How to Handle Seasonal Food Cravings Without Going Crazy!

The idea for this post came when I got home from yoga class and I found myself craving, no needing more food than usual.


So really, a plate full of nachos told me to write this...  ;)

Handling Seasonal Craving Without Going Crazy WeightFreeWellness.com

When I thought about it... I distinctly noticed this feeling as... it's fall... it's time for warm, rich foods... like NOW!



I get it... I've been overweight and underweight in my life. I understand the struggle between what the body is craving and what the mind is reasonably (at first) trying to convince the body to do or feel... what it does or does not need.



In my Weight Free Wellness Programs I get into the meat and potatoes (Yum!) of tools for self-understanding, self-compassion and taking the weight off your own shoulders... which incidentally makes it much easier to lead a healthy life!



But for today, I'll share a few things that I've learned and have helped me over the years...




How to Handle those Fall and Winter Food Cravings:

Each Body-type has it's own unique challenges with Food during the Holidays...

• Did you know that the craving for sweet things is very natural? In times when food was scarce (an argument could be made that real food still is) that this craving would lead us to eat sweet, calorie-rich foods when available, to store energy for times of scarcity. Satiate this true craving by eating seasonal, naturally sweet root vegetables (beets, carrots, sweet potatoes) and squashes. When you give the body what it is really seeking, cravings for processed sweets decreases. Seek high quality, organic foods whenever possible, not only because of chemicals that are spared for the Earth and our bodies, but these vegetables are often more nutrient-rich; it is the nutrients that our bodies deeply desire too, not just the taste! If weight management is a concern, eat these sweet vegetables for the noon meal and have vegetable soup or my easy and delicious Egg Drop Soup which can be made in just 20 minutes!

Get This Recipe Here... and Much More!

• On a similar note, if you are not already, take a multi mineral and multivitamin supplement. When the body is getting the nutrients it needs, we have fewer cravings. Did you know that our body cues us to the nutritional needs we have by the flavors we crave? Fascinating!

• I know, here it is again... Yes, drink enough water! It's amazing how often hunger can be mistaken for what is really thirst!  Because I get asked so often... FYI- I drink Mountain Valley Spring water. 

• Certain Body-types react differently to this season change. Earth-types are ready to cook and bake, settle in for the long winter with a good book or projects and have the hardest time not indulging in the warm, unctuous foods so typical of this season. For them it is most helpful to keep dairy intake to a minimum (as if it's a condiment), eat modest proportions of the sweet vegetables named above, and opt for evening dishes that are mostly made of cooked vegetables with tasty culinary herbs. This not only helps with weight management, but to help prevent ailments that Earth-types are prone to. For more on how to help balance the Earth-type, see my book, You-niversal Self-care. Fire-types typically have very active metabolisms and the sweet veggies help to naturally calm their fire and satiate cravings for sweets. (Earth-types eat sweets by sneaking them into their mouths over time, Fire-types binge-eat sweets...) Air-types need to eat hearty foods more than others to help keep them grounded, balanced and naturally well-energized. While Air-types are notorious for being able to eat a lot and not gain a pound; eating predominantly processed foods depletes the Air-type of energy more than anything. They may feel an initial spike in energy, but they most often feel the crash at the end.

• There are so many things I could list, but I'm striving to keep it basic. Why not list the entire list? Well, because I've found that when you address core issues, the many other things are automatically taken care of. So, finally, rest. Get 6-8 hours of quality sleep. Turn off screens at least 1 hour before bed. Sleep a regular schedule. Don't eat at least 3 hours before bed. Avoid drinking alcohol or stimulants, late in the day especially. Notice if anything else you are doing is disturbing your sleep. If you're doing these things and it's still not working, I recommend seeing a professional. This is a topic worth expanding- I'll likely write more in the future.

Which Body-type 'are' you?

Taking the Free Body-type Assessment from my book is the perfect way to learn more. Get it here!

For more about Body-typing:

Check out my book You-niversal Self-care: Improved Health Through Self-Understanding
Get the FREE Ebook and Audiobook here!

Get my FREE Weight Free Wellness Cookbook! 
Links also in the upper right section of this site.


And! Check out my Events page for Free Holiday Wellness Q&A Webinars!

Last, but not least- as I say in many of my classes... Have compassion for yourself...

