Comfort Cravings

How to soothe yourself without food—and how to eat healthfully and mindfully.

by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

Comment on the Paula Deen Controversy

Over the past few days the world has been buzzing about Paul Deen's news that she has Type II Diabetes. There has been a mixed response. Here are some thoughts from a psychologist who works with people with eating issues. Read More

5 Intriguing Facts About Intuitive Eating

Learn 5 interesting facts about the classic book, Intuitive Eating. This includes information on the new edition, how intuitive eating relates to mindful eating and the history behind the book. Read More

Four Action Steps for Eating More Mindfully in 2012

Are you tired of your New Year's Resolution to eat healthier only lasting a day or two? This one (easy and realistic) tip may may help you eat better all year long. Read More

8 Must-Read Books on Mindful Eating

Do you want to learn how to eat more mindfully? This is a summary of eight great books that will teach you the art of savoring your food, managing your weight and enjoying what you eat without dieting. Read More

Ten Books That Could Change Your Life

Looking for a good self-help book? This is a list of ten books I often recommend to my clients. Read More

8 Ways to Eat Mindfully During the Holidays

Here are 8 easy ways to eat mindfully during the holidays. Learn how to "Eat, Drink & Be Mindful" this season. Read More

¿Qué Es Comer Conscientemente? (10 Tips for Eating Mindfully)

¿Qué es comer conscientemente? (10 Tips for Eating Mindfully in Spanish) If you would like this in a FREE handout form, please go to www.eatingmindfully.com Read More

Is the Freshman Fifteen an Urban Myth?

Is the freshman fifteen just a myth? This article tells you the latest. Read More

4 Easy Ways to Talk Yourself Out of Overeating Halloween Candy

Let's take a few moments to identify some of the most common Halloween thought sabotagers and easy ways to address them. Read More

10 Easy Things You Can Do to Help Women (And Yourself!) Feel Good About Your Body

Are you interested in helping women improve their body image and changing how women are depicted in the media? If so, here are ten easy things you can do to help! Watch a clip of a brand new movie that may change the way you think about how women are depicted in magazines, TV and movies forever. Read More

The 3-Minute Effect of Chocolate

Ever have a stressful day and think to yourself, "A piece of chocolate would make me feel better." In part, you may be onto something. Chocolate makes us feel good--temporarily.

How long does chocolate soothe a bad mood? Only 3 minutes according to a study by Macht & Mueller (2007) in the journal of Appetite. After that, the effect dissipates. Read More

Why You SHOULD Think about Eating Chocolate

Imagine for a moment that you are craving chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate-whatever you love. However, you promised yourself that you wouldn't overindulge in chocolate treats anymore. What do you do?

A) Tell yourself to STOP thinking about chocolate!

B) Think about something else Read More

Sex or the Scale?

Scale or Sex? Which one is harder to talk to your kids about? A recent survey called, "Raising Fit Kids" says it is the scale. Here are 10 tips for making the conversation easier. Read More

A Snack to Help Reduce Comfort Eating

With my clients, I talk a lot about what you can ADD to your menu rather than what you can SUBTRACT. This is a very different way of thinking about food and eating. Here is an example of a food you can include into your snacking repertoire. It is a great item to help curb comfort eating... Read More

What Kind of Mindless Eater Are You?

Read about 8 types of mindless eating. See if any of these sound familar... Read More

New Research on Comfort Eating

The surprising new finding about why we comfort eat. A new study gives us some interesting insights... Read More

The Pistachio Effect

The "Pistachio Effect" refers to the idea that making simple changes can make a big difference to your eating. This article will give you two easy ways to eat more mindfully. Read More

The 10 Best Healthy Eating Quotes

This is a list of timeless advice on how to eat well. Reading these quotes can help jump start your motivation to eat more mindfully. Read More

How MyPlate Can Help You Eat More Mindfully

Do you like the new MyPlate icon? This article discusses why it has been so well received and how it can actually help you to eat more mindfully. Add your thoughts, compliments, and concerns here... Read More

Oprah's Secret to Feeling Good

Goodbye Oprah. We'll miss you! This article will tell you how to feel good instantly (Oprah-style). Also, learn how to get free Eating Mindfully gear... Read More

A Calorie Camera: Helpful or Intrusive?

There is a new type of technology that is getting controversial press. It's a calorie camera which snaps photos of what students are eating before and after they eat. It also does an on-the-spot calorie assessment. Weigh in on this controversy. Read More

Forks Over Knives: Could This Movie Save Your Life?

I recently saw the new documentary, Forks Over Knives. It's a controversial new film about food. Warning: it might just change what you put on your plate today. Read More

7 Tips To Help New Moms Eat Well and Stop Mindless Eating

According to a study in the journal of Pediatrics, new mothers don't eat well. This article explains seven common mindless eating traps mothers experience and how to avoid them. Read More

The Best Way to Eat Cake

Many of us naturally eat wedding cake mindfully whether we know it or not. Here are some tips on how to eat cake mindfully... Read More

3 Tips for Snacking Mindfully (With New Snack Foods!)

Did you ever notice how some foods can help you to eat mindfully while others make it so much more challenging? This article will introduce you to three new snack foods and how to eat them in a mindful way. Read More

The New Scoop on Emotional & Binge Eating

At the Binge Eating Diosrder Conference, I met many people who are working hard on prevention, treatment and research. If you are looking for more information, here are some new books that may help. Read More

Dear Dominique Ramirez (Former Miss. San Antonio)

Miss. San Antonio was allegedly fired due to weight gain. The story is yet another reminder that we live in a world that still has an unhealthy emphasis on weight. Here is a message for anyone who has felt judged by their weight. Read More

Books to Help You Eat Better & Enjoy Food

What could be better than critiquing a book while sampling tasty food? Here are some tips on how to set up a food book club. Read More

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth The Smart Way

Do you have a sweet tooth? If you are like most people, you've wondered how to satisfy this urge mindfully -- to eat and savor sweets without going overboard. Here are a few tips... Read More

Free Educational Film on Eating Disorders

Would you like to know more about eating disorders? If you are an educator, parent, student or just want to learn the facts about eating disorders, the film, Speaking Out About ED, Exposing Myths, Embracing Facts and Exploring Treatment, is a must see. Read More

Susan Albers, Psy.D., is a psychologist who specializes in eating issues, weight loss, body image concerns and mindfulness. Her latest book is 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food.

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