What would you do if you were told that starting tomorrow you will no longer be allowed to eat sugar? Truth be told, many of us would feel a sense of urgency to go out this evening and eat sugar-laden foods to our heart’s content. In fact, we’d probably eat way more than we really … Continue reading The slingshot effect: how restricting foods can be harmful
Month: June 2016
Foods are labelled as good or bad all the time. Whether these phrases are used in the media or in our daily conversations, I believe it’s time to rethink the terminology. I’m not convinced that labelling foods as either good or bad is helpful or accurate for anyone, especially those who are trying to educate … Continue reading Is there such thing as good or bad foods?
We live in a culture that values a stiff upper lip, the no excuses mentality and promotes rhetorics like, “no pain, no gain.” We’re taught that success is the result of extreme measures and that nothing less will suffice (“go hard or go home”). We are led to believe that self-critical inner dialogues will protect … Continue reading Self-compassion and growth
This is a very common question and for good reason! There are thousands of different protein powders on the market that vary in their ingredients, benefits, taste and price. The purpose of this post is to provide a few simple pointers to help you find a protein powder that works for you. Before I begin, … Continue reading FAQ #3: What kind of protein powder should I use?
As March Break approaches and people are fleeing the cold weather for nicer climates, clients are asking me how they can stay on track during vacation. While there is no one size fits all approach there are tons of strategies that can be used. Below are some of the methods that my clients have used … Continue reading FAQ #2: How can I avoid weight gain on vacation?
Welcome to the first post of my FAQ series where I will answer some of the questions that I am asked often in my role as a online nutrition coach and a personal trainer. Today we’re talking about protein. If you think that the smear of almond butter on your toast in the morning or … Continue reading FAQ #1: Which foods are the best protein sources?
How many times have you intended to adopt a new behaviour only to find that when the time came it was hard to resist your old patterns? Today I will share a simple yet effective strategy that you can use to help you stick to any new habit. It is inspired by a study done … Continue reading One way to overcome barriers to change
Last weekend I attended The Beginner’s Mindfulness Workshop at The Centre for Mindfulness Studies here in Toronto with instructor Elaine Smookler. The workshop (which I recommend if you’re interested in learning about mindfulness) covered a few topics including the neuroscience behind mindfulness. For those of you who aren’t familiar, practicing mindfulness encompasses many things such … Continue reading A metaphor for mindfulness…
I’m going to make a confession. When I first started health and fitness coaching I envisioned myself walking into a well-appointed studio, giving my client a fantastic workout, handing them a meal plan and -BAM!- they would get the results they were after! Though I was excited to help people and well-intentioned, I was naive. … Continue reading Is your identity getting in the way of your progress?
One of the pillars of our my online nutritional coaching programs is teaching my clients which foods are going to propel them toward better health and then helping them develop an approach to eating that centres around these foods. Getting clients to this point does require a little elbow grease and even some discomfort on their … Continue reading Why meal plans don’t work for most people…
Gillian Thomas Fitness 