Category: Blog

2 Self-Checks That May Improve Your Mental Health

Posted by Alli in Blog

People often believe they have mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But the real culprit can be their food. After 15+ years as an eating and body image specialist therapist, I’ve met many people whose symptoms (hyper-irritability, sadness, anger, mood swings, etc.) greatly improved or even disappeared once they found their best ways to nourish…Read more »

TV Therapy: Separating Fact From Fiction

Posted by Alli in Blog

If therapists seen on TV and in movies represented most real-life therapists, I’d never have become one! Granted, there are a few semi-realistic or positive portrayals on screen. But with so many inaccurate representations, how’s the public supposed to know the difference between normal and abnormal? (Click for full article)

Why So Many People Lie to Their Therapists

Posted by Alli in Blog

Humans are beautifully messy and complicated. Even when paying for their help, we don’t always share complete details with a therapist. Sometimes that’s intentional, and sometimes it comes from subconscious motives. As a longtime eating and body-image specialist, I’ve repeatedly had the privilege of listening to people talk about their reasons for not being truthful or open about eating…Read more »

The Impossible Battle: Kids and Porn

Posted by Alli in Blog

Last week, I had an interview scheduled with essayist Rebecca Morrison. We planned to discuss body image for an article she’s writing, so I did what I do: I searched the web for her previous work. The following title, published in Salon, popped onto my screen: “Why I Started Watching Porn When I Turned 50.” Huh? The subtitle…Read more »

Setting Boundaries: Self-Care or Selfish?

Posted by Alli in Blog

The person receiving your boundary may feel disappointed, sad, or even mad. However, their response doesn’t mean that what you said or did was wrong or selfish. Setting boundaries is often an act of care. What are boundaries? Why are they vital? Boundaries are limits that typically protect something. They may protect others, such as giving a…Read more »

Do You Diet to Feel More Confident?

Posted by Alli in Blog

If you “watch what you eat,” why do you do it? If you answered anything related to boosting your confidence (about looks or health), then this news could affect you. Recent research that includes data from more than 6000 participants spanning eight countries confirms: “Higher levels of restrained and emotional eating were generally associated with lower body satisfaction and self-esteem.” Whereas, “higher…Read more »

Scientific Proof That Being Hangry Is Real

Posted by Alli in Blog

A driver in the car next to yours yelled at you for seemingly no reason. Someone at the gym crankily made sure you knew they were annoyed at you for occupying the machine they wanted. A person in the supermarket didn’t return your smile; they instead threw shade at your friendliness. People appear especially thin-skinned…Read more »

“Prevention” and “Good Housekeeping” Say Bye to BMI

Posted by Alli in Blog

An article published on June 1, 2022, stated, “Prevention and our sister publication Good Housekeeping have decided to no longer use Body Mass Index (BMI) in our discussions of health. If we determine that we must mention it in the context of our reporting on related subjects, we will point out its limitations.” I remember a loud “Yes!” escaped my…Read more »

How to Gently Change Your Procrastination Habit Into Choice

Posted by Alli in Blog

In my previous post, “Procrastination Can Be a Good Skill to Have,” I shared how putting things off often benefits people and that procrastination is not necessarily a “bad” trait. That said, a person who successfully procrastinates may someday land in a situation or environment where it gets in their way. For example, maybe putting things off…Read more »

Sophie Turner and Naomi Judd Spotlight Mental Health Truth

Posted by Alli in Blog

People like Sophie Turner and Naomi Judd appear to have it all: money, fame, influence, awards, and loving family members. Yet, as this month’s headlines revealed, both came down with mental illnesses. According to the press, both fought their health battles. Sophie is reportedly doing well and recovering (or recovered) from her eating disorder. Naomi tried…Read more »