Do You Have Control Issues With Eating?

For some it's chocolate, others cakes and candy, for another it's that late night eating they can't resist that kills their resolve and figure. It can start at any age. As young children our diets are controlled by what our parents feed us. Some kids get too much sugar and in other households its a hallowed and infrequent treat--it's a controlled commodity.

For some people the food awareness doesn't kick in until teen or college years. But at some point many of us learn behaviors to "control" the food intake. Many others "try" to control it and have issues doing so. They end up overweight and obese.

I recently heard the story of a women whose mother put her on a diet when she was just five years old! Early priming for food issues.

Why then do some people end up with eating disorders and others just gain weight? Then there are those "normal" size people who look great but survive on a diet of junk food. Eating disorders evolve as a result of a number of factors. Having an eating disorder is vastly different from being 100 pounds overweight. Both individuals have issues with food. Both individuals are using food and their behavior to avoid dealing with issues in life. Or else they wouldn't have a "weight problem". With an eating disorder there is a significant distortion of body image from reality.

Eating disorders typically appear in adolescent or young adult girls. However some women develop eating disorders later in life. Women aren't alone, an estimated one million men also suffer from eating disorders. An eating disorder is identified by extremes. An obsession with body and weight, eating very little or eating extreme amounts. In addition many people with eating disorders usually follow rituals or patterns to control their food intake.

The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third type is called eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) which includes variations of other eating disorders but with different characteristics.

Some typical contributors to eating disorders include issues with:

• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Family relationships
• Control
• Abusive relationships
• Sexual abuse
• Chemical imbalances

Many times young girls who begin the behaviors of anorexia or bulimia don't realize how dangerous their habits can become. Or that they can be life threatening. The physical problems that result from continued eating disorder behaviors can be devasting. A few of the complications include:

• Cardiovascular and neurological complication
• Impaired physical development
• Brittle hair and nails
• Cardiac arrest
• Electrolyte and fluid imbalances
• Chronically inflammed neck and throat
• Worn tooth enamel and sensitive teeth from throwing up and stomach acid
• Intestinal distress such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from laxative abuse
• Burned out adrenal glands
• Poor brain/mood function

Treatment for eating disorders must address psychological issues in addition to restoring normal weight and eliminating self-defeating behaviors and thoughts. Many individuals with eating disorders are in and out of treatment for long periods of time and costs can range from $10,000 per month to $100,000 or more per year. Insurance coverage for eating disorders many times falls short of the individual needs.

Alternative treatments are evolving. Many clinics now have a mind, body, spirit approach to their treatment. Alternative treatments can cost far less than traditional treatment programs. Through yoga, meditation and body work individuals improve self-esteem, release destructive habits and patterns, embrace their bodies and return to a normal healthy lifestyle.

For more information visit http://www.ItStartedWithPop-Tarts.com/.

In peace, balance and health!

Memories Run Deep - Why Eating Disorders Are Difficult to Treat

What's the earliest memory you have? Is it a positive memory from early childhood? Something that makes you beam with delight upon recall? Or is it something you would really rather forget? Regardless of the amount of recall you have, whether you were age two or maybe even younger your memories are all there, stored in your brain--and your cells. Yes, it's true memories are stored at the cellular level, not just in our brains.

"At the cell level everything electrical and biological is linked through our energy. Every thought, word, and deed has a physiological correlation, a cellular response to impulses that gets stored in the cell as a memory and is supported by its own particular chemistry. This has been discovered through bodywork like massage and healing modalities that release energy, our stress and painful history, is stored in the muscles of our body. Every experience from our infancy is coded in the cell," says Dr. Carlos.

This is part of why addictions and compulsive behaviors like eating disorders are so difficult to treat. To provide treatment with counseling and medication without the aid of bodywork doesn't stimulate the release of painful emotional memories and patterns that are stored in the body. Our bodies store energy associated with these memories and they create energy blocks. In order to fully recover from the disorder or addiction the energy and beliefs that no longer serve us must be released.