Tweet: Work WITH your body rather than working ON it!

If you found this helpful, please share this! Thanks!


Wishing you well-ness!

With Love,

Tara

How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?

One of the most common questions I have gotten about the experience of writing my first book 'You-niversal Self-care' is, "How long did it take you to write it?"


I won't leave you hanging... I figured it would have taken me about 3-4 months of a standard 40-hour work week to write the book. But the truth is there is so much studying, planning, preparation and re-doing, that it always takes longer.


Here is my second baby and, well, you are seeing it develop practically right in front of your eyes! 


If you've already downloaded the first version of the cookbook, it was bare-bones... filled with stock photos and lots of funny 'Lorem Ipsum' text! 


You're seeing some of what it takes to create such a piece of work! YOU ARE A PART OF THE PROCESS! 


I'm adding more recipes regularly so stay tuned to my email updates for the latest version! (You will get them automatically when you get the cookbook.)


Click on the image of my cookbook to download the PDF or iBook for free!

Would you like to be a part of it? Contact me to be a contributor!  info (at) TarasBook (dot) com


Note, if you are downloading the iBooks version (which you should if you can because you'll have access to a dynamic Table of Contents, Glossary and soooooo much more!) delete the previous version from your iBooks library and then download the new one from the link above or link from the email update. Enjoy!

Healing is an Inside Job

It's helpful to know:

The unknown feels like darkness at times

It is normal to not always know where to go

Make sure the 'insider' on this job is YOU helping YOU!

Healing does take work...

You're not alone!

It's worth it!

There are those who have walked the path and can help you along the way.

Just reach out - they can help you see in the dark!

Healing is an Inside Job - WeightFreeWellness.com

Tweet: Healing is an inside job!

Air-types: Managing the Holidays with Food Sensitivities

All Body-types can experience digestive issues, but the Air-type, with their more delicate make-up is more easily thrown off balance.

Managing the Holidays with Food Sensitivities - WeightFreeWellness.com

The Holiday season provides a perfect recipe for Air-types to be thrown off: time crunches which leads to less time for self-care, which leads to less time for typical meal preparation, not enough sleep, and the increasing to-do list adding to the buzz of an already normally hyper-active Air mind... whew! Just reading this could make any Type anxious and tired.

We have so many things pulling on us just in normal, daily life, but during the holidays there are more events, more food to prepare and more social pressures to live up to or stand your ground. It all takes energy.

The volatile Air-type needs to approach the Holidays with simple objectives in mind. I suggest that before dates start being exchanged and roles are divvied out; tune into yourself.


How many events per week or per month will you commit to?

Which self-care habits will you be adamant about keeping (baths, exercise, time alone, etc.)

Which foods do you know throw you off and which ones help you to feel well? Get clear on how you feel after consuming each of them so that just the thought of it makes you clear on whether you want to consume it (yay, this feels good!) or not (oh no, this feels very bad!).


As I explain in my book, You-niversal Self-care, Air-Types tend to react to their environments (much like the air patterns of weather systems).

Get the FREE Ebook and Audiobook here!


It takes a lot of dedication and forethought, but when Air-types create a healthy and helpful environment for themselves, it's not only easier for them to keep making these helpful decisions, but others in their life also benefit from their more even-keel mental, emotional and physical state.

Let's talk some more about how Air-types can keep those healthy food habits during the Holidays.

Join one of my FREE Q&A sessions to address your questions about Body-types, Food and the Holidays.

I have a lot to share on this topic as I have a lot of Air-tendencies myself. It will also be insightful for you to understand the Air-types in your life!

Also, check out my FREE Weight Free Wellness Cookbook for many allergen-free and Body-type specific recipes. More recipes to come!

Download your FREE copy, just click the image.

 



More help in this video I made for you!

Fire-types: Food and the Holidays

It's easiest to spot a Fire-type any day or time, simply because they are that "Type-A" person that just stands out.

Because Fire-types are so driven and focused, they can become this way with their food as well: there are two sides to this coin...

They can be so regimented and particular that their eating habits can become more of an issue for other people (trying to keep up Fire-types' standards) rather than seeming to hinder themselves.


Learn more about the Fire-Types and their ways-of-being in my upcoming FREE web-class.



On the other-hand, when Fire-types are so focused on other things like work or study that they easily lose focus of their eating habits and consume large amounts of food in one sitting.


