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An Alternative Approach to Dieting w/ Elizabeth Girouard

written by Elizabeth of Pure Simple Wellness

​Okay. This is it.

I’m fed up with my weight.

I’m starting a new diet – and this time, I’m going to stick it.

No cheating.

No giving in.

I can do this.

Does this sound familiar?

How many times have you started a diet only to feel deprived and miserable? Then, you head to a barbeque, have a few drinks and you give in, leaving you feeling guilty and ashamed. I’m Elizabeth of @PureSimpleWellness, here to tell you it is not your fault!

The challenge with diets is they usually have a short-term focus, with an end goal, such as weight loss or muscle building. The bummer is that they often aren’t sustainable for the long term.

Rather than diet, why not follow an alternative approach that is more natural, practical, and manageable. The practice of intuitive eating provides a more healthful way to view your relationship with food and do so in a way that feels natural. Rather than restricting food, counting calories, points or macros, and following diet “rules,” intuitive eating allows you to listen to your body and eat what makes you feel your absolute best.

Your body is perfect. It is constantly telling you what you need to know – the question is – are you listening? When you stop and listen, your body will tell you precisely what you need to thrive. It can take some practice to learn how to tune in and listen for the cues. Here are some ways that you can start eating intuitively.

Listen to your hunger cues.

Too many diets focus on ignoring your hunger and training yourself to eat smaller portions. While portion control is important, physical hunger is your body’s signal that it needs more nourishment and energy. The key is choosing to eat nourishing foods. It’s also important to distinguish between physical and emotional hunger, brought on from emotions like boredom, loneliness and frustration. When you ignore your hunger cues, you are left feeling exhausted, irritable, and it can lead to a negative relationship with food. It takes some practice, but paying attention to what your body needs will help you give it exactly what it needs!

Ditch “good” and “bad” foods stereotypes.

The diet culture supports and pushes this perspective. Instead, think about the nutritional value of foods, some with more nutrients than others. The idea of good and bad foods only re-enforces restriction, feelings of guilt, and a negative relationship with food. What if you change your view and think: All foods are good for something, whether they’re full of micronutrients, give me an energy boost of energy, or make me feel happy (at least temporarily!). Start asking whether your foods are nutrient-dense instead of “bad” or “good.” Then, prioritize eating nutrient-dense foods and still enjoy the other foods you love mindfully. Take it one step at a time until you figure out the perfect balanced approach for your unique body.

Identify your cravings.

Have you ever been on a diet that eliminates all sugar and/or carbohydrates and all you want to do is eat those foods that are off-limits? If you truly want to eat something, sometimes the best thing to do is to satisfy that craving. If you’re craving something sweet, will a bowl of fruit or some dark chocolate fill the need? If only one specific food or food group will fill the need, then it’s important to identify what’s causing the craving. Maybe you feel stressed or upset. Or, maybe you are just dehydrated or over tired. Your cravings are telling you something, so it’s time to stop and tap into what is happening. Once you identify the pattern, you can create a strategy for the next time your craving comes up.

Eat to nourish your body.  

The goal is to fuel your body with all the nutrients it needs to thrive. Eat to give yourself the energy to work, play, workout and feel your best. Food is your fuel. Just as you put the best gasoline in your car to keep it running smoothly, think of your body in the same way. Sometimes, overeating is used as a way to punish yourself or someone else. Remember, food is nourishment. Eat to sustain your health and to thrive. When you think about food in this way, the rules are less important and everything falls into place.

Intuitive eating takes practice, but once you start changing to your mindset around food, you’ll be amazed at the differences in your life. When you have a positive relationship with food, you will notice dramatic changes in your physical and emotional well-being.

“A LIFE CHANGING RESET”

If you want a simple way to practice intuitive eating, join us for the October 18th Effortless 3-Day Reset Program, where we provide delicious nourishing soups and supportive coaching for 3 full days. It’s the simplest way to fuel your body with nutrients, while tuning into your body. And, best of all, there is no cooking, no cleaning and no mess.

