I Have No Willpower With Pastries and Chocolate, Help!

There is much debate among health experts and laypersons on the subject of food cravings. Some say it is a sign of a nutritional deficiency, excess or other imbalance. Some say it's Psychological and is a sign for a need for comfort or therapy. Others say it has physical causes and hormone balancing is the answer. Others chalk it up to weakness and lack of willpower.

Well, it could be any one or a combination of these things, but one thing I know for sure is that it's not due to a lack of willpower. It's never about willpower; there is always another reason. In fact, the patients with food cravings who I have seen have been highly successful and in all areas of their lives, and yet struggled with this specific area, that is, until they came to see me. After seeing me, they were in charge of their eating, and no longer felt bad because supposedly they lacked willpower.

In my work with patients that had food cravings and resolved them, it became clear to them during our work together that they were stuck in an old habit pattern that was no longer serving them. They had outgrown this pattern long ago, but were still operating on some level as if they could get what they wanted. Lack of willpower was not the issue, and never was.

You've heard the saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? In the case of food cravings, this is often what happens. A triggering event occurs, and by default, we return to an old outdated coping skill as a way to deal with it. We're not always conscious of this, but it happens nonetheless. Part of us still hopes that we will find a different outcome, but we just don't.

The work that I do with patients helps them quickly identify this outdated coping skill and resolve it on the spot, and it happens without effort. New neural pathways are created and the outdated neural pathways are 'retired.' Then and only then, can we develop new, current and up to date behaviors that serve our highest good, in the present time and situation.

Cravings Can Be Driven By Old Memories

So, how does this work for a person with cravings for sweets like pastries and chocolate? As an example, I recently worked with a patient that had very strong cravings for sugary foods, chocolate and bakery items. She couldn’t pass a bakery without going in and buying something. Before booking our session, she told me that she remembered feeling the most loved when her mother took her to the bakery and encouraged her to eat because she was so skinny. She didn't even really like the pastries, but she loved the whole experience with all the smells and warm feelings of love. Now, the key here is that she knew about this old memory, but the knowledge of it had not changed her behavior.

So, in her adult life, when she felt stressed or otherwise a little out of balance, her brain recalls the memory of the bakery experience. It felt good in the past, and that's the strategy that her brain knew to work, even though it was many decades outdated. The session however, changed her behavior and did so immediately and permanently. She automatically found a new strategy, that didn't involve that old, outdated habit. She was now free to walk by the chocolates and pastries around her and not be tempted. Before, she would not only have been tempted, but also indulged and then felt bad, as she knew better! She didn't need more willpower; she just needed to let go of an old pattern.

I'm always happy when this happens for my patients, even if it means I only see them once. Things are just easier when you're in charge of your eating. So, here's a question for you:

How would your life be different if you didn't have Food Cravings?

How would if feel to be in charge of your eating?

Contact me, I'm here if you want a little help.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc
The Food Craving Solution
15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA
e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA
p: 800.514.1406

Breaking the Cycle of Sugar Cravings

I am often asked about sugar cravings, and how I help with this very common craving. I help people break the cycle of craving with Acupressure, and it works even when the cravings are really strong. The result after treatment is that they don’t crave it in the same way, and if they have some, it doesn’t trigger more cravings as it did before. If you crave sugar, you may find this too good to be true, as you know how hard it is to resist, and how eating even a little bit, can turn into a binge.

After treatment, some people decide to avoid sugar altogether and others have it on occasion and enjoy it in smaller amounts than they used to eat. If they have some, they’re satisfied much more quickly and don’t want for more. I'll give an example of someone that used to be stuck in the cycle of craving, named Paul. He came to me over two years ago and is still craving free.