The Fire-type is the Type that is most likely to binge eat. They naturally have a large appetite, for life in general including: adventure, drive for success and achievement, and the literal sense of having a substantial appetite.


In may seem fortunate that Fire-types are also blessed with an equally active metabolism, but if a Fire-type goes too long (months,or years for others) with unhealthy eating habits, it does eventually catch up to them.


Be mindful about eating during the Holidays. Especially Fire-types!


Is your routine thrown off therefor diverting your focus? Is the time you would usually spend working or going to the gym thwarted by driving to a destination, sitting for hours and eating?


Find some way to keep those healthy and helpful routines in your life. Perhaps replace work-time with some time for reading or focused quality time with love-ones. If your gym is closed on the holidays, plan an exercise activity with friends, try something new... overall, keep your focus!


On the other hand, it can actually be quite helpful for a Fire-type to have to adjust their focus a bit as they can become hyper-focused and get in a rut: but in regard to the topic of food, it is helpful for them to keep some focus, for when Fire-types go into "vacation" mode, they go all-in; kicking healthy habits to the curb.


Maybe you are one of these hyper-focused Fire-types whose normally stringent habits could use a temporary kicking to the curb. That's what You-niversal Self-care is all about... knowing your body so you can help your body find balance.

So, why the bit about 

"The wrong person made the mashed potatoes?"

Well, the Fire-type will tell you exactly how they want their favorite holiday foods (including who should make it) and are not afraid to comment when the food is not right.


The delivery of the message can vary from straight-forward, to comical to snide; it just depends on the Emotional Intelligence of the Fire-type. (Be sure to stay tuned for more relationship and Body-typing coming soon!)



Attend my FREE Q&A webinars and other events available to you around the world! Do you have questions about 'your' Body-type? Check out the events here!




Whether you "are" a Fire-type or have one in your life, you'll gain great insight into their habits, what throws them off and what helps them get back on track and especially how to manage the Fire in your life!

WeighFreeWellness Holiday Web-classes

More helpful insights in this video I made 

just for you!

What do you need? Part 2

What do you need?

Get unstuck

Create healthy habits

Feel good about yourself!

Live!

FREE helpful webinars here!

Watch this short video...

What do you need?

The most challenging aspect of working primarily online is that I lack the feedback I normally thrive off of.

I love interacting with people, particularly my audience, so when I have the opportunity to speak to a group... I get very excited!



A simple nod, even a grimace is helpful feedback. I like to know that I am connecting with people, and most of all, offering what I have that they need.

What do you need?  WeightFreeWellness.com

So, I'm going to do a sort of informal survey over the next several days...

• Do you sense that there is something you need, but you can't put your finger on it; unsure whether it's an emotional, health or even relationship issue?

• Are you reacting very quickly and emotionally to things, and don't know where it's coming from or how to change?

• Do you find yourself in patterns that aren't serving you, or even those around you?

• Are you trying to 'be healthy' but feel stuck and not sure where to go or what to do?

I want to know where I can meet you, and help...

Over the next couple of days I will propose topics, and if they resonate, that is, you feel that you want to explore the topic more, please simply "like" the post. I'll interpret it as a nod. :)



Thank you!

Warmly,
Tara

If you can already tell this is going somewhere good...

Get updates and exclusive content and invitations here!

Earth-types: A Compassionate View of the Love-Hate Relationship with Food

The Holidays can be challenging for all Types, but given that this season is tied together with Food, Family and Tradition--the 'things' Earth-types tend to value most--Earth-types are extra vulnerable during this festive season.


Earth-types are usually the ones who are hosting events, coordinating food, pulling out the decorations as soon as they can, and cherishing each memory tied with every memorable piece.


We all have an idealistic vision of how the holiday season should be- but the nurturing Earth-types are especially idealistic in this way.


Likely to suck-it-up for the sake of creating that quintessential holiday gathering, they will put-up with a lot of grief to have just a piece of this idealistic vision.


It's easy to love and care for an Earth-type very deeply, as they are the types who often share their love freely and consistently with us. 


Other Body-types can find themselves challenged during this season as they do not want to let down the beloved Earth-type in their life.

WeightFreeWellness.com

Others can feel stuck; wanting to please this nurturing figure in their life and not wanting to compromise their own values: having less tolerance to put up with s*** that others dish out during this season that Earth-types will endure for the cause.


