder, Therapist and Life Coach

Learning to Ask for What You Want

If you don’t ask , your behavior shifts from caring and loving to disinterest and neglect. You may begin looking elsewhere, withdraw and then get resentful, shutdown, become aggressive or make demands and try to control your partner. All of these have the impact of derailing your communication and subverting your relationship. And in many cases this is exactly the opposite of what you really want!

Learning to ask for what you want in a relationship is intimidating. But getting in touch with and expressing your needs is fundamental to both your health and relationships.

3 Actions to Help You Gain Confidence

Here are three actions that you can take to help yourself grow and gain confidence:

1. Invest in the Process

You have to be willing to invest in the process – meaning, how can you challenge yourself to first – be aware of what your needs are, and second, feel the courage to express them to your loved one?

So many of us feel as though we don’t deserve to have certain things, or hope that our partner will intuit what we want so that we don’t have to actually ask, etc. It takes tremendous courage to be honest with yourself about your own needs and then take the brave step of sharing that with your partner. Especially if you have tried to do this and did not get you what you wanted.

2. Own What You can Control and Let Go of the Rest

Recognize that you can only control yourself and your emotions…period. Once you state your needs, recognize that how it is received is out of your control. Wanting what you want, and coming to terms with letting go of the outcome may feel uncomfortable.

From a personal perspective, some of the most powerful moments for me have happened as a result of just claiming what I want, regardless if I get it.

Here’s the most important thing for you to remember as you ponder this…the “cake” is in the ownership of the desire! The icing is if you actually get it.

3. Understand Your Motivation

Dig a little deeper and you will find the real gold is in exploring your motivation. Are your needs coming from healthy or unhealthy motivations?

An example of an unhealthy motivation is the need coming from a younger part of you…translated…you may still want something from “mommy’ and “daddy”. This need is typically way off the radar screen. And yet it is a very real situation that shows up in my practice.

You’re looking to your intimate partner to fill a void. When this happens, a Daddy-Daughter or Mother-Son dynamic is unconsciously set up and it will eventually cripple the relationship. Who really wants to be in an intimate relationship with mommy and daddy?

A thriving peer-to-peer relationship happens when you begin to understand where your need or desire is coming from and can then act on it in an authentic manner.

This makes all the difference in a healthy, thriving, and sexy relationship!

Aliveness in relationships is about taking risks. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, to feel into you’re desires. Make sure it aligns with your healthy motives and be willing to share and ask. This is what brings the fulfillment you’re looking for. Getting your needs meet from this authentic place is wonderful!

Stay tuned for my next article…if you’re still struggling with this issue!

Rick Snyder, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and MFT Intern, is a life coach and therapist in private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is as also a course leader for the Authentic Man Program and The Transformational Coaching and Leadership Training.

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Organic vs Conventional Fruits and Vegetables: What Should You Buy?

SFWJ — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:50:43 +0000

Kristin Hoppe

Summer is here and produce is abundant! It is especially important at this time of year to monitor where you’re buying your produce as many of the seasonal treats of summer can be laden with pesticides.

By Kristin Hoppe
Certified Nutrition Consultant

Beware of Pesticides in Your Produce!

Synthetic pesticides are toxic and can attack our central nervous system. Studies have shown an even higher risk for pregnant women and children as pesticides can interfere with growth and development. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to be carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer).

The latest news is The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has proposed registering methyl iodide (a toxic carcinogen) as a pesticide in California to be used on strawberries and other crops. Now more than ever, it is important to know where your food is coming from. Your health depends on it.

Organic versus Conventionally-Grown: What to Buy?

To help you navigate organic versus conventionally-grown produce, The Environmental Working Group publishes a list of the “Dirty Dozen” or worst offenders when it comes to levels of pesticides detected. The list is based on studies conducted by the FDA and USDA from 2000-2008, and they re-publish this list once per year.

Produce with the Highest Level of Contamination:

The Dirty Dozen or Produce with the HIGHEST level of contamination from pesticides include: (i.e.: BUY these Organic!)

