Self Care: It's So Important!

Is Self Care a Part of Your Life?

A Psychotherapist I know and trust, Colleen West, MFT, (photo to left) gave a presentation today about her EMDR practice in El Cerrito, CA. She talked specifically about Self Care, which I appreciated. The list below is taken from what she handed to the group. I liked it and asked her if I could post it here.

I know the benefits of Self Care both for me and my patients. It's the foundation for staying in balance, keeping productive and generally feeling good. When we don't take care of ourselves, we can feel it in many ways, like frustration, fatigue, etc. But mostly, it just doesn't feel good. Lack of self care can lead to burnout and drive behaviors that don't serve us, like overeating. It can even drive specific food cravings. Have you noticed this?

Do you Take Care of Others?

I like taking care of people in my life and in my practice. It's why I do what I do for a living and I truly enjoy it. I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to take care of other people and things before myself. Can you relate? This is just a tendency, and something I am aware of, so I can change it.

Self care really needs to become a part of our daily and weekly routine. After all, how can we take care of others if we're not taking good care of ourselves? So, when I realize I'm working too much or otherwise get off track, I take a deep breath, reconnect with my Self Care routine and carve out some time for myself. And now, I have a concrete list I can refer to thanks to Colleen.

Here are the suggestions Colleen made for Self Care:
(Notice it starts with Sleep [key!] and ends with sick days)

1. Sleep (7-9 hours is optimal for most people)
2. Good food
3. Pleasurable moderate exercise
4. A person to talk to
5. Therapy (?!)
6. Meditation / Prayer /Journaling
7. The natural world
8. Weekly if not daily fun
9. Pleasure (sex, chocolate, pets, music, baths, etc.)
10. Sick days as needed (most employees accrue 1 / mo)

So here are some questions to ponder for yourself:

• How many of these are you doing regularly?
• What would you add or delete from the list and why?
• How would you make this list your own and incorporate it into your routine?
  
  

For my list, I'd add regular massage, Reiki, or Acupuncture, as they help keep me feeling balanced. To help me incorporate it all into my routine, I'm going to post a weekly checklist on my iphone.

There are a lot of things we can't control in our lives and our schedule, and things we can. One thing we can take charge of is our own Self Care. I know that I can better handle difficult situations (the things I can't control) when I'm feeling good, and in the habit of Self Care. How about you?

Yours in Health,

Kara

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc
The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara (at) thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

Caffeine Cravings...Give Up the Craving, Keep the Tea

Do You Crave Tea?

Lately, I've been working with a lot of women around their cravings for Tea and other drinks that contain Caffeine. Oftentimes, people that enjoy Tea or Coffee also feel they need the extra energy it provides, and they are not about to give that up. I can't blame them, as they can't see another way. So, I'm always happy when someone comes to me for help with these cravings.

All of the women I worked with had a desire for Tea, but had other issues that bothered them about it.

The theme at the beginning of their session sounded like this:

• I need Caffeine to function
• If I don't drink my Tea, I have no energy
• I feel addicted to Tea
• I enjoy Tea (yummy rich creamy texture), but I feel out of control

They realized their relationship with Tea was not a supportive one, it was no longer serving them. During their sessions, they realized the cravings were a desire for something else, something better in their lives that they had not thought about before. Once they had this insight, their craving for Tea and the feeling of need or dependence faded away.

The theme at the end of their sessions sounded like this:

• I don't feel like I need Tea or Caffeine
• I can still enjoy my Tea
  
• I can feel satisfied with or without Tea
• It's really not about the Tea!
  

After these women went back to their lives, the feedback I heard was...they actually had more energy after their session. They didn't need the caffeine anymore. And, the benefit was, they had some new insight that served them well in their lives, something that felt pretty good.

So, if you have a craving for Tea or Coffee, but would like to be less dependent and still enjoy it, contact me, I'd be happy to help you reach your goal. For more information, please visit:

TheFoodCravingSolution

Yours in Health,

Kara

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc
The Food Craving Solution
Office in Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide via phone or skype

email: kara(at)karasorensen.com
blog: www.thefoodcravingsolution.blogspot.com
web: www.karasorensen.com

Food Craving Sessions: Why Laughter is a Good Thing

So, Why is Laughter Good?

When a patient laughs at the end of their Food Craving Session, it makes ME very happy. Why? Because I know they have put their problem behind them. Yes, laughter is good in general, but, especially at the end of a session. Let me give you a little background on 'the why and how.'

Starting out the Session

When we start, I ask you what is bothering you the most and we focus on that. We go through steps that target the problem, and with each step, the intensity of the problem fades. For an example, let's say you have a thing for chocolate, that sounds like this:

'I am addicted to Chocolate, and I HAVE to have it!'

At the beginning of the session, that feels very true for you, but at the end, it can seems ridiculous, like something that 'someone else would say.' That's where the laughter comes in, because you can't believe the change. The statement feels silly, and it's hard to believe you said it. Patients don't always laugh, but often do. How does this happen?

