Welcome to all!

If you are reading our newsletter for the first time, welcome! I hope you enjoy it and take some time to check out our website, www.betotallyfre*e.com. (We use that goofy asterisk because the word fre*e without the asterisk will be picked up by spam filters.)

I'm happy to report that the Teleclass series, "Breaking Fre*e from Emotional Eating" is a HUGE hit! Lots of good things are happening for those taking our phone classes and we are taking reservations for our next one starting on August 7th. Space is limited so register now!

Also, congratulations to Helena and Susan, who hit their 1-year anniversaries of overcoming the vice-grip of alcohol and overeating. They have a combined weight loss of over 150 lbs! You can hear their audio testimonials on our website.

And now, A CHALLENGE FOR YOU:

The kids are out of school and the summer fun as begun. But so has the constant demand for your time and attention. Where, oh where, are those "lazy days of summer?" Are you feeling overwhelmed by your busy schedule, and all that's on your plate (no pun intended)? Do you find that thoughts of food, excess fat, alcohol, shopping, or celebrity gossip are luring your attention away from the present moment as an answer to your mind and body's demands for some rest?

TRY THIS: choose one night or one day in the next week, and clear your schedule. I mean it! You're moving too fast, and the obsessions in your mind prove it! If there's an activity you've committed to, find someone else to take your place. If it's a party or a barbecue you don't really want to attend, cancel! You would be better served staying at home with your family, a friend, or JUST YOURSELF and relaxing. Slow down and stop spinning; then you won't need the obsessions as an escape…a shelter from the storm of the busy schedule you've created for yourself. You will be amazed at what a kind and loving gift to yourself it is to just slow down. You may even get hooked and try it more than once. (WOW, what a concept!)

For more tips on taking care of yourself, read on…

With love,

Tricia Greaves

I am not overweight but I obsess about my body all the time. I am constantly checking out my thighs and butt in the mirror. I work out at the gym almost every day, but my body is never fit enough or thin enough. I'm so sick of this obsession!
~Cynthia, Raleigh, NC

Dear Cynthia:

First of all, I have been where you are and know that it's a tough place to be. People think that a person needs to be severely overweight or underweight to have an eating disorder. The truth is that even if a person is the ideal weight for their frame, they can still suffer from an eating disorder and disordered body image. What's important to know is that it's not about your weight or food! The weight obsession is a symptom of a deeper dissatisfaction with yourself. It is also a way to distract yourself from deep-seated pain that you are afraid to face and don't know how to face. The obsession with body size is just as real as an alcoholic's obsession with alcohol; and yet they are both actually attempts at avoiding reality. The way to end the obsession with controlling your outside appearance is to look within. Stop chasing perfection and allow yourself to catch up to you! Meditation can help you slow down and relieves anxiety. Also, when you find yourself judging your body, ask yourself: "what am I afraid of right now?" If you ask yourself this question many times a day (as many times as you obsess!) you will begin a process of introspection. But don't try to handle your problem alone. You need to talk about it with others who can help. Be Totally F*ree!'s main purpose is helping people to look within; you may want to join our Teleclass series or learn more about our "in-person" help.

*Do you have a question you'd like to have answered? Write me at askitbasket@betotallyfree.com.

Hypothyroidism

If you feel tired and foggy, and seem to be cold all the time, you may have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can make a big difference in how you feel. Some common symptoms are:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Depression
• Dry skin and hair
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Brain fog, poor short-term memory or difficulty concentrating
• Hair loss (including outer third of eyebrows)
• Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol
• Heavier menstrual periods
• Constipation
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Infertility

Half of the 27 million Americans who have thyroid disease are undiagnosed. Hypothyroidism tends to run in families; if one of your parents has it, you have a higher-than-average chance of having it. The American Thyroid Association recommends that everyone be tested for low thyroid function at age 35.

The problem is that symptoms of hypothyroidism may present themselves while all the usual blood tests appear to be normal. Unfortunately, when the blood work does not reveal the cause of the problem, many doctors are prone to refer patients to a psychologist or psychiatrist because they "can't find anything wrong."

"If it's not diagnosed or treated properly, hypothyroidism can cause premature heart disease, infertility and chronic pain," says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! "A whole host of problems arise when an underactive thyroid is missed."

Broda O. Barnes, M.D., did the first studies correlating hypothyroidism to low body temperature. He found that having the patient take his or her underarm temperature for several mornings before getting out of bed could help document the trend correlating with symptoms.

The Barnes Test is a test used by many holistic medical doctors whose patients show symptoms of thyroid problems but don't have blood tests that indicate anything is wrong.

To perform the Barnes temperature test:

• Shake the thermometer down before bedtime (it's best to use a glass thermometer)
• Upon awakening, place it in your armpit and leave it there for ten minutes before getting out of bed (try to lay still while in bed)
• Record the temperature
• Take an average of 3 days temperature

Note: Men can take their temperature any time. Women in their menstrual years get the most accurate reading by starting the test on the second or third day after menstrual flow starts. Before the first menstrual period or after menopause, the temperature may be taken on any day. A temperature between 97.2 and 98.2 is considered normal. If the temperature falls below 97.2, it is indicative of a sluggish thyroid. A temperature above 98.2 indicates an over-active thyroid.

Take your findings to your doctor. If your symptoms persist and you don't feel heard, find an alternative or holistic doctor. For recommendations and information about thyroid disease visit www.thyroid-info.com.

August 2nd UPLIFTING 1 hour conference call--Wednesday at 6 pm Pacific/9 pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click here.

August 7th 6 week TRANSFORMATIONAL TELECLASS begins: Breaking Fre*e from Emotional Eating--Mondays at 5:30 pm Pacific/8:30 pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click here.

We are offering a special package price when you order both of our CDs entitled: "When We Have Trouble With God," and "A Moment's Peace, Visualization and Meditation for the Overactive Mind." Order both for $28 (regular price is $40.) Special discount available only until July 31st. Order here.

After overcoming her own lifetime battle with compulsive eating, drinking and weight-without the use of diets, pills, medication or excessive exercise-Tricia Greaves founded Be Totally Fre*e!, a non-profit organization that offers a unique and permanent solution for overcoming all addictions. To learn about the hope we offer to those who have tried everything to stop, visit www.betotallyfree.com.