“Privilege” is a word you’ll hear often in social justice spaces including the non-dieting Health At Every Size community. Yet, what is privilege and why does this conversation seem to instantly create resistance? In this article, we are going to explore the concept of privilege and how it can stop professionals from embracing the non-dieting...Read More

On social media, a dietitian posted she could no longer be an “anti-diet dietitian.”  Her post from the WN4DC Professional Facebook group received more than 50 comments which affirmed how challenging it is to let go of diet culture. This quarter’s theme is about resistance which presents an excellent opportunity to explore the struggles of...Read More

Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Facing An Overwhelming Opportunity Speaking from personal experience, I felt overwhelmed when I began to get serious about Motivational Interviewing (MI). The topic gave me energy and encouraged me with all the possibilities. I just knew this was my future. I was immediately hooked and couldn’t wait to learn more. This...Read More

Counseling Scenario Client: “Can I eat this with diabetes?” [Notice the question is asking for permission.] Professional: “You are bright and able, what do you think?” [This question is affirming the client’s ability and encouraging autonomy. ] Client: “Yes, because it is a low carb choice.” [Notice the client is pulling from his own knowledge.]...Read More

Two tools I use in my counseling practice are the Hunger Fullness scale and The Thought Compass. Recently, I had some clients who wanted to explore their diabetes care and use these two tools. The Hunger and Fullness Scale The Hunger and Fullness scale, from Discover Mindful Eating for Kids. This H/F scale is different...Read More

The Thought Compass is an activity that I created for The Core Concepts of Mindful Eating. It is a modified mind map, which is a learning tool to help short out ideas and see connections. I have been using this tool for about 10-years and continue to see the value of looking for the “big...Read More

Healthcare professionals are always intrigued by ways of improving elevated blood sugars. Three of those methods are to encourage weight loss, change medications, or promote balanced eating. The method of weight loss and restriction is often conveyed to clients with: “Stop eating so many carbs” or “Don’t eat bread, rice, or potatoes” or “Don’t eat...Read More

Creating a practice requires you to return, over and over again to the present moment. Unfortunately, many people are highly skilled at being self-critical.  They don’t want to return to the thing that is hard, or that they feel inadequate at.  This internal judgment and dread can be so habitual a person is almost deaf...Read More

In the book, Core Concepts of Mindful Eating: Professional Edition, I created a tool called The Mindful Eating Map.  The Mindful Eating Map is a guide to help you bring compassionate self-care into your life. Here are the five steps. Step 1 Stretch your ability to engage in non-judgmental observation of the current situation. The...Read More

Mindfulness practice, which is the little pause to consider a variety of different views and opinions, can help you acknowledge all humans are in a state of conflict or ambivalence. This conflict is how to balance knowledge with compassion.  Knowledge without compassion can make you a know-it-all and compassion without knowledge can allow others to...Read More