by Elisa D'Urso-Fischer

What is "Nourishing Concepts"?
Nourishing Concepts is a weekly nutrition counseling group. While general nutrition issues are also covered, the main focus of the group is helping you to relearn how to nourish your body, resolve emotional overeating, and achieve internally cued "intuitive eating".

But, what is intuitive eating?
Intuitive eating is eating in tune with your body. It is what a one-year-old baby does…….they know when they are hungry and they eat, and they know when they are full and they stop eating.

What do you actually do in the group?
Often we start with a relaxation or breathing exercise. We "check in" by sharing how the past week went. In a safe and supportive environment, we discuss a specific topic. During "check out" we each decide what to work on during the next week.

What kind of topics do you discuss?
Topics include: The problems with dieting; How different foods work in your body; Why we need carbohydrates, protein, and fats; Identifying emotional and physical hunger cues; What helps when you want to eat and it's not from physical hunger; Learning the different levels of "fullness"; Relaxation techniques; Improving self-acceptance and self-esteem; Replacing negative self-talk with more neutral language; Nutritional suggestions to help ease PMS, menopause and cravings; Eating socially, with your family and through a holiday.

Is this a therapy group?
No, this group is to help you change how and why you eat. We may identify emotional issues connected to your eating, which you may want to work on with an individual therapist.

Who is in the group?
The group is for women who are trying to end emotional overeating and bingeing, and learn how to eat in response to their body's needs.

When does the group meet?
Monday evenings, from 7:00 to 8:15 pm. The next 10 week session is scheduled to start in January.

How can I get more information?
Call me at extension 3, and I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. You may also make arrangements to observe the first meeting.