5 tips for a better relationship with food

We all have a relationship with our food, and as with any relationship it requires attention. How we relate to our food is reflected in our bodies, minds and hearts.

What we eat is very important – yet how we eat is also very important.

Food is like a prism; showing us the full spectrum of how we live our lives, it’s not just about the food!

How we eat is a reflection of how we live and what is important to us. With this in mind we can use our meals and snacking as a metaphor for our lives. Generally speaking food becomes a metaphor when we over or under eat, yet we can use the eating experience as a mirror into our deeper selves at any time – So let’s check in and see how we’re doing.

Try these 5 techniques today and any time you feel that your eating is off or you wonder what’s up nutritionally and or emotionally.

Being aware – without judgment – is the first step to improving our health and wellness!

1. Check your hunger level when you begin to eat. Just notice it. Remember there is no reason to judge what is or isn’t happening, just simply notice. (Be careful not to judge that you wanted to judge!

2. Check in with your environment. Where we eat says a lot about our relationship with not only our food, but ourselves. Eating on the run, standing at the counter or eating in the car are interesting milieus considering we are attempting to nourish ourselves.

3. Check what you have chosen to eat at this particular meal. Yes the choice is important on a macro and micro nutrient level and what we eat says a lot about how we live our lives. Fast foods, home-cooked foods, brown bag vegan or sampling food off others plates, low fat, low carb, paleo – whatever it is that you are choosing to eat – should be noticed.

4. Check the speed of the meal. Eating faster than a speeding bullet has become the norm, yet our bodies have not learned to digest and get the message of satiety to our brains that quickly

5. Check in with the belly area to notice the fullness level. If you are eating fast this will probably come only at the end of the meal but ideally checking in for where your hunger and fullness is will be an ongoing process throughout the meal. If you are putting your fork down in between bites you will have plenty of opportunity and reminder to check in.

These 5 simple reminders are related by awareness – by simply noticing. Nothing more needs to be done or forced.

Being present with your actions when you are eating, noting when you are not present and learning to be curious about these things will move your relationship to a new level organically.

No judgment, no punishment – simply noticing.

Why not pick a meal today and use the ways listed to have a curious look at your relationship with food?

For more ideas and information on nutrition for your body mind and spirit visit me on Wizpert! Also, check out my blog.

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Gina or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

Spring Cleaning for Your Relationship?

Since the weather or “season” has changed to Spring, I’ve noticed a trend in the changes clients are making to their lives.
Many Wizpert users I connected with this week have made the decision to spring clean their relationships now.
Recently I was assisting a user who was sensing a need to spring clean his life, and informed me of tasks already completed so far. He was stuck for things to try. We brainstormed ideas and came up with some realistic solutions.
Another user I assisted asked about how to make his Wife happier. One user wanted to end her negative relationship as she was suffering with low self-esteem. I encouraged her to consider some gentle ideas around confidence building.
One man wanted to work on his impatience so he would enjoy dating more, instead of wanting to rush his relationships. These are my favourite types of Wizpert users.
Each call is so different, and I love to help.
Wizpert is truly proving to be a great way of connecting with people in crisis; drilling down into their issue, generating workable solutions, and making the client feel important. Some users connect with me three times in one afternoon to update me, and I’m happy to be of service.
Ruby Binns-Cagney

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Ruby or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

What your doctor won’t tell you

7 EASY STEPS TO STRENGTHENING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:

1.  Eat Alkalizing Foods- Eat more fresh, raw organic vegetables.

2.  Stop Eating Acid Producing Foods- Cut out sugar! Stop eating wheat. Stop eating grains. Stop drinking coffee and alcohol. All of these are highly acidic.

3.  Eat Superfoods- These are potent foods rich in nutrients. Have a superfood smoothie everyday.

4.  Eat Coconut Oil Daily- It is one of the cleanest sources of high frequency fuel for your body. It is anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Great in smoothies and to protect your skin.

5.  Expose Your Skin to Sunlight- Vitamin D from the sun is crucial for immune system function. There is no substitute for natural sunlight! 15-20 minutes is all you need.