After releasing these energy blocks and reprogramming our brains we can create new connections and patterns. By doing this we can enable healing at the cellular level. This results in a deeper, quantum leap in releasing the past and living a peaceful balanced life free from obsession and addiction.

Dr. Joe Dispenza, has done some incredible research on the human brain and our ability to "rewire" our brains and change our outlook and results in life. Through our thoughts we can change the wiring and teach the brain to fire with different neurons. Dr. Dispensza's says:

• "The brain -- 100 million neurons firing in infinite patterns
• The patterns come from neurons that are wired together and fire together
• The mind is the brain in action -- mind is what the brain does
• Change your mind, change your brain -- change your brain, change your mind
• The biology of change -- nerve cells that no longer fire together no longer wire together
• Neuroplasty –- our brains ability to change its synaptic wiring"

This is where the mind body connection comes in. We have the ability to change our thoughts, make new synaptic connections and affect our environment just by how we think about it.

In the movie What The Bleep Do We Know?! Marlee Matlin's character Amanda saw an experiment performed by Dr. Masaru Emoto showing the affect words and thoughts have on water. The molecules of water were viewed under a microscope. Then the molecules were viewed again after being exposed to loving words or negative words (taped on the container). The water exposed to loving words showed brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. But the water exposed to pollution and negative thoughts form incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors.

Every thought affects the outcome you get in life. What you focus on (your thoughts, what you talk about, what you worry about, what you look for, expect or look forward to) is what you manifest. If you spend all of your time obsessed with what you see in the mirror and the hatred you have for your body...you will continue to see a body you hate. If you spend all your time beating yourself up for drinking too much, eating too much, or being a couch potato....these behaviors won't change because you're focusing on them with strong emotions (hatred, anger). If instead you spend 10 minutes every day and focus on what your life would be like and feel like--if you loved and accepted yourself (and your body) you will begin to attract different outcomes. Don't just visualize, feel the joy and excitement of your new life, the energy you have, the happiness that abounds, the relationships you have with people…use strong positive emotions to make it feel real, like you're living it today.

In peace, balance and health!

For more information please visit my website: http://www.lori-hanson.com/

Links:

http://www.dr.joedispenza.com/
http://www.whatthebleep.com/crystals/
http://www.doctorcarlos.com/newhtml/genome.html

No Quick Fix for Children's Eating Disorders

The numbers of young children getting trapped into eating disorders are on the rise. I'm seeing regular articles both in the U.S. and abroad that are commenting on the growing phenomenon. I was 14 when mine started, pretty typical. Now kids as young as eight are obsessing about their weight! There are two sides to the story.

In the past 10-15 years the rise in obesity in young children has grown significantly. Richard Simmons has gone all the way to congress with his FIT Kids bill to preserve PE classes and get kids moving again. With all the introduction of technology (and increase in crime) kids lifestyles have changed, they aren't outside playing anymore. They aren't getting exercise. They are developing poor habits from a very early age which will haunt them their entire life. Being overweight as a young child has a strong negative impact on self-esteem which will affect each child's ability to be confident and successful in life.

On the flip side you have the kids who are absorbing all they see in the media, skinny models, skinny actors and musicians. Everything that's put in front of them on the TV, billboards and magazines portrays the picture of what they’re supposed to look like - thin and gorgeous. Here, nothing has changed except now children are taking it on. So a young child begins to control their food intake as a way to achieve the “the perfect look”. Different approach, same result - this obsession leads to poor self esteem and lack of confidence which will impact their future.

In many ways the person that's overweight and one with an eating disorder aren't so different. Both experience lack of confidence and hatred for themselves and their bodies. Both have low self-worth.

An eating disorder can have numerous contributing factors including pressures of society, troubled family and personal relationships, sexual abuse, feeling inadequate, anxious, depressed or lonely. The rituals practiced with an eating disorder give the individual a coping mechanism to avoid expressing emotions and a feeling of being in control.