Struggling to Overcome Sugar Cravings

Paul tried cutting out sugar and chocolate on many occasion, and it worked for him for several weeks at a time. He'd done this many times before and knew it helped him to lose weight, when he could do it. He’d be doing fine and then something would come up, he’d eat something sweet and he’d be right back where he started with the additional helping of guilt and self defeat. This was not his fault, he was not a weak person, he was wired to crave.  His biochemistry made it difficult to resist sweets. This is not unique to Paul. Many patients tell me they were doing fine with sugar until a family member came into town or they got into an argument with someone, etc. Can you relate?

There is no peace in this cycle of craving. Sugar becomes the thing to be avoided or the thing desired, but which doesn’t truly satisfy. When we crave sugar, there simply is no peace. Peace is evasive if we avoid it or if we eat it.  I'm not advocating that people eat sugar; I'm just suggesting there could be more peace involved around sugar.  So, back to Paul’s sugar cravings.

Can Peace with Sugar Be Found? 

Paul came to me for help as he wanted to lose weight and his cravings were getting in the way of achieving his goals. We had one session and Paul was free of the cycle of craving. The great thing was that his craving for sugar, chocolate and junk food all resolved together. That happens sometimes, where multiple cravings clear in a single session. After his session, he was able to make food choices that were in alignment with his desire and he lost 20 pounds over the following months. He said it was easy now to follow a healthy food plan. He knew what to eat; he didn’t need my help with weight loss, as all he needed was to be in charge of his eating.

Yes, Peace with Sugar Can Be Found 

If you could break your cycle of craving for good, would you be interested in hearing more? I've worked with many men and women with their cravings for simple sugars. Before making any dietary, lifestyle, supplement or treatment suggestions, we focus on the 'underlying' cause of their craving with Acupressure. This addresses it at its source, the only place where true and permanent relief can be found.

 After the craving is resolved, the unwanted habits fade. Some patients just need that one session and they are done, others need continued support. After the craving is cleared, I’m always happy to make recommendations for continued healing when appropriate.

I've had so many patients ask about their results, "Could it be this simple?" My response is, YES, it can be and you're living proof!  So, if you’re stuck in the cycle of craving sugar and you’d like a simple solution to break the cycle, contact me, I’m here to help.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc 
The Food Craving Solution
15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA
e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA
p: 800.514.1406

Cravings for Tea and Coffee Replaced by Satisfaction

I wanted to share a testimonial sent by a client because it describes what can happen during a food craving session. Everyone's experience and outcome is unique to them, but more peace around food is a common theme.

Really, I couldn't describe this better myself and am grateful to Michele for sharing this with you. Sharing this is important, because most people with food cravings think they are the only one who struggle with them. They think everyone else has it all under control. This is just not true, and when one person shares, it can help someone else trying to overcome a similar issue. Sometimes, we just need to know that help is available. So here it is:

'I went to see Kara because I knew there was something off in my relationship with tea and coffee. I noticed that when I was out to coffee with a girlfriend, I didn't need to drink the whole cup, but when I was home alone, I would go through 2 or 3 cups in the morning without thinking, and then drink black tea with milk and sugar in the afternoon -- sometimes ALL afternoon. What I found in my work with her was that the warm, sweet drinks were standing in for love that I desperately wanted, and couldn't find on my own (I could find it when I was with a friend). My mantra became, "I choose to have all the love I need," and my desire for those sweet things diminished remarkably. I still drink tea and coffee, but much more mindfully. I found Kara's approach to my weirdness around tea to be exactly what I needed. She found the heart of the issue in under an hour, and her solution continues to serve me, many months later. I can't recommend her highly enough to people with "inexplicable" food cravings.

Michele V.
Berkeley, CA

Why We Crave

Coffee and Tea are a wonderful treat, but they're no substitute for love and friendship. If you're struggling with cravings for tea or coffee that get out of hand, please know that you are not alone. These cravings are so common in our fast paced society, because we want for something that can get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes it's more energy, rest, or a boost in our mood we want. Sometimes it's the love of a friend we crave.

