A paradigm is an internal map, the way we see ourselves and our lives, the way we process things that happen to us or the way we do things. The biggest shift you will have to make — beyond what foods you are eating – is your mindset. Successfully following a new eating program is a paradigm shift, not a diet.

It is not your relationship with food that determines if you can stick to a diet program, lose weight or accomplish any of your non-food goals. It is your relationship with yourself that determines any and all success that you have.

I intentionally set out to practice at least one mindfulness “trick” at every meal. Staying in the moment with these mindfulness suggestions will help you calm down, and tune into your hunger and satiety cues. Your body speaks to you. You just have to learn to listen.

The main mindset shift to make is that you are worth it, you can do it, and you will be successful. It is seeing yourself as a healthy individual, making good and healthy food choices. It is seeing this as an opportunity to nurture yourself instead of neglecting your needs. If you get this in your heart and mind’s eye you will begin to trust your own wisdom.

This is my last week at work as I retire at 66. Thank you to my sister, Susan, for my mug and spoon, which will always remind me to enjoy life and not wait for tomorrow.

This is the first of a 4-part series. We start with busting myths about the following topics: Myth #1: Specialty Foods Myth #2: Fasting Myth #3: Organic? Myth #4: Expensive? Myth #5: Weighing & Measuring Myth #6: Counting Calories. 

This blog, continues with the following topics: Myth #7: Eating Fat; Myth #8: Adding Fats; Myth #9: Metabolism worries; Myth #10: What if I'm not hungry? With this last “problem”, the blog also addresses situations where you might not be hungry but want to join in with friends and family.

This is the third installment of Busting Keto and Low Carb Myths. This blog covers cookbooks, cooking for the family, eating on the go, drinking wine, and travel.