Unwinding Habit Patterns

This happens gently as your neural pathways have been repaired as you hold your own Acupressure points around your face and head. The neural pathways damaged by stress that trigger your cravings and subsequent behavior return to your natural baseline. The result? That statement doesn't feel true anymore. There is no hook anymore that triggers you. Then, when you go back to your life, you find that you don't 'have to have chocolate' to feel good; you can feel good if you have it or not. Now, that's freedom! A whole habit pattern has unraveled and faded away.

So, if you come see me for a session in person, or over the phone, and you happen to laugh, I will celebrate your laughter with you, as I know you are now free from your problem...that's worth celebrating!

So, let me ask you this? Can you imagine being free of your food cravings, and laughing about it all?

Sometimes it's hard to imagine, so feel free to check out some testimonials here and see what others are saying.

Be well,

Kara


Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc
The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

New Website & Special for Food Cravings Sessions

I Just Finished Rebuilding my Website

After several months of working on my website, it is finally done! I'm so excited! It has new features, like online payment and appointment booking, and there's more to come. Check it out at: karasorensen.com

...and, to celebrate, I am offering you a special price for Food Craving Sessions done via phone or skype.

This special is good for the month of October, 09 and won't happen again. So, if you've been on the fence about Being Free of Your Food Cravings, now is the time to take action.

Here are the Details:

• Cost is $100.00 per session ($50.00 savings)

• This can be used for any type of Food Craving (Chocolate, Sugar, Caffeine, Carbohydrates, etc.)

• There are a limited number of slots, only (12 left), so act fast

• Go to: www.TheFoodCravingSolution.com, and click on the Make an Appointment link to schedule your appointment. (If you prefer, you can call me at 800.514.1406 from the US and Canada).

• You can pay on the Appointments page via paypal by selecting the 'October phone special' or you can mail a check.

Need More Information?

Check out www.TheFoodCravingSolution.com to learn more. If you'd like to know how others have benefited from their sessions, click to read Testimonials. And, please check out the New Website, and share it with your friends if you think they might be curious. There are new features, and more to come...

I look forward to connecting with you. And remember, Peace with Food is Possible!

Be well,

Kara

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

I'll Never be your Food Police!

This sounds like it should be a song!

I've always had a hard time filling the role of the 'Food Police,' so I just don't.

I remember one of my last hospital jobs in Southern California, where I was given a list of forbidden foods to read to my patients upon their discharge (one of the foods on the list is pictured to your left).

I was instructed to read these patients a list of all the foods they shouldn't be eating. This was not about moderation, the message was 'You'll never be able to eat another doughnut again!' The look on their faces was something like despair or horror, I'm not sure which one. I knew I did NOT like this role. Is a doughnut once a week going to kill them? Probably not, but taking away their favorite foods wasn't helpful and had a way of eliminating their ability to hear ANYTHING I said.

I will help you get what you want, and this will feel healthy and satisfying to you, it will feel good. And I promise, I'll never be your Food Police. Period!

Be well,

Kara

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

Gluten Intolerant, but Still Craving Bread or Pasta?

Cravings for Bread or Pasta Can Linger on a Gluten Free Diet

So many people these days are trying gluten free diets or are on a gluten free diet. Most often, if you are gluten sensitive or intolerant and go on a gluten free diet, you will feel much better, and that's great! Sometimes, after 'going off' of gluten, there can be an initial reaction and some cravings, but it subsides in a few days or weeks. Generally, feeling better lasts as long as you avoid all gluten containing foods.

But, what if you're avoiding these foods, and still crave them? That scenario is something I hear about a lot, and it makes me want to help. It's bad enough having cravings, but when you are craving something you REALLY want to avoid, it just makes the cycle of craving so much worse. It's like a battle develops between you and the food...which one will win?

The Battle

Anytime there is a battle going on in your body or your mind, you just can't win. Even if you don't give into the the craving, the battle takes it's toll. All of this can drain your energy, test your willpower, and it's just not a peaceful way of living.

At Peace with Gluten

What if you could be free of these cravings for bread, pasta or other gluten containing foods? What if you had a peaceful feeling in relation to bread or pasta instead of a strong craving that disturbs your thoughts? I've helped others and I can help you.

If you are curious about letting go of your cravings for bread and pasta, please contact me for a complimentary consultation. I have a strong background in nutrition, but I can help you on many other levels to be free of these cravings. It usually doesn't require further changes to your diet, but involves Acupressure that can be done over the phone. So, give me a call, I'd be happy to answer your questions so you can see if this is right for you.

Best,

Kara


Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

Should I Eat This Food?

Image via Wikipedia

Question: Should I Eat This Food?

I get asked a question quite often that goes something like this:

'I read that __________ (insert food like Tomatoes, Broccoli, Gluten Free Bread) would be good for me because _____________ (insert reason) but I don't really like it, should I eat it anyways?'

My answer is almost always going to be No!

