Welcome to The Quest, a newsletter intended to inspire and inform those interested in experiencing optimal well being in body, mind and spirit. For archived newsletters and more information, please see my website at www.deborahlow.com.

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In this issue of The Quest:

1. The Quest Quote
2. The Quest Question
3. Did You Know?
4. News

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1. Quote:
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

There is never a shortage of outside influences (particularly through the media) that try to convince us how we don’t measure up in some way. For today, pay attention to your thoughts—the critical and judgmental chatter that if blindly accepted, depletes joy in our lives by undermining the beauty and strength of who we truly are.

2. Question:
In the past few years, I have gained 21 lbs. I know part of it is because I've stopped exercising like I used to, but also a big part of it is that I can't seem to control my desire for sweets. Although I don’t bring them into the house, I binge on them at work and when I’m out! How do I stop?
Amy R., from Nashville, TN

Answer:
Ah, sugar, the sweet devil. I suffered for years mercilessly craving “a hit of the white stuff”. Out of control sugar cravings can wreck havoc on both your physical and emotional health. If you have been eating a diet high in refined sugar for some time, it can seem almost impossible to even reduce your consumption of it, but there is hope. A healthy, craving-free body thrives on balance—balance in body and mind.

Let’s start with diet. If we allow sugar and it’s nutritionally vacant calories to squeeze out the good stuff from our diets (like complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and essential fatty acids), we deprive our bodies of the nutrients needed for a healthy functioning metabolism—the key to control your desire for sweets! Eating several small meals a day and including protein sources with each meal or snack will also help stabilize your blood sugar. You may even choose to take a good multi-vitamin/mineral to ensure that you are not lacking essential nutrients. Keep hydrated. No, the 48-oz sodas and serial coffee refills don’t count.

I’m sorry to hear that you have stopped exercising. One of the great benefits of exercise is that it significantly improves the body's ability to control blood sugar levels. Start back into your routine slowly; refuel after workouts with a fresh fruit protein smoothie or complete snack– one that combines high fiber carbohydrates with lean proteins and healthy fats. Good post-workout snack suggestions:

1)      Low fat, plain yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts

2)      ½ a turkey or tuna sandwich on fiber-rich bread or whole wheat crackers

3)      Low fat cottage cheese with tomato slices and vinaigrette

4)      Hot oatmeal with a flax seeds, raisins and skim milk

5)      Fresh squeezed fruit or vegetable juices with some lean turkey-jerky

Give yourself a few weeks to incorporate these changes into your life. Be gentle on yourself, your cravings won’t disappear overnight but when you feed your cells life-enriching foods, your appetite for sweets will decrease.

3. Did You Know?
Did you know that experts are noticing an increase in eating disorders among middle-aged and older people? When we look at the society we live in, it’s not surprising. There is a dramatic increase in youth consciousness compared to 20 years ago, and role models, such as celebrities, appear as if they are aging slowly—or not at all.
You might spend a lot of time finding new wrinkle creams, hitting the gym and counting carbohydrates, but when was the last time you created a new laugh line or counted your accomplishments? As the Duchess of Windsor once said,  “It’s good that the young are beautiful; it is the only advantage they have.”

4. News

Thank you for your new comments: my book on Amazon.
As for baby news, I don’t have any…but since it’s any day now, if anyone wants to send out some good vibes to the Stork, I’d greatly appreciate it J

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Please submit your comments or questions by replying to this email at deborah@deborahlow.com. I look forward to your feedback.