Comfort Cravings

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

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. See full bio

November 21, 2009

Weighing College Students: Helpful or Harmful?

Here is an example of another program that may want to consider if it is doing more harm than good. If you are a freshman at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, you will be stepping on the scale as soon as you arrive on campus (See the article in the Chronicle). If you have a BMI over 30, you will be required to take a course entitled "Fitness or Life." You can pass out of the class by reducing your BMI or playing a sport.

This rule assumes a number of things. First, is suggests that students who have a BMI over 30 are unhealthy and that thinner students are healthy.

November 18, 2009

The Fun Theory: Easy, Fun Ways to Exercise

Working out and eating mindfully doesn't have to be a drag. How can we make exercise more fun? www.thefuntheory.com has some great ideas. Here are five tips for making exercise easy and fun. Read More

November 11, 2009

French Women Do Eat Mindlessly

Who didn't envy French women just a little when the book, French Women Don't Get Fat was released? French women seemed to know some secret about eating that we didn't. The book inspired many women to take a new look at their diet. A new survey suggests that French women may not be as stellar at eating as we once thought. Read More

November 9, 2009

Men & Binge Eating Disorder

"Rocco" was a guest on the Dr. Oz show this last week (See the video clip). This 53 year old man took a 28 day challenge that transformed him from a meat eating cowboy to a vegan. What was most impressive was not that he became a vegan per say, but the ability to dramatically change his life and health in less than one month. You can literally reverse some of the damage done to your body just by changing what you eat. Food (or the right foods) can sometimes be medicinal. Read More

November 5, 2009

Kids & Candy: The Marshmallow Test

Did your parents ever bride you with candy? If so, you aren't alone. Every parent has broken down and given their child candy as a bride, to quiet them or to provide comfort. Intuitively, we all know it isn't a good idea. A 2009 study gives us another reason to avoid giving in to kids' demands for candy. According to a British study by Simon Moore, kids who ate candy everyday at age 10 were significantly more likely to be convicted of a crime at age 34. This study seems to be a spin on the classic study by Walter Mischel. Click here to see a cute youtube video recreation of the Marshmallow Test. Mischel examined a preschooler's ability to delay gratification in order to receive a larger reward. Read More

November 3, 2009

An Apple a Day Keeps the Grumbles Away

"I don't know when I feel full," is common statement made by overeaters. Unfortunately, satiety cues can become warped by years of yo-yo dieting. Gigantic portion sizes, like those given to you at restaurants, don't help either.

The trick to mindful eating is getting in touch with your satiety cues. In other words, knowing when you are hungry and full. The pre-meal apple may give you a jump start in learning how to do this. Read More

October 29, 2009

Finding the Motivation to Eat More Mindfully

Do you need motivation to start eating more mindfully but don’t have the money to hire a trainer like Jillian Michaels? If so, don’t worry.

October 22, 2009

Mindfully Eating Chocolate

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. Read More

October 20, 2009

Addressing Your Inner Critic

We all have it. It's that little critical voice in your head that just won't be quiet. The inner voice questions and nit-picks, gives unfavorable commentary and has the uncanny ability to make you feel about the size of a pea.

This inner voice becomes pretty obvious the moment you slip into an outfit and stand in front of the mirror. Suddenly, the voice pipes up out of nowhere. It has a lot to say about the shape of your thighs and your nose. Read More

October 15, 2009

The Benefit of Ralph Lauren's Blunder

The model indicates that she hasn't gained a significant amount of weight during her contract at Ralph Lauren. It's likely that this is true. But, we have to consider that this model began working with the company when she was only fifteen years old. Read More

Books by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

Eat, Drink and Be Mindful: How to End Your Struggle with Mindless Eating and Start Savoring Food with Intention and Joy

Eating Mindfully: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food

Mindful Eating 101: A Guide to Healthy Eating in College and Beyond

Diet Basics

Why do we wrestle with what we eat and how much we eat? Sometimes we eat the right foods in the right portions, and sometimes we eat the entire dinner table and all the wrong foods. Why is it so hard to eat healthfully? Whether you're trying to lose a few pounds or maintain a nutritious diet, you'll find answers to your questions here.

Go to the Diet Basics page for more on Diet including:

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Books by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

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