In my opinion, there is no reason to eat food you don't enjoy! There is so much variety available to most of us, and there's no reason to eat foods that don't compel you to eat them. (I'm talking about a healthy attraction to real food here, not a food craving that drives you to overeat on certain foods. When you're free of your food cravings, you'll be able to better trust your attraction to food, as you won't be drawn to it like a magnet).

We're Adults Now, We Get to Decide

As kids, we had to eat foods we didn't like, but we're adults now, we're in charge, and there's no reason to force feed ourselves for nutritional reasons. I believe we get nourished by eating real (otherwise known as healthy) foods that we enjoy.

So, don't gag down the broccoli if you don't enjoy it. Or, at least prepare it in a way that makes it delicious for you. How does that sound?


Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

Peace with Chocolate...is it Possible?

Image by foodnut.com via Flickr

Is Peace with Chocolate Possible?

My answer is an emphatic Yes!

I can say Yes, because I've seen many of my patients attain Peace with Chocolate...plus, I'm at Peace with Chocolate, so that helps.

Below is a testimonial that I think describes Peace with Chocolate. This young woman came in for a session for her sweets and chocolate cravings, and this is what she reported after her session:

"Hi Kara,



....I have had good results from our acupressure session! I had to laugh because the day after our session, my boyfriend bought me a small box of chocolates for our anniversary. I was excited because I ate only one or two chocolates at a time, instead of the whole box all at once, and found that I really enjoyed them.


Since then, I have been impressed because I still eat and even crave a sweet here and there, but I don't eat them ravenously in large quantities any longer. I feel much more in tune with my body so that I am better able to enjoy the sweets and can stop eating them when my body says enough.



I am very happy with the results!"



Tara

San Francisco, CA



That sounded pretty good to me. Enjoying chocolate, but being able to stop and not overdo. So, what does Peace with Chocolate look like for you? How would that feel? I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to make comments or ask questions.

Best wishes,

Kara


Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley, CA & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

Childhood Food Memories and Ratatouille

Image via Wikipedia

What Does Ratatouille Have to Do with Childhood Food Memories?

I watched the movie Ratatouille recently and have been wanting to write a post about it ever since. If you haven't seen the movie yet and want to, stop reading now!


In the movie, the Chef wanted to make a peasant dish for the snobby restaurant critic. He ended up doing it, against the resistance of others.

The look on the critics face when he tasted it, said it all. He was transported back to his childhood. We saw images of him happy and laughing, sad, drenched from the rain and crying. It was obvious that Ratatouille was an important part of his childhood. It was his key food memory, and the Chef knew it. He couldn't have picked a better dish. The critic LOVED Ratatouille as child, and the dish was a big hit as an adult.

Strong Food Memories Can Drive our Current Cravings

This is what happens to many of us. We have strong food memories that transport us back to a familiar good feeling. Or, at least that's what our brains are hoping to do. Sometimes it doesn't work as well as it used to, as it's an outmoded pattern.

So, if you have strong cravings, and have memories of pleasant times having those foods, you may be caught in a memory hook. Even if you know the connection, it's often not enough to break it. Sometimes, we don't have these memories until a session, but it still works either way. How does that happen you might ask?

Breaking the Pattern

When you hold acupressure points while you focus on the current craving, and the 'hold' that memory has on you fades. It's like the progamming has just become current, and you don't need that old habit anymore. It doesn't bring the same satisfaction as it did as a kid usually anyways. So, after your craving is cleared, you'll find you're even more satisfied with food, and yet crave it less. How could it get any better than that?

So, What are Your Childhood Food Memories?

Mine are of mashed potatoes and heuvos rancheros...some of my comfort favorites to this day! My Dad used to make them, and it was always a special treat. I don't overdo on them, but I truly enjoy them when I have them.

So, if you feel like you're still 'hooked' by your childhood food memories, give me a call, I'd be happy to help.

Be well!

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution
video: http://tinyurl.com/d4gz9a
email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com

I Do Food Craving Sessions Over the Phone & Skype

Ending Food Cravings Via Phone/Skype Worldwide

I now have a toll free number for my US and Canadian Clients! For my European clients, I still use Skype which has worked well.

I thought I should let you know, that I help people worldwide (English speaking) let go of their Food Cravings (I took French in high school and college, but not enough to be fluent). I hope to reach more and more people that are struggling with the oh so common issue of Food Cravings.

It's so easy to let go of cravings with acupressure, and it works just as well over the phone or skype as it does in person. My method can work for any strong food craving, and is especially good for sugar, chocolate, pasta and caffeine cravings.

I still do sessions in my Berkeley, CA and Larkspur, CA offices, but if you can't make it to one of these locations, I've got the solution for you!


Be well!

Kara

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc
The Food Craving Solution
Offices in Berkeley & Larkspur, CA
Sessions available worldwide over the phone or skype
415.819.8172 or 800.514.1406

email: kara@thefoodcravingsolution.com
blog: http://blog.thefoodcravingsolution.com
Web: http://thefoodcravingsolution.com