Welcome!

You're in luck!! Due to a technical gliche, the starting date for our Transformational Teleclass series "Breaking Fre*e from Emotional Eating" has been changed to October 2nd! That means you can still register and not miss one class. THIS IS THE LAST SERIES OF THE YEAR, and it is offered on a DONATION BASIS! Learn to stop the battle with food and find lasting peace. We have 3 spaces left so register NOW!

Now, for my musings…

The nice thing about fall in southern California is that I don't have to brace myself for the cold. Of course there are no crinkling leaves under foot, and no crisp, clean air, either. While I'd love to have it all, I have to choose. For someone like me, that can be a difficult thing to do…I want it all! What I've learned about myself over these past several years of recovery, is that part of the "disease" thinking of an addict is believing that I can have whatever I want, all ways, always. (Now, in the metaphysical sense, I believe I can manifest my heart's desire--whatever that is. But, that's not what I'm talking about.) What I am referring to here is the "I want what I want, when I want it" syndrome. It's that demanding attitude, best exemplified by Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory…(insert British accent)…"I want a GOOSE, and I want it NOW!" Well, that's been my problem all my life: I want it all now, on MY terms. But life doesn't follow the script I write. There are just too many people out there who either haven't read my script, or have neglected to follow it! So that leaves me with the challenge of accepting that I am NOT the center of the universe (my universe, perhaps, but not THE universe!) But this is a good thing. Because the more I accept that life's not meant to always go my way, and search for the amazing lessons to be found in letting go of my ideas of how things should be (and trying to make them that way) the happier and blessed I seem to be. This is because I don't always know what is best for me. I limit my good when I determine WHAT "best" is. So my biggest job, on any given day, is to relax, and remain open to what God has in store for me. The best way to do that is to think of others and their needs, to pray for God's will in my life, and to appreciate the beautiful sunshine right where I am—sans crinkling leaves and frost!

Enjoy your day, wherever it is!

Love, Tricia

I have a binge-eating disorder and have been told by a nutritionist that eating several times a day can help cut down on eating binges (and has many other health benefits). The problem is that I'm not comfortable eating all the time and wonder if this is really a good thing, psychologically? What is your take on this?
~Hungry in Hartford

Dear Hungry:

What a great question! Your nutritionist is definitely correct as far as the health benefits of eating several smaller meals throughout the day. Research has shown that there is a stabilizing effect of eating smaller, healthy meals or snacks throughout the day. The benefits include lowered cholesterol, weight loss, improvement in glucose tolerance, and normalized cortisol levels. The problem is that many doctors and nutritionists don't understand the MIND of a compulsive eater!

When I was struggling with chronic fatigue, it was recommended that I eat 5 smaller meals a day. After comfortably eating 3 healthy meals a day, with no snacking in between, for years (only by God's grace), I got excited about the "snack before bedtime" idea. I found myself looking forward to that snack and spending far too much thought time on what I would eat. I also had to put a lot of thought into my other meals, because I could easily end up eating 5 normal meals a day! That would cause weight gain or the need for additional exercise. It bothered me that all this mental energy on food and meals was distracting me from the joy of living. I also found that when I ate several times a day I was not as "in tune" with my feelings. I was living a "dulled" state, which is how I used to live when I was grazing all day or actively binge-eating. As a recovering "hopeless" compulsive eater, I need to embrace my feelings and be as "present" with them as possible. People with eating disorders regularly use overeating, under-eating or the mental obsession with food and weight to escape reality and avoid feelings. I decided to go back to my three meals, because that way I was able to differentiate between emotional and physical hunger; I was more in tune with my body and emotions. By spending a more appropriate amount of time thinking about and eating food, I have more time to discover and grow from life's lessons.

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

(Please forward to everyone you know!)

Know Your Sleep Numbers!

What Your Sleep Style Says About You:

The position you go to sleep in can reveal key personality traits, say Chris Idzikowski, Ph.D., director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre. A study conducted by Dr. Idzikowski found the following associations:

1. The Log (15%*): If you tend to lie on your side with both arms at your sides, you're easygoing and social, but prone to being gullible.

2. The Yearner (13%): If you favor sleeping on your side with both arms out in front of you, you have an open nature but can also be suspicious and cynical.

3. The Soldier (8%): If you like to recline on your back with both arms at your sides, you're quiet and reserved, inclined to set high standards for yourself and others.

4. The Freefaller (7%): If you sleep on your stomach with hands wrapped around the pillow and your head turned to one side, you can be sociable and brash, but also thin-skinned and sensitive to criticism.

5. The Starfish (5%): If you snooze on your back with both hands around the pillow, you make a good friend because you listen well, always offer help when needed and dislike being the center of attention.

6. The Fetus Position (41%): You have a tough exterior but a soft heart. Twice as many women as men sleep like this.

*percentage of people who sleep like this

California Dreamin'
How many Americans are getting a full eight hours? Here's a regional breakdown:

40% of people in the west (in my dreams!!)
32% of people in the south
25% of people in the northeast
24% of people in the Midwest
      -National Sleep Foundation

Who's Sleeping in My Bed?

41% of dogs share their master's beds
51% of cats jump in the sack with their owners
                                                                                                   -Fitness magazine 10/06

Eating the right foods and minimizing stress are major by-products of Be Totally Fre*e's services. Check out our website for more information.

September 28th University of Masters Tricia's new course "Change your Life, Change your Waistline!" starts Thursday at 6 pm Pacific/9 pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click here.

October 2nd 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.

November 1st UPLIFTING 1 hour conference call--Wednesday at 6 pm Pacific/9 pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click 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.