I met Maria about 23 years ago after I underwent gastric bypass surgery. I had lost 158 pounds and…read moreI distinctly remember Maria talking about mindful eating by having us eat a raisin (I HATE raisins), feel it, taste it, focus on it. While I maintained the weight loss for 10 years, life happened and I was not prepared in any way, shape or form. Slowly, 100 pounds crept back on and with it, the feelings of being so stuck in a body that was a traitor.
During COVID I decided to become a life coach. There is no way to work up through master certification without getting coached yourself. And something magical happened. I remembered that stupid raisin and thought about being mindful in all aspects, physical, emotional, and spiritual. I struggled for a year or so trying to do it alone, and finally contacted Maria about three years ago. Thank goodness for her patience. I struggled, really, really painfully struggled. I started really acknowledging food, why I ate, what did it do for me, did it serve my interests short-term or long-term. And, lo and behold, I started getting healthy. I started to really listen to what Maria had been telling me all along, and I got brutally honest with myself. Slowly, with Maria's guidance, I changed what I ate, how I ate, when I ate, and WHY I ate. Maria never judged, never criticized, always encouraged, gave me recipes and suggestions when weird cravings would develop. As a result, my relationship with food changed dramatically. I learned how to be a healthy eater. And, nope, still not keen on raisins.
I have always felt people come into our lives for a reason. Who knew 23 years ago that damn raisin would lead to all this. I am so grateful for this magnificent woman, her patience and her insight. Trust her, trust the process and trust yourself.