An Earth-type will sense this struggle but in many cases will quietly (maybe this is more in the region of the country I live in) but persistently pressure others to follow suit. There can be a lot of guilt and shame that arrises from this silent but active battle.


Earth-types are the Body-type most likely to mask their feelings (or perhaps trying to elevate their mood) by eating foods.


Let's face it, who doesn't have family issues? But Earth-type would rather not see this reality.


The Holiday Season creates the perfect storm for turning to food for comfort: the volatile situation with family during a season when an Earth-type just wants to gather all their loved-ones, please their tummies with delicious food (that reminds them of good-times) but this idealistic vision is just so difficult to pull together... Sometimes the only solution seems to be to enjoy the foods (albeit alone and/or in secret) to conjure up warm memories of baking in the kitchen with grandma or with the kids when they were little.


For Earth-types, it's easy to escape into memories- and they are easily lead by the mementos and especially foods that take them there.


Does this sound like you or someone you know?


Understanding this Type is a huge step towards dealing with this Type in a healthy and compassionate way during the holidays- especially if this Type is you!



Join me in my FREE webclass when I will share much, much more about the Earth-types and their (seeming) unending struggle with food and the challenges this presents over the holidays.


During the webclass I will give a solid overview of this topic and still leave plenty of time for your questions- as this is the best way to make sure you're getting what you want!


Of course, I will present a solution for how you can not only end the Love-Hate relationship with food, but also feel more compassion and love for yourself!


I love engaging with my audience and I hope you'll accept my invitation!


Register for the Free webclass here!


By the way, it's super easy to attend. Just register, click the link in your email before the class starts and there you are! You can even attend via your iPad or phone!

(If this event is already closed when you're reading this go to Events where you will find the next webclass!)


What's 'your' Body-type?

Get my Free Body-type Assessment from my book!



Also, get a head-start learning about 'your' Body-type, and the Foods, Exercises and Habits that help each Body-type feel more balanced.




Here is the FREE Ebook and Audiobook of my book You-niversal Self-care: Improved Health Through Self-Understanding!




FREE Ebook and Audiobook

How to Use Your Stale Kale Chips

We all know that kale is super nutritious (and correspondingly very green-tasting).

Even though my hubby and I are quite health-conscious, we still have to dress kale up a bit...

Our favorite ways to enjoy kale is in the form of kale chips or semi-hidden in soup.

Kale chips are great for a while but one does finally get tired of them. I've tossed more packages of stale chips than I'd like to admit.

But when it comes to foods that I make, it's especially hard for me to see them go to waste.

Our favorite kale chips are those I make at home. I dehydrate them at a low temperature (about 105 degreed Fahrenheit) so they keep their health-promoting enzymes. I douse the torn pieces of kale in olive oil and then sprinkle the desired amount of garlic salt, mix well, spread on dehydrator screens and dehydrate overnight.


--- When faced with buying a store-bought brand my hubby likes the Kale Krunch by Alive & Radiant. Check out the flavors! ---

Ok, back to what I meant to write about... so what do you do (other than throwing them away) with stale(ish) kale chips? 


Toss them in your soup! That's right! No need to sauté kale, trying to get it to a palatable taste and texture, just toss in the chips and they will have great flavor and add a nice twist to things- especially veggie soup!

I did this the other day and just had to pass on the good news!

Enjoy!


PS... I dare you to tweet this! Confuse your friends ;)

Click to Tweet...


Go eat stale kale!

You've Asked for my Healthy Recipes for Years... Here They are... Get my Free Weight Free Wellness Cookbook!

I have to laugh at myself...


I consider myself a well-organized person in general, but for some reason, when it comes to my recipes... they are all over the place!


Putting together this cookbook not only will make it easier to share my recipes, it will also help me to be able to find my own recipes! Lol


While this is a work-in-progress, already there is a nice variety of recipes; from wholesome breakfasts, to creative salads, old family favorites and even some 'raw' recipes and home remedies. Many are Dairy Free and Gluten Free!

Click to Tweet
Heck Yeah! I found some #HEALTHY #DF GF #Recipes in this Free Cookbook! #WeightFreeWellness


My style of cooking is wholesome and simple. 


I share insights on how to find quality sources for local foods and unique traditional food preparation perspective along with medicinal properties of some foods.


