Choosing What to Eat

a big breakfast...

Last night I dreamt about pancakes.  After dinner I wanted an avocado and I promised I would have one for breakfast.  BUT when I finally went downstairs I wanted a lot of different things.  In fact I couldn’t decide.  So I decided to start making what I wanted- waffles.  But once they were ready, I thought I actually want a bagel and orange juice.  And then I wanted Fiber One with Bananas, Strawberries and Soy Milk.  Before I knew it I had laid out all my choices.  I also made an avocado and mixed it with salsa.  But my body/mind were still confused- what should I eat?

I did this exercise very consciously to show myself that a.) I can eat whatever I want and b.) I can make things and then choose to not eat them. I also noticed that there were a lot of judgements that came up!  I was saying things to myself like, “I shouldn’t eat all of this.  I should choose one thing.  Orange juice has lots of sugar.  These bagels are gross.  I really want pancakes.  I shouldn’t eat this many points….”.

And then I sat down and decided I was a 2 on the hunger scale, 1 is starving and 5 is overly full. And then I decided I would sit down and eat consciously and just have whatever I wanted.  I tasted each food and I have a LOT to share.

First of all the waffles didn’t taste very good, kind of cardboardish and the sugar free syrup isn’t that great.  This food went to the dogs after a few bites.

Then the bagel- wow, I never realized how terrible these Alternative bagels and Fat Free Cream Cheese is.  Huge GROSS OUT.  Another one to the dogs.

The OJ was okay, but def. not fresh or the “treat” I was hoping for.

And the Fiber One with Fruit was okay- bananas are super sugary, strawberries had huge pores on them (is that what they are?).

I ate more than I wanted of these foods, because honestly they were all kind of gross.  I can’t believe I have eaten like this for years AND looked forward to this food!

I am glad I ate consciously, I am glad I am satisfied my hunger, but no longer on my list of things to eat:  sugar free syrup, fat free cream cheese, Alternative bagels, Go Lean Waffles, Blueberries that aren’t fully thawed.  Oh and I am VERY picky about bananas now- too sugary makes me gag.

NOTE I have come a long way.  Today’s “big breakfast” was something that can be a learning lesson for everyone.  Instead of unconsciously tossing all this food down my throat while standing in the kitchen, walking back and forth or even worse- saying “NO” to the cravings I sat down.  I ate it consciously and I found out I didn’t like any of it.  And I am glad I found out now.

Next time I am getting a real bagel from Cow’s End with real cream cheese period.  And waffles/pancakes will be at a restaurant with real syrup…  Good grief!

Okay you gotta try this.  I guarantee it is such an enlightening way to change your relationship with food and yourself.  To think I liked these foods and wanted them?  Yuck!

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves

Avocados a miracle food?

I seriously blogged about this yesterday, but as I wind down my morning work I am seriously excited to be having an avocado on organic greens for lunch.  I cannot believe this was still a slightly “no” food for me.  I didn’t realize it until the craving started to get annoying.  Like I would go grocery shopping and never ever buy Avocados (too much “fat”), but look forward to eating out b/c I knew I could order stuff with Avocado on it and pretend it didn’t matter.  WOW.

So yesterday I bought a cutie bag of four avocados and had one for lunch and dinner.  And guess what?  I felt AMAZING.  Energetic, happy and very svelte.  So I googled the food and found it is more of a superfood.  I gave myself permission to eat as many as I want and enjoy them.  I don’t know why my body is craving them, but I am going ahead and saying yes and man it feels good!

I strongly encourage you to start “legalizing” foods on your “no” list.  They are SO satisfying and your body seems to hum with joy.  Yummy!

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves

More to Love TV Show on Fox

I just saw the ad for the More to Love TV Show on Fox.  As a body image and un-diet expert I am so excited for this show.  It is about time American’s (and everyone) had a REAL show with REAL people of other shapes and sizes.  Now should they all be “real sizes”?  I don’t know, it might be nice to have a mixture, but overall even though this looks a bit like it is geered toward Plus Sizes, I LOVE it!