Cravings can be driven by our thoughts, emotions as well as physical origins. The cause is not as important for treatment. There are so many reasons behind our cravings, but once we look at them while holding specific Acupressure points, the craving starts to fade and the craving is replaced by a greater sense of satisfaction. It doesn't matter if it's a physical or emotinal cause. If you're aware of 'why' you crave and you're wondering why you still crave, it might be because you haven't tried Acupressure. Curious? Call me, I can help you.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc
The Food Craving Solution
15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA
e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA)
p: 800.514.1406

Do You Love Sugar? Do You Love Sugar a Little Too Much?

Many of us have a love affair with sugar; I hear it all the time. We love it, we crave it. But, sometimes if we have some it’s hard to stop. If we overdo, it doesn't have the best effect on us physically, mentally or emotionally. Can you relate to a sugar hangover? Most of us can relate at some point in our lives, even if it was as a kid at Halloween.

Why We Crave Sugar and Sweets

It's such a common craving and it’s not surprising as it's sort of built into our biology. Here are just a few reasons why we can crave sweets and sugar:

• It gives us quick energy and quick adrenaline rushes fueled by adequate blood sugar kept our ancestors alive

• It has temporary mood elevating effects (though short lived and often followed by a crash and more cravings)

• It can taste pretty good and let’s face it, we’re creatures seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, and sugar promotes pain relieving chemicals in our brains

• The sweet taste in nature is linked with nutrients we need, like in fruit (fruit used to be scarce and only available in season)

• The sweet flavor was the first we were introduced to in breast milk; we’re 'wired' for sweets

• We have memories about eating sugar as children, that can fuel our current adult cravings and this can be totally out of our awareness
  

So this just a short list, there are other reasons we crave sugar, mentally, emotionally, physically and even spiritually. But the good news is, we’re not stuck with the status quo of craving. What if you could break the cycle of craving sugar? What if you could have some sugar and not be tempted to excess? Or, what if you would like to avoid sweets altogether, but haven’t been able to follow through? Keep reading, as I’ll tell you how you can do that.

Life Stress and Coping

Current life stress can fuel our cravings, but we can do something about that response. We often can crave sugar when we’re stressed, which is an old biological pattern, and our attempt to deal with the stress is linked to what has worked well in the past. If you were ever given a sugary treat when you didn’t feel good, you have the memory, even if forgotten, that eating a sugary treat can make you feel better. Can you remember your first sugary treat?

These memories get hardwired into our habit patterns over time, and it becomes unconscious after a while. So, when you feel stress in your current life (emotional, mental or physical) you might think about sugar helping you feel better. It may be a thought or it may feel like a strong physical urge. You might have the thought that a cookie would help you get through that pile of work on your desk. It can be any number of foods or situations, but they are often linked to past memories, and outdated ways of coping. This is often ouyt of our awareness.

How to Break the Cycle

There are a couple of ways to cut down your sugar intake and thus break the cycle of craving. You can go 'cold turkey' and you may even experience withdrawal symptoms like a headache, worsening of your cravings or fatigue. This usually passes in a few days. You can also slowly cut it out of your diet, and you may see your cravings fade.

It's also important to make sure you have adequate mineral intake, especially Chromium, and that you're getting adequate Protein, etc. Seeking the help of a Nutrition Consultant can be helpful if you're unclear about a balanced diet to promote stable blood sugar.

There are a few problems with this plan, though it works for many, it's built on an unstable foundation. It requires you to avoid sugar else your cravings can return. I've seen people that have a tendency to crave sugar fall back into craving if they have any sugar at all. A relative comes into town, a stressful event comes up or PMS takes over and they're back into the habit of sugar.  This cycle can erode one's self-esteem and confidence.

How to Break the Cycle for Good

The best solution in my experience, is to change the pattern on the level of your memory and the underlying unconscious habits. The most effective way to accomplish this is with self-applied acupressure. When the awareness of the pattern is seen while you’re holding acupressure points, the pattern is replaced, or updated to a better, more current version. The updated version is more appropriate to your current adult self and your current needs and desires, not the needs of a child.