Of course, I included Body-typing insights, so this is a type of companion to my first book You-niversal Self-care: Improved Health Through Self-Understanding!


You will learn how each recipe suits each Body-type Earth, Fire, Air and Water and similarly, which seasons are best to eat what for each type. (Want to know your Body-type? Get the Simple, Insightful and Free Body-type Assessment here!)


Additionally, for some recipes I provide modifications for certain Body-types; which you may find to be helpful insight to 'picky eating'.


As a subscriber, you will receive the latest updates (about every 2 weeks) with more pictures, step-by-step tutorials, highly resourceful glossary, and many more recipes and improvements!


Do you have a Mac computer, iPad or iPhone? Download the iBook version and take advantage of the beautiful Table of Contents, Glossary, Videos and much more!

It's all Here! Click on the image below...

Want Change?

Yes, I'm using it... the word ALL!

Want change? Starting loving what you want (rather than hating what you don't want)!

Does this seem like an insurmountable task when it comes to creating healthy change in your body?

Join me... I have a few tricks up my sleeve ;)

All Desired Change Starts with Love - Tara Baklund

I'm still working on feeling comfortable being ME . . . how about you?

There are many things that we can blame for tearing down our self-esteem.


If you've read my book or other work, or have even been to one of my talks; you know that I don't think it's helpful for me to blame other people and circumstances for how I feel.


Teasing, bullying, sarcasm: I could tell you how teasing made me very self-conscious; bullying made me very quiet; and how being around people who regularly use sarcasm as a means of communication made me confused as to what these people were actually trying to say- in the end having a skewed perspective of loving communication.

I could tell you this (and I kinda' did) but I can also tell you how these things strengthened me: being teased caused me to question other people's reality compared to mine; bullying eventually encouraged me to learn to speak up; and learning to distinguish sarcasm helped me to be clearer with my communication with others.


So, why do I still feel the need to encourage myself to be ME?


I don't know. I've opted for a new approach in life...


I used to be very focused on finding the reasons 'why' behind things. But that's just it... I ended up continuing to look behind.


Granted, we can gain some great insight when we take a number of things into consideration; but what I'm sharing was my decision to be very decisive on where I FOCUS.


Here's a great illustration...


There's a principle in motorsports (particularly with motorcycles and bikes) that you end up going where you are focusing. If you are focusing on the corner that you feel like you might not make (AKA going off the track) you'll more than likely end up off the track... where you were looking!


I can make changes because I want to recreate me or create a new situation.  Most of us learn to blame and move away from what we don't like (which is focusing off the track).


At the height of having physical complications, I was so focused 'off the track' and fearful of every turn, my body mirrored this stress.


I'm still amazed by how much my body shows me my inner thoughts.


It's like metaphorical things are happening all the time!

That is, when I felt shy, timid, victimized- ashamed to be in my own body... when I felt like my skin was a separate part of me physically and emotionally; at this time I did not 'feel comfortable in my own skin' and the whole time my skin reacted very much the same way; like it didn't feel comfortable with me either!


I had extremely dry skin that would crack and bleed. Painful, yes . . . very! It was so painful that I would wear only certain clothing as most materials rubbing against my skin felt agonizing. Denim was the worst!


Through being overweight, underweight, having painful skin and digestive issues and other related health issues, I was continually feeling less and less connected with my body.


Over time I learned to reconnect, even though it meant recognizing the pain that was physically or emotionally there.


Eventually I was able to understand what my body was telling me.  It (my body)...  just needed me to listen... really listen! And CARE for it/ME!


Every day is a step along my journey to being more ME and letting my true nature come out. I'm guessing it is for you too- otherwise you wouldn't have read this far. :)


You'll see my brand changing to #WeightFreeWellness  ...a message that has been inside me all along, and with a lot of prayer, meditation and some good conversations- was shown to me that this is a fitting moniker for what I LOVE to offer.


You'll be seeing more of ME come out because it makes me happy and is comforting to know that my past struggles and lessons can help make someone else's journey even a little (or even A LOT) more easeful.



I would love to hear from you...

How do you help yourself feel comfortable in your own skin?

or

What's your favorite activity- one in which you feel you are totally you... no matter who's around?


I look forward to your responses - and inspiration for others!

Live in your skin - TarasBook.com