6.  Get More Sleep- Most people are sleep deprived. The body repairs itself and recovers when we sleep. 8-10 hour per night is optimal.

7.  Reduce Stress- Meditate Daily for 5-30 minutes. Try this quick meditation that you can do anytime.

- Mary

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Mary or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

I’m gonna make you love me

When I was a little girl, my parents used to listen to Diana Ross songs and I would sing along pretending to be, “The Boss”. One song in particular had the chorus, “I’m gonna make you love me, oh, yes I will, yes I will…”. As a child, I never considered what that meant until I entered adolescence and became an adult. I eventually learned the lesson that you cannot “make” anyone to love you. My encounters with Wizpert clients reinforce this concept.

I continuously attempt to teach others this lesson as we discuss the topic of relationships. They want to “make them understand” or “make them see” certain things regarding who they are and what they want from a relationship and how they are going to obtain it from that other individual. These individuals are not taking into consideration or respecting the concept of “free will”. How can anyone expect for someone to remain in a relationship when the desire to impose his or her will upon the other individual?

One of the many benefits of being a Wizpert is the opportunity to help other individuals to gain insight into their wants, needs, and desires as they come to terms with the status of their relationships. Helping them to understand that both parties in a relationship has free will to pursue peace and happiness is important. They cannot force someone to stay when their mind and heart is already out the door. I advocate personal development and I believe that no matter the status of a relationship, an individual can be a champion in the situation as they take what has occurred and use it as a means of growth. If that growth results in saving the relationship, than that is an advantage. If that growth does not result in saving the relationship, it provides the individual with a certain level of peace and the opportunity to apply those lessons learned in another healthy relationship.

In the end, everyone who is in a relationship should learn that no one is, “The Boss.”

Donetta D. Quinones, MS, CHBC

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Donetta or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

The dynamics of major life events

I became a Wizpert just over a month ago. I honestly was not sure what to expect when I agreed to deliver advice to members over Skype. I was a bit nervous about whether I would be well received or not. I think anyone would be in that situation. It seems almost arrogant to call myself a relationship and personal growth “expert” although I have to admit I have had a lot of experience in both areas. I lost my mom last year to cancer and I have been through divorce, single parenthood and remarriage. I understand the dynamics involved in major life events.

I am so glad I took a chance on this new adventure. I have handled many calls and all of them are unique. I am so humbled when someone asks if they can favorite me. I have had a few people come back and tell me that I was very helpful and the let me know how their problems turned out. The fact that they felt I helped them enough that they wanted to return and thank me means so much.

The requests for advice range from unrequited love to learning to let go of a relationship that no longer “Works”. I love helping my clients look into their hearts and see what it is they really want or need in their relationships. I like to remind people that we are all worthy of love and respect. I find most of my clients know what they need to do and they just want a little support from a neutral party to help solidify their decisions. I find this is a great way to give back for all the love and support I received from others in my own life. Sometimes you just need someone to tell you “It’s okay! You are making a good decision” or “you need to do what is best for you”. That is what I am here for!

I am truly honored to be a Wizpert!

- Melissa

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Melissa or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

Internet Marketing for Small Business

The Internet has changed the way we do business. As a result, small business owners must think globally, instead of locally. Globalization is a word we hear frequently, but what does it mean? Webster’s says it is the development of an integrated economy characterized by free trade, the free flow of capital, and access to cheaper foreign labor markets. I will break that down even more and word it as follows: Because we can all communicate cheaply and easily, your competitors are now all over the world.
What does that mean for the small business owner? It means that not only do you have to compete with big box retailers like Wal-Mart, Best Buy & Target; you also have to compete with other small businesses around the world. Just as easily as your customer finds you around the corner, they can find a competitor offering possibly the same products at a cheaper price online. Luckily, the same globalization that increased competition also provides you with opportunities to grab some additional customers for yourself. Globalization isn’t one-sided, small business owners can benefit from it as well. The question is how? That’s where I come in.

