When we focus on pleasurable self-care we have a much better chance of maintaining good health. As Sobel and Ornstein discuss in their book Healthy Pleasures, it is in our genetic coding to engage in pleasurable behaviors because this gave us a greater chance of survival as we evolved as a species. The enjoyable activities and flavors pursued by ou

It takes courage to make your own choices about what, when, and how much to eat. Intuitive eating brings you back to the basics: What do I want? and How do I feel? Through your practice of deep listening, you become intimately aware of your physical hunger and satiety cues and how food feels once it has been eaten. You learn to follow the food you

One obstacle that prevents people from trusting their intuition is the thought of being responsible for figuring out what their bodies need. In many ways, this feels harder than having an external “expert” voice tell them what to eat and how to move. But playing with the word “responsibility” makes it much less intimidating: response ability simply

Steven Blair, a professor of exercise science, epidemiology, and biostatistics at the University of South

“Activity in and of itself is health promoting, regardless of whether or not people lose weight. It helps lower glucose, it helps lower blood pressure, it increases muscle mass. It’s magic.” —Toni Martin, MD

I invite you to explore the ideas and practices in this chapter to find the tools that work best to help you to step towards self-love and away from self-criticism, even when those around you choose to partake in this fruitless ritual. Remember that loving yourself takes practice—and courage. The more you use your gentle, compassionate voice, the f

Healthy Pleasures, Doctors Sobel and Ornstein summarize the results of numerous studies done on the health benefits of moderate exercise. One study found that getting an average of thirty minutes of physical movement per day through activities such as gardening, walking, fishing, dancing, and doing physical chores cut the occurrence of fatal heart

The Be Body Positive model shifts the focus from attempting to “fix what’s wrong” with your body to a practice of improving and maintaining self-care behaviors that are motivated by positive rather than punishing forces. The

Babies cry when hungry and don’t stop until fed. When they are physically full, they will spit out any extra spoonful of food you urge them to take.