Pyour Nutrition

Emotional Eating

I still don’t know how Ali came into my life but after our first consultation, I knew I had met someone that understood me - finally. I reached out to Ali because I had a tormented relationship with food and my body and I was tired. I knew I had to change but had no idea where to start.

I was skeptical when I first met Ali. It’s true she was a jolt of light and inspiration but she asked me to do things I utterly opposed like stop eating low-fat foods and trying new vegetables (hello, I eat so many fruits and veggies,how could you possibly show me anything new?). I did not follow every idea she gave me right away and it took weeks for some things to sit well with me.

But that’s what’s special about Ali. I have never met a more patient, yet politely persistent individual. During the process of working through some very difficult patterns in my life, which I learned were the foundation of these eating problems, Ali unwearyingly sat on the sidelines and was my coach, interjecting just the right cheers when I needed a push, but letting me blaze my own path to set myself free. With Ali’s encouragement, wisdom and patience, I am finally liberated.

As a result of working with Ali, I am a new, courageous individual that has a positive relationship with food and a little more hope, a little more faith and much more patience. Ali helped me transform my relationship with food but she did so much more than that. Yes she got me to stop using artificial sweeteners, picking up kale and bok choy every time I go to Whole Foods but more importantly, Ali showed me how to trust myself, be patient with my body instead of torturing myself, be aware and accepting of life and the “mistakes” I make or challenges I face and learn from them.

Ali is a friend, mentor, health coach and ray of light. I may never figure out how she came in my life and how she joined me on my journey at just the right time, but I will forever be changed because she was a part of it. Thank you Ali, for being you, for always having hope, for sticking by me when I wanted to give up and for believing I had a beautiful, promising future waiting for me – you were right and I am forever grateful. ~Sera S. Philadelphia, PA

I decided to work with Ali because I was feeling over-stressed, overweight, and generally unhappy with my lifestyle. I had a history of disordered and emotional eating and I was tired of “yo-yo” dieting. I wanted to understand how my food choices were affecting my body, my moods and my stress-levels.

In the beginning of our work together, Ali and I talked a lot about the incorporating ‘whole’ foods into my diet. Very quickly, I felt better and had a lot more energy while discovering my love for cooking! I got a lot of great recipes from Ali and I found that preparing fresh meals at home tasted so much better! In addition, I dramatically reduced my caffeine intake. I was having three to four cups of coffee and/or soda a day, but once I cut that out, I noticed that my moods and cravings were much more stabilized.

One issue in particular that I have always struggled with is emotional eating. Prior to working with Ali, I thought that my emotional tie to food was a weakness or a lack of willpower. With her integrative approach, Ali helped me realize that my emotional eating was triggered by a lack of ‘nourishment’ from other aspects of my life. With Ali’s help, I focused my attention on activities and people that give me joy and inspire me. By making a conscious decision to incorporate exercise, massage, meditation and quality time with friends and family into my life, I found that I did not need more food because I was already ‘full’!

After working with Ali for a year, I learned a lot about nutrition and the science behind different foods but I also learned so much more. Ali’s approach was truly unique as she incorporated physical, emotional, and spiritual support into each of our sessions. She is a coach, a counselor, a friend and a true inspiration to those who hope to find a healthier lifestyle! With her support and guidance, I have found a happier, healthier me! A year later, I feel much better physically and I know that I will continue with these healthy habits for many years to come.
-KT, Philadelphia, PA

When I originally started to work with Ali, all I wanted was to lose weight. What I got was a new positive relationship with food, an understanding of how important balancing all areas of your life area and an end to emotional eating & PMS symptoms…oh yeah and I lost weight. Thank you Ali, for giving me my life back!

Ali’s approach is not a diet and it’s not only about food. I learned a lifetime worth of lessons in months. In addition to learning about new foods and food combinations, my love/hate relationship with food became one of love/ love. I now understand that cravings are not just about food and taking time for yourself is just as important as eating foods that are good for you.

I also found the answers to my emotional eating. I have always been an emotional eater, but by asking myself the right questions, I no longer let my emotions control my eating habits. What I loved about working with Ali was that she would always suggest things; she would never say, “You MUST do this.” She would say, “Let’s try this and see if it works for you.”

It was through these suggestions that I realized that I have gluten sensitivities. I discovered that gluten was wreaking havoc on my body. Since being gluten-free, I have noticed an incredible difference in how I feel and how much easier my body digests foods.

One of my biggest issues was that due to my crazy PMS symptoms, I would have 1 good week out of the month. These symptoms would last for 3 weeks out of every month. But I had just assumed this was my plight and there was nothing I could do about it.

Ali said that changing my way of eating would lessen these symptoms. To be completely honest, I thought Ali’s great and all, but she’s lost her mind. I mean that’s just crazy. I’m a woman! Of course I’m going to have crazy PMS symptoms. It’s just the way it is! I could not have been more wrong!

After a few months of working with Ali, my symptoms have not just lessened…they are gone! Yes, you heard me, I said GONE! I actually had to check the calendar to see when my period was coming because I had NO symptoms! This has changed my life in the most drastic way…I can actually have one now! Gone are drastic 3 week long mood swings and intense cramps. Now every week is a symptom free week! To say that I’m downright giddy is an understatement!

Ali really works with you to come up with a way of eating & living that works with your schedule and lifestyle. She is a joy to work with! T.P., New York City, NY

Ali has given me the greatest gift in life…me! For the first time in my 53 years I can honestly say that I love myself. For years I went to counselors asking for happiness and to doctors asking for health…to no avail. Each and every time I would be given prescription drugs with side effects as an added bonus! I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I was pre-diabetic with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It was time to get healthy with food and Ali was my very patient teacher.

Six months ago I came to Ali asking for health and happiness and this time I received all the answers. She taught me how to be happy in my relationships, career and spirituality; thereby, relieving my need to find solace in an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Ali lovingly showed me how not to sabotage my diet and life by deconstructing cravings. This was not a diet of deprivation; it was just the opposite, more healthy foods were added to my diet. With Ali’s knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic guidance I am now free of all medication. Ali has empowered me with the secret to a vibrant lifestyle.

Sherrill B, New Jersey