Think — Article

Most of us have read articles that discuss the effects of stress on our metabolism – and how it isn’t great for weight-loss. Stress spikes cortisol, and cortisol turns into belly fat.  Think for a moment: When you talk negatively to yourself, how do you feel? Do you feel light and uplifted? Full of positive energy? Or do you feel down, stressed, and kind of pressured? Like you’re required to do something that you’re not looking forward to?  I’m going to guess that you feel down, kind of stressed, and a little burdened by the pressure you’re experiencing to preform perfectly...

If someone wants to change their life, what impedes their success? When we attempt a seemingly simple goal — losing weight, giving up a bad habit, acting nicer to people, etc. — often something intervenes. This “something” exists in the relationship between the mind, which issues a desire or intention, and the brain, which is the physical apparatus for carrying out desires and intentions. The relationship between the mind and the brain is subtle—most of the time the mind is automatically dominant. If you want to raise your arm, the brain sends the appropriate signals without obstacle of interference. But sometimes...

Melainie Rogers, eating disorder survivor, nutritionist, and founder & CEO of BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center, shares her story of recovery.   ALOHA: How did the eating disorder begin? M.R: I’d just moved for a job and I gained a little weight. And then I was dumped on the same day that my grandfather died. I decided to cope with the grief by dieting. I lost some weight and quickly became obsessive—I weighed myself daily. I began running (which I hated), and before long I was doing marathons. ALOHA: What did it take away from you? M.R: Friendships, happiness, time,...

Pollution: The new silent enemy? Do you ever feel like you are wiping the city off your face after a day out and about? This clogged, greasy skin feeling is a result of the bacteria and pollution surrounding us. Pollution doesn’t only harm the planet—this silent enemy is slowly weakening your skin as well. The good news: we have the scoop on how to fight back and regain a radiating complexion. Why does pollution matter? According to recent studies, living in highly polluted cities can age you significantly, making your skin look years older. How exactly does this happen? The air...

When working with clients who suffer from binge eating, I speak with them about how their feelings play a significant role in their relationship with food. And they’re always surprised at how much not being able to accept their feelings affects this relationship.  Here’s what it comes down to: when we’re not willing to feel and welcome all of our feelings (the good and the not-so-good), we will find something to numb them out. It’s not natural for us to feel uncomfortable and simply do nothing about it. When we’re uncomfortable, we act.  So, the choice we are left with...