So, once your craving pattern has changed, the next time you’re faced with stress, you find a better way to deal with it, a more adult way that doesn’t require a cookie, etc. You won’t miss the cookie, but you might decide to have one when you’re not stressed, and you’ll probably enjoy it more. You'll feel in control and not run by your cravings or the need to avoid sugar and any situation where sugar might be found. How would it feel to walk past a buffet table of desserts and not be tempted?

If you'd like to be able to break the cycle of sugar craving, call me, I can help you. If you have sugar after your craving is cleared, you won't be tempted to excess and you will feel in charge. You will find peace with sugar. How does that sound?

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution

15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA

e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA)
p: 800.514.1406

Do you Scream for Ice Cream?

Sometimes our food cravings can make us feel like we're a kid again. It's like there's the mature rational adult self, and this other part that feels like a screaming 5 year old. Can you relate?

When we have these cravings, it's often clear we don't need the ice cream, but there's a part of us that WANTS IT RIGHT NOW!

If you've ever felt this way, you're not alone, believe me on this one. And if you've felt this way once, you've probably felt it a lot in your life, and more intensely with stress. That's because this is a habit, a pattern that has  been created neurologically, and it's sometimes hard to break. If you haven’t been able to break it, be kind to yourself, it’s not easy, and if you could have done it, by yourself you would have.

So, when you face stress, anxiety, upset, boredom or some other difficulty, this pattern of craving can get triggered, and it can be intense.

What is this Food Craving About?

One way of thinking about it is this....it's a survival mechanism, nothing more. It's a quick way to help ourselves feel better and deal with the stress in the moment. Another way of thinking about it is that it's the best way we've known so far to deal with the stress at hand. The problem is, that this habit is old, it's outdated, it's not really in line with with our current adult ways of being. We can't always run to get ice cream, we may not want or need the fat and sugar, and the worst part of the whole pattern, is that it doesn't solve our original problem of dealing with stress.

• Insights Come: These insights are unique to you and usually help you deal with stress differently, and in a better way. It's usually something simple, but in the heat of a food craving, it's hard to see these other ways.
   
• Choice Returns: Once the craving is relieved, you have the option to truly enjoy ice cream without getting out of control, without compulsion. Instead, you have the choice to eat with an experience of peace, pleasure and confidence. You can also choose to avoid eating ice cream, but it will be your choice, and it will be a peaceful choice.  If you do eat some ice cream, you won't have a 'food hangover' because you'll enjoy smaller amounts and it won't trigger more stress or guilt.
  

What Does a Baker and a Nutritionist Have in Common? Plenty!

I had the great pleasure of meeting in Campbell, CA with Connie Martin, the Constant Baker. I had the chance to taste some of her organic 'energy bites', made with peanut butter, oats, and sweetened with a little honey. They were delicious, yet not too sweet!

Connie has a passion for baking and started baking at an early age. She makes a variety of organic treats including cookies, lemon bars, and cupcakes to name just a few. Pictured left is one of her flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk cookies, which I haven't tasted yet, but would like to. This is a treat that even the gluten sensitive or intolerant can enjoy.

But, now back to my question. What do Connie, the baker, and me, the Nutritionist, have in common? Plenty, actually! Here are just a few things:

1. We both on occasion enjoy a sweet treat and truly enjoy them without guilt or overdoing
    
2. We appreciate organic, real food made with the highest quality ingredients
    
3. We think a healthy relationship with food is important!

Organic Preservative Free Baked Goods!

If you like sweets, I suggest you check out Connie's products; they're organic, made with care, and without artificial ingredients or preservatives. Perhaps this is how our great grandmothers baked? She can even put a logo on a cookie for you. The good news is that the beautiful colors on the cookies and other products are made from vegetable dyes.