Bravo Mike Fleiss for thinking of a great reality show idea, that is um more realistic!

I would love to speak on this topic in the media because it is such a new amazing thing.  And something I want everyone to embrace.  Healthy at every size- bravo!

Oh and so off topic, but how much do you love avocados?  I realized they were still on my “no” list b/c of the years of dieting I succumbed to.  But today I ate a whole one on a salad and I felt AMAZING!  Bravo superfoods!

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves

Help me, help you

One of the biggest blessings in my life is the ability to recover from eating disorders, body image and diets and HELP others do the same.  Honestly nothing makes me feel better about myself and the world.

I like to be the change I want to see.  I like to be a good example, but more so I love teaching others because it helps me get stronger every day.

If you are truly ready to change your life and live your purpose then get in touch.  I have a few spots available to coach privately.  I truly enjoy doing super sessions which are four day long intensives where we literally weed the “garden” of your life.  We pull out the ROOTS (the problems) and then once your garden is all fresh and clean we plant new SEEDS.  Then we water the garden and voila it is your new and improved life.  One that allows YOU to be the change you want to see.

Isn’t it about time you stopped wasting time with your “problems” like eating issues, body image and self esteem AND started spending it doing what your life purpose is?  I think it is.

I am here to help.

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves

But if I don’t Diet How Will I LOSE weight??

stop chasing your tail...

I have heard this question from every single client or person who has heard about The Un Diet Coach.  And the answer is simple, as you begin to rely on your internal signals your body will take care of this on your own.  Sound nutty?  It’s not.  It is just what our society has begun to believe.  And it is so ingrained in our culture that we actually believe we need someone to tell us what to eat in order to be a certain “weight”.

Ha, well I can tell you at first when you rely on your internal instincts it will be tough.  In fact you will start thinking that you can trust your own body and brain.  It will start working.  You know a lot like The Secret!

In any case why don’t you give it a try at your very next meal.  Just allow yourself to eat consciously noting your hunger and fullness levels and let me know how it goes.  I can’t wait to see how good your next meal is and I have a feeling you won’t overeat.  Not one bite.

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves

Love

Geneen Roth has a book called When Food is Love. Man this is the best title of a book I have ever heard. Other than Fed Up Girl of course. But honestly is she right or what? As a single 30 year old living in LA when I first moved here, food was love. Why? Well, I had some friends, but certainly not a ton of them yet and I was working a lot. So “treats” became my little joy of the day. At this time I was ramping up my eating disorder (which turned into Bulimia at that time), so I had no idea this is what I was doing.
Geneen tells you to start Feeling Your Feelings. And find out if you should really put on your coat to go to the market for chocolate- or maybe you just need a hug? In the end so many times I just need a hug. But again it is easier to simply ignore those feelings and have the chocolate.
\But the day you do stand up and realize you need love- that is the best day. Because no matter what chocolate doesn’t taste good as love. Trust me on that. And if you are afraid of love, then get a pet. That is what saved my life.
Finally Free,

Bridget Loves

If You Are the Un Diet Coach Are You “Skinny”?

I was in pilates this morning and was speaking to a few people about my coaching service as The Un Diet Coach. For the first time in a LONG time I felt self conscious. Probably because it is an uber hard pilates class here in LA, where our instructor is in perfect shape and you have to work very very hard for the entire 55 minutes. But mainly I thought, well I am out there now. I am speaking the truth.
I told a whole class full of people, while wearing my tight spandex pants from Lululemon. And I proudly and loudly told them I don’t diet and I found my “Skinny”. Would they laugh and say I need to do more situps to have perfect abs? But instead they all said wow that is fantastic. Wait how do I do that?
I was so happy. I know my work is important and I know I can help a lot of other people. But I am promoting something that is the minority right now. Usually the people after class talk about diets and how to eat.
So I have a few new people on The Un Diet Program. Yeah! I can’t wait to share a healthy yummy meal with them soon, where we eat consciously and enjoy each other’s company. Kind of like those lovely Italians do!
Finally Free,
Bridget Loves