Lifestyle and the family unit have changed significantly. We all well know about the increase in divorce, dual income families, super mom, soccer mom, overachiever kids, deadbeat dads and the impact this has had on the Beaver Cleaver days. But this also has a direct affect on the development of childhood obesity and now childhood eating disorders.

Young children need to understand the severity of what an eating disorder can do to their lives. If food is restricted during a child's growth phase they are at risk of stunting their growth, developing weak bones and shrinking their brains.* Many high school age kids aren't even aware that the new rituals they are following can result in death.

Awareness, prevention and early detection are critical. The earlier these symptoms are identified in young children the better chance they have of growing up with confidence, prepared for a life filled with health, happiness and balance.

For more information, visit my website http://www.lori-hanson.com/.

In peace and health!

*About Eating Disorders, Gantdaily.com, 8/23/08

Eating Disorders, Obesity, Alcoholism, Addiction, Superwoman, Workaholic – Is There a Link?

I find it intriguing as a society how differently we view each of these behaviors. Some are more acceptable or shall I say less offensive than others. And each comes with its own share of judgments and prejudices by onlookers.

The truth is, I can’t remember the last time I met someone who doesn’t have a little (or big) secret in their closet. A mechanism they use to cope with life…or a way to numb out and avoid it. We’ve just all chosen different paths of manifestation for our insecurities and/or poor self-esteem. Whether it’s at a conscious or sub-conscious level, we’re all searching. Looking for peace, happiness, health—our purpose in life.

The problem is most of us don’t even realize we’re using these behaviors to fill a void. Or what the void is. We all came into being without baggage. But as young infants and children we each picked up our share (some more than others) of baggage as we grew up. Our life experiences and the level of love and attention we received as youngsters began to shape our perception of and reaction to the world and our surroundings. We begin to react to circumstances through the filters we created to view the world based on our experiences. Ever heard the saying perception is reality? My perception of life viewed through the filter of my bulimia was completely different than how others saw me.

It’s so hard for many of us to accept and love ourselves, so we go looking for that acceptance and love in the form of food, alcohol, kudos from the boss for working 70 hours yet again this week, or being the envy of all the other mothers because of our abilities as superwoman. But these behaviors only help us to numb out and ignore the real issue.

In our current society this is made much worse (in my opinion) by the new addictions to cell phones, text messaging, iPods and the over stimulation that being attached and available to everyone 24x7 brings. As humans we need to shut down on occasion! We need to give our bodies the much needed rest, solitude and down time to reflect on life. (Just like our cell phones and computers need to shut down and reboot on occasion.) How can we get in touch with our inner voice, that deepest part of our soul that knows why we’re here and what our true needs are when we’re always running and hiding?

Funny thing is whether it’s an eating disorder, being overweight, alcoholism, drug addiction, excessive gambling or sex, superwoman, workaholic or egomaniac…there is a common thread. We’re all looking for validation, comfort, love and acceptance. And all things we need to give ourselves.

For more information please visit my website: http://www.lori-hanson.com/.

In peace and health,

Do You Have a Healthy Relationship With Food?

Do you eat only when you’re hungry? Is food simply fuel for your body? Is it easy for you to ignore that cookie, beer or piece of cheesecake? Do you give your body premium high-grade fuel to run on or do you exist on low-octane fuel that leaves you sluggish and in need of maintenance?

I’ve heard recently that as many as 75% of women admit to having an unhealthy relationship with food! (I’ll bet the percentage of men with issues is around 50%). Not everyone that has an issue with food has an eating disorder, but many people have dis-ordered eating. I know many people who fantasize about food or use “comfort food” when they’ve had a bad day. Disordered eating includes any type of issues with food, many people go from one diet to the next or have other rituals they use to control their intake or weight gain in an effort to feel better about their bodies. Do you know any woman that loves everything about herself? I didn’t think so…

Society casts a shadow on those of us who suffer(ed) from eating disorders, yet most people I know have some way of numbing out. Too much food, alcohol, drugs, sex, TV, exercise, internet and self-harm all achieve the same result. Are you even aware of what you do to avoid dealing with a situation when life gets stressful? The point is, life has gotten so busy and we don’t take time to slow down and tune in to what we need. Cell phones, iPods, laptops…in our society we’re being trained to be “on” and reachable 24x7. If we don’t stop to listen and feed our soul, we often respond to the hunger with unhealthy habits. What happens when you can’t handle what life’s throwing at you?