Like I said, I tried some of her organic energy bites, and I'm going to order some. I'm always looking for snacks for when I'm working or I get hungry between meals. I think I've found it in her energy bites, as they are not too sweet and did I mention delicious? You can order them via mail and keep them in the freezer until you need them (they have no preservatives). Just take them out of the freezer in the morning, and have them as an afternoon snack.

Connie has wheat free products too, if you're following a gluten free or wheat free diet, and the photo above is proof of how good they look. She also mentioned she was going to start creating treats with tahini and sesame seeds so that those allergic to peanuts can enjoy a treat too. So, stay tuned.
 

Can You Eat Just One?

So, if you have a healthy diet, and have an occasional treat, it's probably okay, especially if you don't overindulge. If you're Diabetic or Pre-diabetic or have other conditions, this is not necessarily true for you, but you already know that.

It's true that too much sugar is not good for us in general, but on occasion, for celebration or pleasure, it can be okay for many of us. You know if this is true for you.

Treats ought to be treats, so you can look forward to them and savor them. So, if you can enjoy cookies, cupcakes or other sweet treats on occasion without overdoing, enjoy them and let it be a part of your overall healthy lifestyle. Denying yourself treats can lead to overindulging, so don't be too strict with yourself.

If the thought of sweets makes you feel out of control or if you have to stay away from any baked goods because you can't eat just one, I can help. I help people every day find peace with food, let go of their food cravings and be in charge of their eating.  How would it feel to see a cookie, feel in charge and decide if you want to eat one or not. And if you decided to eat one, be able to stop at one and feel satisfied. How would that feel?

Please comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution

15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA

e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA)
p: 800.514.1406

Dispelling Myths about People Struggling with Food Cravings

I was having coffee with someone recently, and he innocently asked me about my practice, and what kind of person comes to me for help with their food cravings. His question was:

'Are these people just lazy? Do they just have no self control?'

I responded with something like this:

'My patients come in all shapes, sizes and genders, and they are some of the most kind, hard working, thoughtful and intelligent people I know. Often they have this one area that's giving them problems. They are often highly educated, successful, and would do anything to be in control of this one issue. They're hardwired to crave, it's not their fault.'

I'm not sure if he 'got it' as he was not one to crave, how can he possibly understand? When people haven't experienced a strong craving before, they just can't understand. Just saying NO, and not eating the food sounds really easy for them, because it IS easy for them. Do you know people like this? Hopefully, you don't compare yourself to them. They are wired differently, and I'm pretty sure they have issues they struggle with that you don't.

Anyways, back to the Myths of people that crave that I often hear:

Myth #1: People that Crave are Overweight

(Many of my clients are at their ideal weight and many are underweight and trying to gain weight)

Myth #2: Cravings are a 'Woman's Thing'

(It's true that men crave differently from women, but some men have really strong cravings, just like women can have)

Myth #3: These people must be Lazy and lack Self Control

(If you're hardwired to crave, your self control and willpower are no match for your brain chemistry, and it has nothing to do with being lazy or lacking self control) 

Myth #4: There's something Wrong with Me or People that Crave

(With cravings, it's easy to feel like you're the only one that craves, or that there's something wrong with you. If there's anything wrong with you, it's just that there is an ON switch in your brain that needs to be turned to the OFF position. It is not a character flaw. Imagine your nice new computer running on old, incompatible software. Is it the computers fault it's not functioning at 100%? No, it just needs a software upgrade!)

Food More Understanding and Compassion Needed

These myths are simply born out of not knowing or misunderstanding, so I have not judgment about them. We can't change other peoples perceptions, but we can change our own thoughts and beliefs, and we can have compassion for ourselves and others. All that being said, I still want to dispel these myths!

What other myths do you hear about these issues? Please comment, I'd love to hear from you.