1)     Celery
2)     Peaches
3)     Strawberries
4)     Apples
5)     Blueberries
6)     Nectarines
7)     Bell Peppers
8)     Spinach
9)     Kale
10) Cherries
11) Potatoes
12) Grapes (Imported)

Produce with the Lowest Level of Contamination:

Produce with LOWEST level of contamination from pesticides include:

1)     Onions
2)     Avocados
3)     Sweet Corn (frozen)
4)     Pineapples
5)     Mango
6)     Sweet Peas (frozen)
7)     Asparagus
8)     Kiwi Fruit
9)     Cabbage
10) Eggplant
11) Cantaloupe
12) Watermelon
13) Grapefruit
14) Sweet Potato
15) Honeydew Melon

Tips for Buying Produce:

1) Shop Local Farmers Markets: Support your local farmers. Talk with them. Many times the farmer is not able to pay the hefty fee for the “USDA Organic” stamp of approval. Often times the farm follows organic (and sometimes better than organic) standards but is not able to label it as such.

2) Buy in Season: Again, by shopping the farmers market, you will only be able to buy in season. Buying in season ensures you get the maximum nutritional value out of your food, as it has not been sitting around, shipped half way around the world, or preserved. It will taste better too!

3) Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): There are many farms that will provide you fresh, local, seasonal produce delivered to your door or your neighborhood. Some farms even provide eggs from pasture-raised chickens. Not only are you supporting your local farmer, but you are also guaranteed to get great quality, freshly picked, seasonal produce at an inexpensive price.

4) Read Labels: If you shop in a supermarket, read the sticker or produce sign to see where the produce is coming from. Ask the produce manager. Fruits and vegetables lose nutritional value the longer they sit around. Produce sticker labels that start with the number 9 are organic, 4 are conventional, and 8 are GMO (Genetically Modified).

Get to know your food! The health of you and your family depends on it.
Kristin Hoppe, BS, NC, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, Educator, and Natural Chef. She received her nutrition and culinary training from Bauman College, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College.

Based in San Francisco, CA, her practice, Food Therapy, is dedicated to improving people’s health through an inspiring and comprehensive nutritional approach that celebrates food. Kristin takes a holistic approach to health, providing clients with coaching and nutrition programs designed to facilitate healing with lasting results. She specializes in weight management, food allergies, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression & anxiety, and detoxification & cleansing. Please visit FoodTherapySF to learn more.

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Men: Is It Time To Update Your Appearance?

SFWJ — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:17:01 +0000

Michele Benza

Moisturizers, eye creams, massages, manicure, spray tanning, shopping…the modern gentleman is now aware of the importance of his appearance. He now takes care of himself to stay handsome, young and in shape.

The beauty cult is no longer a territory reserved to women. Men…your appearance matters!

by Michele Benza
San Francisco Image Consultant
(Read this article in the SF BAWJ magazine.)

Get Help with an Image Consultant!

If you still believe that hiring an image consultant is for other people, think again! To make peace with one’s appearance is no small matter. It’s a step toward building self-esteem in our professional and personal lives.

Image consulting illustrates an essential characteristic of our era: we are a society that loves images.

Ramp Up Your Career

Professionally we are judged not only on our aptitudes but also on our appearance. We often find the need to acquire new competences to have access to a promotion. Our image must also pair with this new position. At equal competences, it is the person that has also ‘the look’ that will finally be chosen.

On the personal level, reworking your appearance increases your self-esteem as well as your self-confidence, enabling you greater successes.

Image consulting is for everyone who is unsure how to go about enhancing their appearance and who might be lost when it comes to selecting current fashions.

If you’ve been going to the same hairstylist for the last 15 years, are still wearing the same style clothes you were when Michael Jackson came out with Thriller, and you buy your clothes at the same shops you did when you when you graduated from college…it may be time for an update!

Hate to Shop?

For those of you who become nauseous at the idea of having to enter a store and start shopping for new clothes, image consulting services are for you, and judging from market trends, they are here to stay.