The typical American diet is hugely lacking in what our bodies need and deserve. I am appalled by the amount of soda and fast food most people consume. This feeds into the issues America has with weight as the quality of food is so poor. And the food consumed causes chemical imbalances which make people want more junk instead of food with good nutritional value.

As a vegan and someone who recovered from bulimia I get lots of comments about my diet. People are “so impressed” with my eating habits and think they couldn’t possibly give up their soda, meat or chocolate. After spending many years abusing my body by inhaling vast quantities of “white foods” (pizza, pasta, ice cream, and candy) I now choose to treat my body with respect and give it what it needs. When you eat to provide fuel to your body vs. rewarding yourself with an oversized portion of a high-fat, high sodium meal it isn’t difficult to make good choices. My body rewards me with the energy and vitality I need...and my weight isn’t an issue.

In peace and health!

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For more information, please visit my website, http://www.lori-hanson.com/.

Eating Disorders -- Mind and Body Disconnect

Eating disorders are a growing epidemic. When I was a young girl in the `70's and discovered how bingeing could make me feel better by taking me away from reality I had never heard of the term bulimia. It wasn't until the early `80s that I read an article about bulimia and started to wonder if I was bulimic.

Today, most people are familiar with eating disorders. You may even know someone who has one. Whether you heard about Karen Carpenter who lost her life to anorexia or Princess Diana's battle with bulimia, it's a well known issue. It's estimated that over 7 million women and 1 million men and children suffer from eating disorders in the U.S. alone. But eating disorders aren't limited to the U.S. This disorder has infiltrated the lives of people all over the globe. In addition, it reaches beyond teen and early adult years. More and more young children are being diagnosed with eating disorders. Yet there are many more suffering that haven't yet admitted to themselves that they have an eating disorder. Similar to an alcoholic, it's difficult to admit you're caught in the trap.

Many people with eating disorders are in and out of treatment centers multiple times. And many others are are able to function in their daily lives while fighting the chronic cycle of their eating disorder on a regular basis.

Why is it so difficult to overcome? Why don't people get well? I had someone once ask me why didn't I just follow a 12 step program years ago and "get over it." Somone who was obviously clueless about eating disorders! I liken it to my golf bag. I have many golf clubs to choose from. With an eating disorder there are often many contributing factors and they are deeply ingrained. (So take your pick on which one to work on.)

What I learned in my forties was that my mind and body were totally disconnected...energetically. I lived my life so obsessed, filled with such negative self-talk and constant analysis that I "lived completely in my head." I didn't connect with the rest of my body. How could I? When I looked in the mirror I hated what I saw! I was fat, out of shape and my body displayed the battle scars of the constant yo-yo dieting I did to control my weight gain after binges. (To put things in perspective, I'm 5'1" and my weight typically fluctuated between 115 - 125 pounds.)

A person suffering with an eating disorder can't comprehend that they are really okay. Their brains can't paint an accurate picture for them because of how they process (or filter) information about themselves. Since eating disorders are in part a manifestation of low self-esteem, sufferers have no way to see the true value of themselves as a person. Or their inner beauty.

I learned what caused my bulimia through therapy. I learned how to appreciate myself and my body by connecting my mind and my body energetically. You've heard of mental blocks? I released energy blocks I held inside that were connected to my very poor self-esteem, life events and belief system. For the first time I felt my legs when I was running on the treadmill and was more aware of what my body was doing for me. I found a way to not only appreciate my body but love it. And that is something I never thought I would be able to say!

For more information, please visit my website: http://www.lori-hanson.com/.

In peace and healing!

There's No Logic To Eating Disorders!