Solutions for Food Cravings

If you're looking for help with your food cravings or food related issues, know there is help for you, even if you've tried everything. More willpower is not the answer. If you live near San Jose, CA or if you have a phone, I can help, Contact me for more information or to set up a complimentary 10 min consultation.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution

15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA

e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA)
p: 800.514.1406

It's That Time of Year Again: Are You Trying to Lose Weight?

If you are, here are a few thoughts that might come in handy. First, I'm not a weight loss guru, and yet I've learned a few things over the years as a professional helping others and by listening to my own body.

One thing I've learned is that it's much easier to lose weight when I don't focus on losing weight. This may seem strange, but let's think about this. When you're on a 'program' of any kind, it's a change and change can be good, but it's easy to backslide, and fall off 'the program.' Ingrained habits are not easy to change, and when we backslide, we can get down on ourselves. This is not productive. Can you relate?

Focus on Happiness, Not Your Scale or Measuring Tape

Whenever I've had a successful and lasting weigh loss, it was always when I was not trying to lose weight. It's when I was happy, fully living my life, eating and enjoying food and not thinking about weight loss or even food all that much. I was living in balance. What I learned is that by not focusing on losing weight (when I wanted to) I actually lost weight with ease, because I was focusing on more important things, like happiness and creativity.

I see weight gain as a symptom, just like back pain. When balance is restored, the back pain goes away. It's the same in many cases with weight, when balance is restored, weight comes off with much greater ease, and there's no deprivation involved.

I've had several patients do a session for their food habits, and months later report back that they lost 20-40 pounds with ease, because they had addressed the cause of their overeating. This is not always the case, it often takes more than one session, but the point is, it's easier when you are in the right frame of mind.

May I Suggest a New Focus? A Few Tips?

Begin with the end in mind, and think of change that is lasting, not fleeting or unsustainable. You want weight loss that is sustainable, and you want to feel balanced when you arrrive at your goal, not voraciously running to the fridge because you're starving on some level. You don't want to gain weight back, as it will be harder and harder to get it off if you starve yourself into weight loss.

Don't focus on weight loss, focus on feeling good in the long run and changing your habits in a sustainable way, without deprivation. Set yourself up for success by doing the things that make you feel good:

1. Experience Pleasure: Take a bath before bed, get a massage, go to a movie and laugh, paint a picture, do something daily that makes you feel good physically, mentally and emotionally.

2. Move: Move your body regularly, not because it burns calories, but because your body wants to move and it moves energy, and this helps reduce tension on all levels. Do something you enjoy!
    
3. Reduce Stress: Anticipate your stresses as much as you can and do yoga or meditation or whatever helps you to calm your nervous system, and shed stress. These practices also feeds your spirit, which is imporant no matter what.
    
4. Elminate Negative Thinking: Become aware of your negative thinking about your body. Learn to catch yourself when you find yourself being critical as much as you can. You are always doing your best, and berating yourself will not help you reach your goals any faster.
    
5. Listen to Your Body: When you're tired, rest. When you're hungry eat, your body is sendng you signals all the time. When you don't listen to them, they can get louder until you pay attention.
    
6. Address Difficulty: Change the things that are causing you stress and face your challenges the best you can. Avoiding these can lead you to overeating.
    
7. Be With: When you get the urge to eat when you know you shouldn't, try sitting with yourself and see what really needs to be addressed. Breath. Notice what's going on around you. Inquire into how you're feeling and if you need anything in that moment.

Tools For Change

One of the ways to change the patterns that create tension, stress and weight gain is to use Acupressure. This helpful tool can help eliminate the obstacles to your permanent weight loss.

In my practice in Los Gatos, CA, I utilize the Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT).  This method helps my clients with stress, habits of overeating, eliminating food cravings and changing unwanted food habits. It's an effective simple and gentle technique that can be done by yourself, in a group or in a private session with me, and even over the phone.