Many men would try anything to avoid the drudgery of shopping. Hiring the services of an image consultant/personal shopper will help you reveal your distinct personality, enhance your features, maximize your physical qualities and develop a winning wardrobe.

Appearance Counts

Like it or not, our outward appearance affects the impression we make on others, consequently impacting our lives. Whether we get a job, business contract, or a new relationship can hinge, at least partially, on our first impression. Is your image conveying what you want it to?

So now, throw yourself into the image consulting adventure and be ready for your personal and professional image transformation!

A bientôt,

Michele

Michele Benza is San Francisco’s “Best Kept Secret”! She is the founder of “Michele Benza Image Consulting and Posture” and is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Michele is also the only American member of the Association Francaise pour L’image Professionnelle et Personnelle (AFIPP)!

You can work with Michele on-line or face-to-face. Call (415) 956-3025 or e-mail Michele for an appointment. You’ll be thrilled with the results! To learn more, please visit her website at MicheleBenza.

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Shift to a Brighter Perspective by Taking the Bigger View!

SFWJ — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:55:17 +0000

Do you ever have those days where you had every intention of doing the ‘right’ thing yet nothing went as planned …. Or even worse, it went ‘wrong’.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

Today was ONE of Those Days!

Today was one of those days for me. First it was an exchange with my boyfriend that was meant to be warm and fuzzy and instead was cranky and disgruntled. Then I was told that something I did wasn’t satisfactory to someone else when I ‘know’ I went above and beyond to deliver excellence to this person.

Then I accidentally sent an email to the wrong person…. And, the icing on the cake was burning part of my dinner (that I was going to serve to my boyfriend too).

It truly was one of ‘those’ days. Thankfully, no one was hurt and nothing was life threatening to myself or anyone else involved. Yet, when I’m in the throws of a day like this, it can seem like everything is bad and all hope is lost…d-r-a-m-a! Yes, it can feel very emotional.

Shift into a Brighter Spot by Taking the Bigger View!

What I’ve learned over time is we ALL have days like this and sometimes even weeks …It’s life!

No matter who you are, how much money you have, how great your sweetie is or how much you love your job – we ALL have days we’d like to order a “do over!”

I’ve also learned that taking a bigger view on my life will shift things into a brighter perspective. For example, does burning a part of dinner for my boyfriend mean that we’re going to split up? NO. In fact, we laugh over it ….and as it turns out he prefers to cook for us.

And, do many of my clients enjoy and get great value from my services? YES. And, in fact, many refer me to others in their network. Most important, am I healthy with wonderful friends and family in my life? Yes, blessed beyond belief.

Focus on the Whole Truth…versus the Small Stuff

In other words, focus on the WHOLE truth. There’s a bigger picture to every situation.

Yes, it is easy it is to get side swiped and carried away with things that go wrong and turn the feelings into a global perspective making EVERYTHING in your life seem bad/wrong….which, of course, is never true.

In the end, all is fine as long as I can remember that it’s small stuff…it’s ALL small stuff. I’m ok, you’re ok … we’re all doing our best and some days are going to be ‘those’ kind of days.

Here’s to the EZ days,

Nikki

Nikki Anderson is a founding partner and a coach within Think Feel Know, USA. Her specialty is working with entrepreneurs, executive women, teams within small to medium sized businesses that are ready to grow to the next level. She is skilled at coaching individuals and groups and facilitating workshops, trainings and meetings to elicit connection, unity and clarity, resulting in forward action and bottom-line results.
Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

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Create Peace and Productivity in Your Life with White Space Time!

SFWJ — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:37:30 +0000

Do you need less stress or more results? Most women need both! And many of them are finding a little “air pocket” where they can create both peace and productivity.

It’s called White Space Time!
(You can read this article in the SF BAWJ magazine here.)

by Michelle Lisenbury Christensen and
Sara Harvey Yao

It’s a special kind of appointment with yourself: you protect it from any pre-set agenda. Crazy as it sounds to block out an hour (or three) when you don’t plan to do anything in particular, it really helps women find equilibrium and get amazing things done.