Marketing and advertising have come a long way. No longer do we strive to sell customers goods and services they don’t need to make a quick buck. While those shady characters will certainly still exist, they won’t last very long. The paradigms in marketing have changed from transactions to relationships. As a business owner, you no longer sell just a product or service to a customer. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, as well as having a company website, enable you to be a part of your customer’s day-to-day routine. Search engine marketing enables you to target new customers through the use of queries or keywords. As an Independent Marketing Consultant I help small business owners find their places in the new world economy through strategic planning, integrated marketing, and comprehensive campaign optimization and analysis for the highest return on investment.

Are you ready?

Tiffany M White, MBA, DBA (ABD)
Internet Marketing Expert

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Tiffany or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

It’s your time: COMMIT OR QUIT!

Time. What is time? God’s gift to us every day. Are you using your time for your purpose or wasting your time on irrelevant things? Often we hear people say tomorrow isn’t promised or we even say it ourselves. If we all truly believe this why do we take time for granted? Commit or quit helps with this. You’re either going to commit to the cause or quit.

Career: If you don’t see your job going anywhere, COMMIT OR QUIT!

Relationships: If you know deep down inside you can’t or won’t spend the rest of your life with this person, COMMIT OR QUIT!

Happiness: We all should have it. Half of the time we settle for unhappiness because of comfort. There are over 8 billion people in the world. There is someone out there for you. COMMIT OR QUIT!

You control your happiness. Being alone is better than dealing with someone that’s unfaithful, disloyal and keeping you unhappy. COMMIT OR QUIT!

Stop complaining and start working toward change. You can’t keep doing the same things over and over from your past thinking you’re going to have a new future. It doesn’t work like that. Make a change, and that includes people. COMMIT OR QUIT!

At the end of the day you’re responsible for your own life. If you’re not truly happy and living the best, peaceful, blessed and happy life, take a look in the mirror and make some changes.

- Author Terry Bams

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Terry or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

Honesty in relationships

One of the most common tips you hear about having a successful relationship is to be open and honest. It helps build trust, security, and allows a couple to truly get to know each other. Yet despite those benefits honesty is usually lacking in most relationships. The unfortunate reality is that many people find telling a lie to be easier and much more convenient. It allows them to manipulate the outcome of a situation and avoid an unwanted response. We have all done it at some point but is it really worth it?

Not at all. Yes telling that lie may get a more desired outcome at that moment but there is a price paid for the deception. Lies breed more lies and in a relationship this can create a very negative/unhealthy environment. You may think you are getting away with it and that it will be harmless. Yet at some point the damage done will find a way to surface and bring down your relationship. Taking a honest approach may let to some friction initially but it will set you up for success long term. Your partner may not like what you say but they will take comfort in the fact that you are always honest with them. This will make it much easier to work through any issues and mistakes made. It will also allow the both of you to get more in tune with each other. This equips both sides with a greater ability to fulfill each other and create a much more loving/positive environment.

A person always has the choice to be honest or to simply tell a lie. As scary as honesty may seem at times it is still the best approach. “The truth shall set you free” and “Honesty is the best policy” are very true statements. It would be in the best interest of people to fully embrace them and implement an honest approach in their relationship. It may not always get you what you think you want but it will likely get you exactly what you need.

- Stephan Labossiere
Certified Relationship Coach & Expert

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Stephan or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

Moving forward with all of the pieces

There can be good and/or bad residue left in a relationship once it is over, but you don’t have to leave the pieces behind that help you build the foundation for new relationships.

So often I hear women complaining to their friends about the appearance of their ex’s new girlfriend. They comment on her style, her looks, what she drives, where she works and how he will never find anyone like her. Strong relationships are not built on looks, style and money; they’re built on trust, communication and the response your heart gives when you’re with that person.

Start with entering the healing process. The healing process does not automatically go into effect at the ending of a relationship; it is something you have to choose to activate. Accept that the relationship is over, regardless who ended it. Clear your head of any unforgiveness and or resentment and ask God to purify your heart.

During this process learn to be alone. A part of heartache is familiarity. You’ve become accustomed to having someone to create memories and share experiences with, and having that routine abruptly interrupted can sometimes be challenging. Treat yourself to dinner or maybe go shopping for a new outfit and those perfect pair of pumps! Become your own best friend. Find out who you are, how you’ve changed and zoom in on the positive and negative things that you took from the relationship.