You Are What You Eat

The older I get the more I understand this. While I do eat anything and everything I choose when I am hungry (of course). I have noticed recently that the natural luster and shine in my hair was fading a bit, the ends were looking straggly and I was having small breakouts on my face.
Years ago I did the Raw Food Diet and learned every detail of what certain foods do to my body. So I have an idea that perhaps I am missing some nutrients or eating something my body is allergic to. I was really embarrassed when I went to my hair stylist and even she mentioned it! I use really expensive hair products (she is a spokesperson for them)! So imagine the external creams not doing the trick;) Hmm. Okay well the most important point is I have started feeding myself healthier foods.
First of all I have had a craving for avocados, strawberries and bananas lately. I also have been craving Twizzlers. Anyway, I have been eating more of all of them. I am very proud because years ago with my old eating disorder behavior I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I would have had to check in with my external diet cues and avocados were on the “no no” list due to being high in fat.
Just another example of why it is vital to listen to your body and internal cues about what it needs. Your body is not a model’s body on the cover of Shape Magazine. Instead it is a machine and the whole thing need s fuel! That means carbohydrates, protein, fat, etc. It needs this stuff!
So next time you notice you aren’t looking as fab or have a “craving” think about giving it to your machine. Chances are the machine is talking to you.
Finally Free,
Bridget Loves

Conscious Eating

I practice conscious eating, but sometimes I have to admit after years of eating based on external cues, it is the easier automatically to eat based on those cues. It is easier to measure my food, eat in front of the computer and just record the Weight Watchers Points. But why? Well, you can’t blame me after spending most of my life dieting. BUT when I start slipping into those old habits it is time to remember aaah, I need to be conscious of what I am doing- and conscious of eating period.
With that I have to say conscious eating is not easy, but if you can master a diet you can master this. Plus you were born eating this way, at least when no adults were around to control your food intake- externally.
So why do I recommend conscious eating? Well, it gives you a chance to experience life as it is meant to be experienced. Meaning you can enjoy , savor and share food in the company of others. Think of long lingering meals you may have enjoyed while abroad in Italy or France.
I like to watch shows like Top Chef or hang out with friends who are foodies. Meaning, they usually don’t inhale Twinkies or stop at McDonald’s. Instead they rave about the best markets, farmer’s markets and restaurants. Eating with them is a true gift, as they look at the food, talk about it and eat slowly while having good conversation.
I find that taking the time to prepare yourself an actual meal is the difference between being truly nourished and simply running the “race” and needing to rely on external cues. By taking the time you can remind yourself of conscious eating and avoid the temptation to eat in front of the tv or computer.
I suppose the best advice I have is to take it slowly, but make one small goal per day and then celebrate it. I am going to a barbeque Fourth of July Party on the beach tomorrow here in LA, and I can still practice conscious eating at parties, but not in the way I would like to. So on Sunday, I am going to the Farmer’s Market in the Pacific Palisides with my friend from Pilates. We hope to see Jennifer Garner there AND peruse the market, enjoying the sunshine, fresh air and meeting the people who bring us our =-food. Then after selecting and gathering a wide selection, I will go home and make a delightful Sunday inner, which I will eat by candlelight in my Kitchen. Sound good? Give it a try, being a “Foodie” or Conscious Eater is way more fun than dieting and doing the guilt thing…

Finally Free,
Bridget Loves

More on Bethenny Frankels book

fast weight loss?

So I perused the book yesterday.  I did.  And I did so at Barnes and Noble (not Barneys- oops I am so used to typing out my pupper’s name;).  In any case it wasn’t very far into it when I found the eating disorder/disordered eating tips.  I feel bad for Bethenny b/c I love her, I do.  But honey has some very disordered eating going on.  It is very focused on External cues, which to me are “diety”.

So I would vote to pass that one up and start focusing on Conscious Eating, which is more fun anyway!  And it is what worked for me:)

On another note I noticed a lot of new emails from readers all over the world.  Welcome!  I know “dieting” isn’t as prevalant in other places, but it still happens.  And I am happy to have you as my readers!

Finally Free,

Bridget Loves