Many of our clients have discovered that dieting and excessive exercise to lose weight do not work. In 95% of cases, dieting actually leads to weight gain, rather than weight loss. Many of these clients can feel lost and confused, as they want to improve their health yet they don’t know what to do. In the words of the great Dr Rick Kausman “If not dieting, then what?” Here are […]
It’s that crazy time of year again when you find yourself constantly celebrating another year with Christmas drinks and festive feasts. We are often faced with many challenges and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a taste of our Dietitian’s top 5 tips to not just survive the Christmas season, but to enjoy it. 1. Give yourself permission to eat and enjoy any (and every) food. Yes, as a Dietitian, […]
Psychologist, Arthur Aron, succeeded in making two strangers fall in love in his laboratory by having them ask and answer a set of increasingly intimate and personal questions with one another. Regardless of whether you’re single or have been married for 30+ years, have a go at the questions with someone in your life whom you would like to have a more meaningful relationship with. Who knows, you might just […]
How to get a stranger (or your partner) to fall in love with you. Read More »
Although not yet a formally recognised diagnosis, the notion of ‘Orthorexia’ is certainly a very real and concerning one. Literally meaning “fixation on righteous eating”, those with orthorexia are described as being obsessed with healthy eating. With all the hype about gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, organic, grain-free, vegetarianism, etc it’s no wonder that many are left feeling guilty no matter what they eat. In addition to the deleterious effects on mental […]
Can healthy eating become an unhealthy obsession? Read More »
I often have people ask me HOW to LIKE running (in the way that I like it). First of all, I’m a psychologist, not a magician. I have tools I can teach you but no tricks to bestow upon you. Secondly, I LIKE running because I am ME. It suits my hyperactive, high-strung, over-aroused temperament. It resets me, recentres me, and helps me regain perspective. You might not like running […]
According to the 2015 Mission Australia Youth Study, Australian youth are placing body image in their top three personal concerns with the trend increasing from 20.4% in 2012 to 26.5% in 2015, sending a strong message that we need to address this problem that can lead to serious mental health issues. Clinical Psychologists, Dr Stan Steindl of Psychology Consultants and Dr Kiera Buchanan from Centre for Integrative Health, regularly treat […]
Self-Compassion; the new tool tackling negative body image. Read More »
Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction have historically been relegated to the domain of women. After all, 90% of individuals diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa identify as female. Despite this, research is increasingly showing rates of body dissatisfaction in males is similarly prevalent to rates in females. Males experiencing body dissatisfaction are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with an anxiety or depressive disorder and are more likely […]
Body change strategies in males: Less prevalent or misunderstood? Read More »
Thich Nhat Hanh often talks about our cravings being like a crying baby who is trying to draw our attention. Just as a mother goes to the crying baby to ascertain what it needs and then endeavours to meet the baby’s requirements, we too should treat our cravings in the same manner. What is it that our cravings are telling us that we need? Are we actually seeking nutrition and/or […]
If you want to learn more about your brain and how to alter your food-related thoughts, try the following exercise: For the next five minutes, DON’T think about chocolate. That’s right.. whatever you do.. DON’T think about chocolate; DON’T imagine it, DON’T picture it, DON’T say the word ‘chocolate’ to yourself. How did you go?If you’re like most others, you will have experienced an increase in thoughts about chocolate. Neuroscience […]
After spending the last 3 months training for the Gold Coast Half Marathon, I developed a viral infection only 5 days out. Being told by medical professionals that participating in the event wasn’t worth the risk to my health didn’t make the decision to withdraw any easier nor make me feel any better; being reminded by others that there would always be future events didn’t help; rationalising with myself that […]