Don’t miss your chance to eat like you love yourself!

Here are some of the many benefits that people have experienced from this easy 3 day program:

+ more energy
+ clearer skin
+ less belly bloat
+ less mindless snacking
+ control over your cravings
+ healthier snack options
+ better sleep
+ less brain fog
+ clothing fitting better
+ brighter skin

and a healthier mindset going forward!

The next program begins October 18th.  Commit to jumpstarting your healthy eating habits today!

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Katie is a passionate mover who was brought to Pilates through dance. After a professional dance career, Katie discovered her love of teaching-connecting the mind and body, and working with students of all ages and levels. Her appreciation and understanding of everyone’s ever changing body and needs only became greater as her own body went through pre and post natal stages, an experience which has helped Katie navigate problem solving, and bring a freshness to each session making them feel personal and specific to each body’s needs. Her sessions are full of flow and aim to challenge clients with a sense of comfort, and often a little humor, all of which she has brought to Pure Pilates since 2016. Katie thinks the gift of movement and self care is one of the best things one can do for overall wellness, and is thrilled to seek and fulfill milestones and goals with each of her clients. When she’s not at the studio, Katie is taking care of her three little humans- another job that also makes her smile, laugh, and challenges her on the daily.
Eighteen years ago I discovered my love for Pilates. After having my two children, I felt the need to move my body again. At the time I was living in North Carolina, and worked through many different exercise and training programs. I discovered Pilates, and instantly knew it was right for me. Forteen years later, and a move to New Jersey, I decided to share my love of Pilates with other people looking for some way to move their bodies. Pilates has also been a way for me to keep me strong and flexible to continue many activities. My family loves to be active, and I often find when we are all together (mostly vacations) our days consist of activity and movement such as hiking, kayaking, or skiing(more on this later). As I have gotten older I find it even more imperative now that I keep my body strong. Recently I was in a skiing accident that left me with many knee injuries and ultimately having to go into surgery. I found being able to do light Pilates a few weeks after surgery kept me sane and ultimately helped with recovery time. Pilates has not only helped me be able to keep up with my children, but has also provided me with a body that is able to function at peak performance. My approach to Pilates can be described in one, simple word: movement. Movement can help you, both physically and mentally. Movement, and Pilates, is ultimately about self care. Having a built in time to focus on your body and movement can help relieve yourself of feeling tired, anxious, and stressed. Movement awakens you. Even after one session you can leave feeling calmer and energized.
Enjoyment of life through movement is a vital part of Kathy’s philosophy. When not in the studio she leads an active lifestyle trail running, cycling, skiing and hiking. She also loves connecting with people while traveling with family and friends. One of her favorite cycling trips was riding along the coast of northern California. Learning new things and sharing knowledge is also important to Kathy. She has a passion for food, likes to cook for her family and experiment with new recipes. She is currently trying to achieve the perfect pizza. She is also an avid reader of historical fiction and biographies. Her latest endeavor is learning to play golf.
Carol M. Crincoli, owner Pure Pilates studio, has been in the fitness industry since 1990, with experience in corporate and commercial fitness, recreational programming and teaching as an adjunct professor. She began practicing Pilates in 2003 and received Pilates training through the PhysicalMind Institute in New York, NY. She holds certifications from the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer and lifestyle and weight management consultant. She was also accepted into the IDEA-PFT Recognition System as an Elite Level Personal Fitness Trainer. She is the only trainer in the NY-metro area for Trent McEntire’s Arcus equipment. Carol graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music with a BFA in musical theater and a minor in dance. Opening Pure Pilates is the culmination of a lifetime dream, and her mission to "inspire life from the core" is a holistic approach to health and wellness—from exercise and nutrition, to stress management and self-care. Carol is also the inventor of 8th Avenue Rail, an organizing solution for Tower springs.