Revamp your outlook, perspective and reasoning, refocus your wants, needs and boundaries and repair yourself to prepare for the next relationship once your heart and mind are ready to enter.

The time between relationships is not to squeeze someone else in or to fill your head space with negativity concerning the new girl in your ex’s life, but to think about what you’ve learned and how you will move forward with all of the pieces!

Wizpert has created an opportunity for both Wizperts and users! Wizperts are able to extend their help and users find new perspectives on existing stumbling blocks in their lives. As a Wizpert I am honored that I am able to help others reach within themselves to make decisions, set boundaries and I enjoy injecting doses of encouragement whenever duty calls! I was able to help a user through a situation that dealt with moving on from their ex; a problem that many of us face, but not too difficult that it can’t be addressed and taken care of!

- A.Thomas

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Angel or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.

Why I hate buffets – and you should too!

So, you say that you want to shed off a few pounds before the summer right? Let’s just say that you are trying to get a jump start on summer vacation saving, and your bank account is running close to empty. What do you do to in order to fill your belly and save a few dollars in the process? You head to the nearest buffet, right? Wrong! Wrong for so many reasons, and I’m about to tell you why. Let’s look at the pros and cons of buffet eating.

PROS:
1. Budget- there’s no doubt that buffet eating if good on your dollar. You can eat as much as you want for relatively pennies on the pound. Besides getting a meal drink and desert, you have the option of doubling up, taking a break and doing it all over again.
2. Convenience- hey, you’ve got the kid with you. So why not just stuff them as well and let them eat all the things that they want to eat. Veggies? Naw, let them pig out on high carbs and starches.
3. Choice- you have the right to be choosey. Some buffets over 250 selections of eats to choose from. So, if you just want to indulge on meat or vegetables, you can. But hey, who am I kidding? You didn’t come here for that boring stuff, right?

CONS:
1. Silent Killers- lurking beneath all that shine is a wasteful amount of fatty, high calorie substances that can really do some major damage to your body. Atherosclerotic plaques and preservatives make up the majority of buffet meals. Why? Because they have to survive storage. It’s economical for a buffet company to invest in foods that can stand the test of time. They have to unpack, serve and – ready for it – unpack and serve again. I’m just not committed to the fact that most buffet places throw away all that food once it doesn’t get served. So, foods that are caked with preservatives that can survive the process (cakes and fried foods are the most popular) usually make it as ‘left overs’ for the next day.
2. Big Eyes- ever heard of the phrase your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well, there is no instance better than when it comes to buffet dinner traveling. Most people enter the buffet hungry. You see all the foods you like and start loading them on your plate. You could turn back, start with a salad, go eat it first and then come back in line but that would be way too much work. You know you’d rather grab it all in one sitting. So you stack your plate as much as possible and go to work. Problem is, you’ve decided in your mind the minute you stepped foot in the buffet that you are going to eat. Therefore, once you put it on your plate, you’re somewhat committed to finishing the job…doing the deed.
3. Blood Sugar Rush- once you fill your belly with all those low density lipids, artery clogging fats and high fructose sugars, you’re going to be in sugar shock for the next few hours. You body is going to need a break in order to break all that stuff down. So, the majority of blood is going to be shunted away from your brain, heart and lungs and be sent over to your stomach. So, that leaves you feeling lazy and tired. The last thing you are going to want to do is exercise or move at a high pace. That means that it is time for a sugar crash. You get home; you lie down, and take a rest or full blown nap. Now, any chance of burning off those calories has gone completely out of the window. Blasting your blood with high levels of sugar throughout the day set detrimental patterns of eating. Blood sugar is best maintained by eating small meals over the entire day. That way you never go into binge eating from being quote un quote ‘starved’ at any particular time.

So, what is the takeaway from all this? There is nothing positive (health-wise) going on at a buffet. If you are serious about taking care of yourself and eating right, don’t be fooled. You are not going to do it in this establishment. It’s good advice not to present yourself the challenge of making the right choices at a buffet. Stay safe, until next time.

- Braxton

Wizpert is a platform for everyday advice that connects people with experts on a variety of topics. To chat with Braxton or one of our other wizperts, click the button below.