I've just wrapped up the Spring Cohort of the program just in time for a sweaty, hot summer. The heat is a reminder to slow down, eat lots of produce, and never forget the bug juice.
The end of a coaching stretch is always bittersweet. I get to delve into the big 'whys' that keep people from enacting daily care, watch as they feel empowered to create boundaries to make it happen, and then see them off to a life designed for success.
That's because my approach to health and weight loss is premised on the idea that you're fine. Bodies that put on weight easily (mine) aren't broken; they need different care.
You don't need motivation or extraordinary willpower. You aren't deficient because you overeat food designed to be eaten in excess. You, I, and everyone need a way to see what's preventing us from being successful, the friction in our lives and thinking.
Then, better tools to navigate a world designed for weight gain.
That's what creates weight mastery (and by extension, peace)—the feeling of knowing what you need and how to get it.
"Rebecca, thank you, I truly feel like you've helped me become more of who I want to be because of your program.
After years of feeling bad about my body (and feeling bad about feeling bad about my body), I found Rebecca's program. I was drawn to the idea that I could be self-compassionate and body positive, and still want to live at a healthier weight. The program was all that I hoped for and more. I lost 14-pounds over the 10-week program (and know that number will continue to grow). More importantly, I gained so much knowledge and insight that has allowed me to approach myself, my spouse, my kids and others with more empathy and care. What a gift!
The next cohort begins mid-September.
The Pieces 🍎
1. I say it all the time, it's the food. More specifically, the food environment. The Japanese are eating real food, and so do I.
In America, the best option is to cultivate the only food environment you have control over, your kitchen.
How Japan escaped Obesity while America got Fat
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2. Fitness isn't something that happens in special boxes we deem as gyms. That idea separates most people from getting the quantity of movement they need. Showing up twice a week for an hour isn't necessarily bad, but it tricks us into thinking we've done enough.
Bodies need steady movement, not just sparse and intermittent workouts.
I loved this fun take on creating a joyful life that results in lots of movement.
A Pygmy Goat Herd as Part of My Fitness Plan
My body needed activity. Tired of gym memberships, I began looking for alternatives. To change my sedentary ways, I forced myself to walk more and work standing up. I stretched every morning and attached a lunge habit to my toothbrushing routine.
It wasn’t enough. I found myself doing the bare minimum of fulfilling my promise to myself. Then, I was back on the couch.
3. Here's a nice roundup of nutrition misconceptions. I'll add that number seven is true, but I find starting the day with grains, even whole ones, a challenge to my healthy weight.
Instead, I reserve them for lunch.
10 Nutrition Lessons From 2025, So Far 🎁
How much protein do you need? Is there a “least bad” alcohol? We tackled these questions and more.
Your diet can play a big role in how well you sleep.
Tart cherry juice, “sleepy girl mocktails,” walnuts, a warm glass of milk — many foods and drinks are purported to help you sleep. But do they really? We asked nutrition and sleep experts to help us sort through the evidence. They said that some foods may indeed be linked to better sleep, but your overall eating pattern, rather than specific foods and nutrients, may have the most pronounced effect.
Yours in joyful eating and living,
Rebecca ✌️