Your To-Do List Expands to Fill Your Time

Have you noticed that your to-do list expands to fill the time you have? That you feel like you never have a moment free?

Take an open or “white” time on your calendar and block it so it STAYS open! Then when you get to that appointment in your calendar, you will find a gift to yourself…freedom.

You now have time before you, and the opportunity to ask, “What do I really want to do with this time? What do I need right now?” If you’re disciplined enough to give yourself full permission to follow those desires (instead of checking e-mail or ticking off errands that aren’t your deepest desire), surprising things begin to happen.

White Space Makes Time for Amazing Things to Happen

One of our clients needed to get a marketing plan created. What he really wanted to do during his White Space was go to the driving range. Within two days, he got a great idea for the marketing plan, because he’d cleared his head while hitting golf balls.

Another began writing again after a long dry spell, because she used her White Space to daydream about her perfect life and realized she needed a space to write in. Right then – because she had the time – she cleared a spot in her guest room and created a nook where she now writes each morning.

Come Up for Air with White Space

White Space is a place to come up for air during your busy work week. It helps you to not feel so “behind,” the same way a $100 bill in your wallet makes you feel abundant, even if you don’t spend it.

Here’s How You Do It:

1. Find a block of 1-4 hours (more, if you dare!) that’s not already committed, and reserve it. Take it from “blank” on your calendar to an appointment – with yourself.

2. If any other uses for the time come up, deflect them. Tell others you’re committed. Remember that this time is deeply important, even if it feels indulgent.

3. Show up.

4. Give yourself permission not to be productive, not to do it “right,” not to meet any pre-conceived linear notion of what you should do.

5. Ask yourself, “What would I really like to do with this time?”

6. Do THAT.

Take the White Space Challenge

People who’ve committed to taking White Space at least once a week for three weeks have reported phenomenal changes in their energy, focus, and feelings of satisfaction. You can read some of their stories at whitespacetime.com. We hope you’ll join them and let us know what happens when you take the White Space Challenge.

Michele Lisenbury Christensen and Sara Harvey Yao are the authors of “Succeeding without Side Effects: Burnout-Proof Your Leadership and Life” and the “White Space Time” audio program. They help business owners and executives create more success with fewer side effects. Their retreats and seminars for women are transformative and deeply rejuvenating. They can be found online at WorkingWithPower.com .

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The Art of Trusting the Process!

SFWJ — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:51:01 +0000

Do you ever find yourself losing sleep over whether things in your life are going to work out? Whether it’s a relationship that you’ve been investing time and energy into for the past year or a business deal that could net a great sum of money…there are periods, sometimes brief, sometimes not where you are left in a space of ‘not knowing’.

by Nikki Anderson
Founding Partner and Coach at Think Feel Know

Panic or Trust the Process

It is in this space that you can choose to either panic or trust the process. For many, myself included, knowing how something will turn out gives a sense of security and confidence.

But really, how do we ever really know how something will turn out? Why is it that there are some circumstances in life where we have more confidence in the outcome and others we are forced to have faith?

Confidence and Experience Build Trust in the Process

I believe we all have areas in our lives where we are more confident in our abilities. We have accumulated enough experience to trust ourselves and the process. And there are other areas where our experience is limited or we are more stunted in spiritual maturity.

For example I know some people who have very little fear when it comes to finding well paying employment. Yet they are constantly fretting over not having a partner in their lives and have very little faith they will ever find their match. For others it’s the opposite.

There are places of less confidence and less ‘knowing’ for each person. I believe this is because, as one friend put it, “if we knew the answers to everything we’d never have to ask for help.” And, if we never had to ask for help from one another or from our spiritual guide we’d miss the opportunity to grow.

Not Knowing is Thrilling to Children

Small children move through the world not knowing. In fact they wake up each day not knowing what will happen and it thrills them…they stay curious and in wonder. Maybe there is something for us to learn from children. Perhaps it’s to stay curious, open and intrigued by what life brings us.

