If you’ve ever been on a diet, you are most likely familiar with the food journal, a means of recording every morsel you eat in order to scrutinize your food intake and eating patterns. The idea is that those who monitor their food consumption can identify sources of empty calories; basically, the diary creates awareness of the food you eat.
Which sounds good—so good that in my early days as a professional nutritionist, I asked my clients to keep a food journal. And then I stopped.
Why? My clients were putting way too much emphasis on food and what it cost—in calories, that is. Instead of healthy snacks they started chewing zero-calorie gum. A well-balanced meal turned into one plain chicken breast, no rice, no oil.
Another reason is that it’s unnecessary. If you’re overweight we already know that you’re eating more than your body requires to function at an optimum level. What we won’t find in the standard food journal is why.
More significant than the food you eat are the thoughts and feelings that drive the eating. In other words, what needs to be explored is the reason you overeat.
I do encourage journaling for my clients, but not about food per se. Instead I ask them to journal about their fundamental mind-set around food as well as any feelings that surface. As my clients reflect on what motivates their consumption of food, wisdom replaces information, and as a result their beliefs and emotions having to do with food begin to shift.
But don’t take it from me. Allow me to introduce you to two of my clients, Helen and Sindy, as they blog their way to a healthy, balanced, and pleasurable approach to food, eating, and life as a whole.
International No Diet Day, May 6th, is an annual celebration of body acceptance, regardless of your weight, shape or size. This day is also dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness of the potential dangers of dieting and the unlikelihood of success. In honor of International No Diet Day, I have provided reasons for why you should say NO to diets and tips for staying diet free.
Why be ...
Have you experienced diet failure? 45 million Americans are on a diet yet obesity is as at an all time high. I stopped by Fox 35′s Good Day Orlando to talk about 4 reasons why diets fail and how you can stay diet free.
Reason #1 for Diet Failure
Diets work outside of ourselves whereas intuitive eating is an internal job that’s based on hunger and fullness and learning to read those ...
Are you a victim of relationship weight gain or the ”boyfriend layer?” Relationships can sometimes take their toll both mentally and physically and experts say when it comes to new relationships women tend to gain relationship weight. I made an appearance on Fox 35′s Good Day Orlando to discuss the reasons why women tend to pack on relationship weight and how you can avoid it. (more…)
On April 27th, Ocean Drive Magazine’s Girlfriends Getaway Weekend welcomed Carol Cottrill, NYC nutritionist and author of The French Twist: Twelve Secrets of Decadent Dining and Natural Weight Management. Taking place at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Carol discussed her philosophy to natural weight management, the inspiration behind her book and held a nutrition Q&A. Carol also held a book signing following the event.
Carol Cottrill recently appeared on CNN to discuss her philosophy and ...
I made an appearance on Fox 35′s Good Day to lend tips for National Nutrition Month.
There have been a few changes lately that are for the better. First of all, I am working daily with someone and I am not hiding what I feel are my biggest “weaknesses” “thoughts” or where I am deficient. I am not hiding. It is a funny thing, but I think that excess weight is a way of hiding, and I am a specialist at doing it; with oversize clothing and making myself absent if I ...
Reducing overall fat on a well-balanced eating plan is always the way to go for natural weight management. And while there’s no magic to melting belly fat, there are some foods that keep the digestive system moving along and prevent the dreaded pooch. In an article for Fox News Magazine, I tell you why peanut butter can help reduce belly bloat. To read the article, click here.
This summer doesn’t have to be a cruel one. In an article for Fox News Magazine, I weigh in on the right way to get ready for swimsuit season. To read the article, click here.
It’s raining today, and I am thinking that above the clouds the sun is shining. Likewise when I make decisions and choices in my life that on the face of it look bleak, over time I know the sun will shine on! Being the queen of instant gratification, the disease to please needs to be challenged and constantly watched, don’t you think?
I made an appearance on CNN’s Weekend Morning Start to discuss with Brianna Keilar my book ‘The French Twist’ and tips on how to manage your weight.
" Great advice! " – Nov 07, 4:33 PM
" I would LOVE to come to Charlotte for a book signing- I'll get to work on that right away! In the meantime, I am thinking... " – Oct 26, 7:43 AM " Your insight and ability to communicate truth never ceases to amaze me, Carol. I am grateful that you were able to connect with your readers... " – Oct 25, 2:09 PM
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