One of the hardest things for loved ones to understand about eating disorders is this is not a logical condition! It's not the same as messing up on your diet because you ate two cookies when you know you shouldn't have. Or staying out past your curfew when you know you're going to get grounded for doing it. Those are for the most part, conscious choices.

People suffering with eating disorders have a distorted view of their bodies. What they see when they look in the mirror is NOT the same thing that you the outsider sees. It doesn't matter how many times your tell your daughter (or girlfriend or wife) that she looks great and doesn't need to lose weight it won't matter. There isn't any way for them to process the information.

When I was growing up Twiggy was THE model. As I surveyed the world in grade school and high school, I noticed that guys were attracted to girls that were builts like Barbie Dolls. Tall, thin, long legs and big boobs. I'm 5'1", with a muscular/athletic build and have curvacious hips. So in my early development I picked up the message that my body wasn't acceptable or normal (for several reasons). Even in my thirties when I dated a couple of guys who told me they loved my curves I didn't believe them. "They were just saying that." No matter how many times I heard it, it didn't match what I knew in my head to be true, (that men wanted women who look like Barbie). So I could never accept the compliment. This stereotype continues to be validated in Hollywood today...

This is only one of the things got plugged into my brain at an early age that distorted my view of the world and contributed to my bulimia. I had pressure from living in the shadow of two older sisters. One was a 4.0 student, on the gym team, played piano by ear and more. All things I couldn't do, or achieve and it seemed all the attention went her way. The "cool kids" in high school didn't give me the time of day. So the message I got loud and clear was, "you don't fit, you aren't acceptable, you aren't good enough, you don't measure up." Ever heard the term perception is reality? We all have filters we use to process what we see and hear. These filters determine how we use the input we get in life.

I spent my life in search of acceptance from other people. I was incapable of accepting myself and knowing that I WAS fine, just the way I was. I did a lot of crazy things growing up (and later) because of my desperate need for acceptance. I pity the guys that knew me in those years! I must have seemed incredibly needy.

One thing that's interesting to me is somehow I've always maintained my independence. I'm a bit of a loner and actually get wigged if I don't get enough space or time alone. The seeds were always there. I was always looking for a way to evolve and overcome this horrific obsession I had. It drove me crazy. Constantly berating myself for things I did, or didn't do. Beating myself up for being so stupid. It went far beyond the bingeing! I had no sense of who I was. What I was about, or for that matter why I was here.

The first big turning point for me was the discovery of an audio series by Jack Canfield, Self-Esteem & Peak Performance. I learned about affirmations and how to plug positive or affirming thoughts into my subconscious which helped me improve my sense of who I was. I kept sticky notes in my drawer that I could read when someone said something hurtful or made me wince. One of these was "No matter what you say or do to me, I'm still a worthwhile person." I referred to it often in the beginning!

Through Jack's tapes I also learned about goal setting, visualizing and achieving what you want. This helped to improve my belief in myself.

Much later in life I discovered the power of body work and meditation. Using Hellerwork (http://www.Hellerwork.com/), Holosync meditation (http://www.Centerpointe.com/) and energy healing I was able to reconnect my mind and body and begin to accept myself. Waking up in my forties realizing I spent the bulk of my life focused on something that in the grand scheme of things is pretty small (my body) was a jolt. Learning how to appreciate the gifts I bring to this life has been very freeing.

So if you, or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder. Realize that no matter how many compliments you throw their way. No matter how many times you tell them how smart and beautiful they are. No matter how many times you try to convince them they they aren't fat. It won't help. In fact you'll only drive them farther away because you're reinforceing to them that you don't understand. You don't get it.

What they need, when they're receptive and know they have a problem. Is to understand what's causing it. Eating disorders are about control and lack of self-esteem. I highly recommend body work as part of the discovery process. It will help them understand who they are, why this is happening and will provide the ground work for quantum leaps in recovery.

For more information on bodywork, please refer to the Resources Section at http://www.Lori-Hanson.com/.

To your health!