We do have a choice…to be in fear and panic OR trust that something much bigger is at work and in the end it really will ALL work out! Maybe not the way we picture it, but it will ALL work out.

Relax. Trust. Enjoy!Nikki is passionate about many things in her life although, at the core are health and wellness – her foundation. She is active in 12-step recovery work and is passionate about helping others to not only overcome their addictions but also to thrive in their life. You can learn more by visiting CoachNikki and ThinkFeelKnow.

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Are Food Sensitivities Slowing YOU Down?

SFWJ — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:30:24 +0000

Are you chronically fatigued? Are you feeling moody or depressed? Are you finding it difficult to lose weight? Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at the foods you are eating!

By Kristin Hoppe
Certified Nutrition Consultant

I grew up chronically fatigued, always wanting to take a nap, and never understanding why. In my 20s, I tried everything to lose weight. I even went vegetarian because I thought that was “healthy” for me.

Little did I know that my vegetarian diet of mostly bread and cheese consisted of the two foods I was most sensitive to.

You may think you eat “healthy”, but even “healthy” foods can have adverse reactions in your body. The solution is figuring out which foods work best for your body; what is “healthy” for you.

What is the difference between a…
Food Allergy, Food Sensitivity, & Food Intolerance?

These terms are often used interchangeably and inappropriately. However, generally speaking, food allergies and food sensitivities involve the immune system where food intolerance does not.

A Food Allergy is the least common, best known, and most dangerous, affecting approximately 1-2% of the population. It involves an immediate reaction of the immune system. One severe example is a peanut allergy, which can result in anaphylactic shock. Most food allergies, however, are not life threatening.

A Food Sensitivity is a delayed food allergy and affects up to 60% of the population. These can manifest in many different ways and can take from 45 minutes to several days for symptoms to become apparent. The delayed onset of symptoms and complex physiological mechanisms make them difficult to understand and they often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Conventional treatments prescribed usually provide temporary relief and mask the symptoms instead of addressing the root cause.

A Food Intolerance does not involve the immune system. When the food in question is consumed, it is not properly digested and begins to ferment inside the digestive tract. For example, lactose intolerance is an inability of the body to produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, the primary sugar found in milk. Up to 30% of the population may be affected by food intolerances.

What Are Symptoms of Food Sensitivities?

We often think of food reactions involving digestion, and they do, classic symptoms include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn, gas, and bloating. However, you may be surprised to learn that food sensitivities can also manifest in many common neurological conditions such as migraines, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, poor mental focus (brain fog), depression, and anxiety.

Skin conditions such as eczema, rash, dry skin, itchy skin, acne, rosasea, and hives can also occur. Weight loss resistance, musculoskeletal pain, congestion, and respiratory conditions are also common symptoms of food sensitivities.

What causes Food Sensitivities?

Many factors can contribute over time, and food sensitivities often appear seemingly out of nowhere. A person’s age, diet, environment, and lifestyle play a large role in developing sensitivities. Causes include: poor, unbalanced digestion, chronic stress, immune system or toxic overload, and genetics.

What can you do?

The good news is there is help available. Using careful dietary manipulation and lifestyle modifications, you do not have to be a prisoner of your symptoms. Nutrition Consultants can help facilitate a systematic approach to uncover and heal your food sensitivities.

Revealing my food sensitivities played a major role in my own healing process. I am happy to report that I now have sustainable energy, have lost 40+ pounds and kept if off for over 5 years, and feel happier than ever in life.

Kristin Hoppe, BS, NC, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, Educator, and Natural Chef. She received her nutrition and culinary training from Bauman College, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College.

Her practice, Food Therapy, is dedicated to improving people’s health through an inspiring and comprehensive nutritional approach that celebrates food. Kristin takes a holistic approach to health, providing clients with coaching and nutrition programs designed to facilitate healing with lasting results. She specializes in weight management, food allergies, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression & anxiety, and detoxification & cleansing. Please visit FoodTherapySF to learn more.

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