Chocolate cake: The weight of guilt and levity of celebration
A recent study in the journal Appetite examined the effect of eating chocolate cake. In particular, the researchers were interested in understanding the association of either guilt or of celebration with eating chocolate cake. In other words, when eating prototypic forbidden food like chocolate cake, were women likely to feel helpless and out of control (ie guilty) OR […]
“I hate myself”. Now what?
“How do I choose love if I hate myself?”, ‘Amy’ asked me yesterday during her therapy session. I said nothing but could feel my eyes soften and water slightly. (Who does not know the feeling Amy shared?) She continued. “My stomach sticks out. I have a zit on my chin. The guy I hooked up with […]
Divergent: In Ashley’s Words
In a recent magazine interview, Ashley Judd spoke about her role in the movie Divergent. Based on the book series, the film is about a society that divides people into five factions, each based on a different virtue. A decision has to be made at age 16 to remain in the faction one was born into or switch into another, for […]
Got happy?
I was listening to a TED Radio Hour on happiness recently. The host, Guy Raz, asked his guest, musician Pharrell Williams, to reveal the secret to happiness. Williams was perplexed. Here is what he said: “I’m not some guy who’s walking around smiling every day. We all have our ups and downs, lefts and rights, and diagonals.” This, […]
I got this!
My yoga teacher shared a story last week that I love.His five year old son recently went cross country skiing for the first time.The boy loved it!His dad noticed that whenever his son fell down, his son talked aloud to himself.The words he spoke were enthusiastic, joyous, and confident.“He’s down, but he is back up!”“You got […]
Surf’s Up
Feelings are natural. Feelings are normal.Some are easier to recognize, regulate, and tolerate than others.Most of us can easily list the feelings we like, and the feelings we would rather avoid. Who wouldn’t choose joy over anxiety? The perennial pursuit of enjoyable feelings and avoidance of unpleasant feelings are what fuel addictions, overeating, and mindless […]
Combatting ANTs
Inspirational & Self-Affirming Quotes to keep in mind, and to offset ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts)Find and repeat your favorites, until a more natural, automatic neural pathway is established.Whatever you practice, strengthens.The thoughts you repeat to yourself change the structure of the brain. Use your mind to change your brain in a favorable way. Incorporated from […]
Do I have Binge Eating Disorder or am I just Overeating?
Dr Daniels, I never really know if I am hungry or full, and sometimes eat so much that I feel uncomfortable afterward. Do I have Binge Eating Disorder? Overeating: What is it? Overeating at times is part of normal eating. Examples of overeating include having an extra helping at a meal because something tastes soooo good, or eating […]
How to overcome negative body image: Dr. Daniels’ top 3 suggestions
Both men and women suffer from body dissatisfaction, especially in Western culture. Here are some tips to improve body image: Notice what is RIGHT The NEGATIVITY BIAS many of us have means that when we look at ourselves in the mirror, we see flaws. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, notice features that you like. […]