Dana’s coming…Saying “No” gracefully…“Are You a Fruit-loop or a Veg-head?”

Every day I receive emails from all over the world from people struggling with emotional eating and eating disorders. It always amazes me how universal this condition is. No matter what the culture—or its food—a person can be plagued with the same obsession with eating and weight.

That’s why tonight we’re going to LAX airport to pick up Dana!

Do you remember Dana?

Dana is a young woman from Romania who is chronically bulimic and in desperate need of our services. After a long application process that began last winter, the Consulate in Romania has finally granted her a Medical Visa to come for treatment from Be Totally Free!

Right now Be Totally Free needs to raise funds for Dana's travel and living expenses while she is here receiving treatment. As with all other treatment we provide, Dana's treatment will be fre*e. However, Dana needs support in living here while receiving treatment. Please help us help Dana be totally free!

Read Dana's personal story here: http://www.betotallyfree.com/dana_letter.php

Is someone you know struggling with emotional eating, an eating disorder or other addiction? Please forward this email…it might just save their life!

Love and blessings to everyone,

Tricia

Dear Ask It:

I find that I overextend myself often, which causes me to feel stressed and overeat more. It’s usually because I’m afraid to turn anyone down, or to say “no” to a request. How can I say “no” gracefully without feeling like a schmuck?

~Guilty in Gainesville

Dear Guilty:

Dear “Guilty”

People pleasing is a big problem for emotional eaters. Turning the tide on this old habit isn’t easy, but it is vital if you are serious about overcoming overeating.
Author Meryl Runion, author of How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, and Get What You Want! gives three important steps for  the guilt-free way to say “no”!

1. “First, acknowledge the person’s request with a flattering statement, such as ‘Thanks for thinking of me,’ or ‘What a great idea!’”
2. “Next, clarify your position: ‘But I’m already committed that night,’ or ‘I’m not comfortable with public speaking.’”
3. Finally, conclude with a pleasant tag phrase, such as “But thanks for asking me,” or “I hope you find someone who can help you.”

Remember, if you have to hurt yourself to please others it’s not a good plan! (It’s time to say “No”!)

(Have a question for Ask It? Please email me at tricia@betotallyfree.com)



(Please forward to everyone you know!)

Fruit Lover vs. Vegetable Lovers

Are fruit lovers different from vegetable lovers? We surveyed 770 people and found some interesting differences:

Compared to the average person, vegetable lovers:

• Like to try new recipes and entertain at home
• Enjoy spicy foods
• Think they cook nutritiously
• Enjoy an occasional glass of red wine with dinner

Compared to the average person, fruit lovers:

• Often eat dessert with dinner
• Spend little time cooking
• Avoid new recipes and entertaining
• Enjoy an occasional candy bar

If we step back, the survey results make sense: fruits are convenient, but veggies often require preparation. Someone who’s vegetable-prone may be more accustomed to cooking—and more comfortable with new recipes or the prospect of dinner guests.

Fruits are generally sweeter than vegetables, and fruit loves may prefer sweeter foods, desserts, and candy. Vegetables, however, run the range from bitter to savory. That’s probably why vegetable lovers prefer the strong and savory tastes of exotic or spicy foods, and even the bitter tannins of red wines.

~Brian Wansink, Mindless Eating

If you're eating tuna, choose the "chunk light" instead of the white meat...it has the lowest level of mercury (about one-third as much). However, if you're pregnant, it's safest to avoid eating tuna altogether.

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.

Tricia is also a speaker, author, and private coach helping emotional eaters move beyond diets to lasting change. To learn more visit http://www.healyourhunger.com.