Welcome to all!

Who do you know who struggles with food and weight? Ok, perhaps I should rephrase that: Who DON'T you know!! The truth is that "Emotional Eating" is hardly a stranger to anyone. Our first Teleclass series, "Breaking Free From Emotional Eating" has been a huge success! Here are the experiences of two participants:

"After having read hundreds and hundreds of books, been educated in the healing arts and psychology, meditation and other spiritual practices, I was familiar with a big part of the information you presented, but a few very important pieces were new to me. I was led from one insight to another! The way you presented it made everything just "click". I have collected many "beads of wisdom and knowledge" along the way, but you have given me the "missing ones", strung them together and made a beautiful "necklace" out of them...." S. V., New Jersey

"Tricia and Roy are Angels on earth and if you choose to address your situation, you will be glad that God gifted you with these two to assist you in your healing. Each week I have learned something new about myself and I am grateful for this knowledge." Kathleen, Los Angeles

By popular demand we are offering another series starting on August 7th. This 6-week series will bring you to a greater awareness of what drives emotional eating and how you can actually heal. Space is limited so sign up now!

THIS SERIES ISN'T ABOUT FOOD AND DIET. Instead, we address the various issues of life that provide us the balance and relief that in the past we've sought in food: self-esteem, spirituality, healing relationship wounds, effective communication, and overall self-care. Please join us for this incredible journey within and tell a friend!

But wait! There's more…

Tricia

My whole life I have felt fat. I am actually a normal weight, but I don't feel like it. I have always felt bigger than my friends and been embarrassed about my weight. But when I look at pictures, I look pretty normal. Why can't I see myself the way others see me?
~Obsessed in Ohio

Dear Obsessed:

Most compulsive eaters suffer from "fat-head." (I think I just made up that term, but it's apt, don't you think?) I, too, look back at childhood pictures and see that at times I wasn't fat at all like I believed I was. It's really sad, actually. And I would go so far as to binge to kill the pain of "feeling fat." How crazy is that? This distorted body image is one of many symptoms of eating disorders. Also, our bodies are super sensitive, and so often we bloat more easily than the average person…and we certainly are more susceptible to gaining weight. Oddly, those who are completely thin are often plagued the most, because they can feel every pound gained.

The solution? Healing the spirit within. I know, I've said it before, but really, going to the gym won't heal the persistent feeling of feeling "fat." Obsession with body size is like all other obsessions: it masks deeper pain and stress. Here are two options: when obsessive thoughts plague you, you can "go within," seeking calm through meditation and comfort from a higher power. I like to use the affirmation: "God is in charge of my weight, and He's doing a GREAT JOB!" I can also "go without," turning my thoughts to something more meaningful than my thighs and butt, like helping a friend who may be having a hard time. Helping others always gets us out of our heads, which gives God time to heal us. Check out our upcoming Teleclass series which will help you address what's underneath the obsessive thoughts.

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

The Lowdown on Cholesterol

Think your cholesterol is in the normal range? You may need to think again. New guidelines are causing many to wonder, "How low can I go?" Start by checking your cholesterol smarts, below:

How much do you know about cholesterol?

1. If a product's package reads "low cholesterol," it's also low in fat.
   True False

2. The best age to have your cholesterol level checked is 50 because that's the peak age for heart attacks in men.
   True False

3. Women don't get heart disease, so they don't need to worry about cholesterol.
   True False

4. There is no cholesterol in peanut butter.
   True False

Answers: 1. False, 2. False, 3. False, 4. True

Questions to ask your doctor:

• Do I already have atherosclerosis?
• Am I at risk for a heart attack?
• Can I control my cholesterol through lifestyle changes alone?
• Do I need cholesterol-lowering drugs?
• How low can I realistically expect my cholesterol to go? What should I aim for?

Eating the right foods and reaching the proper weight is a major by-product of Be Totally Fre*e's services. Check out our website formore information.

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.