I wish you good luck wiith your weight loss efforts! And remember, focus on balance, and put your well-being first.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

Acupuncture by Kara &
The Food Craving Solution

15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA

e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA)
p: 800.514.1406

Greetings and Happy New Year from Los Gatos, CA!

I wish you all the best for your Health and Happiness in the New Year! I'm feeling like 2010 is going to be a great year, how about you?

I have a new location in Los Gatos, CA. I'm excited about serving more patients in the Silicon Valley and beyond for Acupuncture, Food Cravings, and Allergy Relief. I'll be offering New Patient specials in the month of January, including this one for Acupuncture:

$50.00 off an Initial Visit for Acupuncture (normally $125.00), you only pay $75.00 for the Initial Exam. Book your appt online before 1/15/10 to enjoy this special price.

I also just bought a beautiful new La-Z-Boy chair yesterday, that will be soooo comfortable for my Acupressure patients. I'm also going to use it for patients receiving Acupuncture as it's VERY comfortable and relaxing for needles. This will also allow me to offer sessions for couples in the same treatment room at a reduced rate. I'm excited about all of this and I can't wait to get started.

So make an appt in the New Year and get your year started off on a healthy note and save money. Put your Health and Happiness first and relax in my new La-Z-Boy chair.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

Acupuncture by Kara &
The Food Craving Solution

15066 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA

e: kara(at)karasorensen.com
p: 408.805.5272 (KARA)
p: 800.514.1406

Why Diets Fail You

Diets fail YOU because they don't address the true cause of your cravings and the habits that inevitably cause you to stray. Diets are not sustainable and rely on willpower, control and deprivation. This does not lead to weight loss in a peaceful or permanent way. Temporary, maybe, but I'm guessing you're looking for lasting change. Wouldn't it be nice if your goal could be achieved with your peace of mind intact?

It's Not Your Fault

The fact that you haven't been successful with diets is not your fault.  It's not a matter of having more willpower, or finding a better diet. It's more about finding the true cause of your cravings and overeating, so you can put those habits in the past. Then, it will be easier to stick to a healthy, sustainable and enjoyable plan.

Where Do Food Habits and Food Cravings Come From?

Strong cravings are old habits that used to work for you years ago.  They are habits that once brought you satisfaction, if only fleeting. These habits don't work for you any longer, but they have not been replaced with a new and better habit.  In my work with patients, it has become obvious that most cravings are associated with old memories, usually pleasant one’s. Often, you crave the same foods that made you feel good as a child. They may not be the same exact food, but they make you feel a certain way. It's the memory that drives your current cravings and causes you to overeat. By holding Acupressure points, the neural connection is made and this old memory gets reintegrated into your nervous system, and it doesn’t have the power to drive your cravings like before.

Recognizing Old Habits

Here's an example of why it's hard to stay on a diet or change your habits related to food. Let's say you regularly travel through the same small town you used to as a child. You often stop to eat at the same restaurant your family visited when you were a child and it still looks exactly the same. You're not really satisfied with the service or the food, but you don't see any alternatives, and it's familiar. So, when you get hungry passing through town, you stop when you see the neon 'EAT' sign. You eat, but you're not really satisfied, but it's familiar and you can't see a better option.

A New Habit Emerges

Then, one day, the neon 'EAT' sign breaks down, and alas, you can now see a new restaurant sign because you're not seeing flashing neon. You go there and this place has a great menu, an amazing chef and a staff that actually smiles. You can't imagine going back to the previous restaurant. In comparison, thinking back about it, you realize it's old, outdated, and dirty and the staff is grumpy. Yes, you have pleasant childhood memories about the place, but that's in the past, it's not the same. Why would you want to go back? 

You think to yourself, 'Why didn't I see this new restaurant sooner? Why did I put up with that bad food and bad service?' Because all you could see was the flashing neon 'EAT' sign! You couldn't see the other sign because it was not visible; flashing neon drowned it out. The new place is much more enjoyable, so you stop going to the old place, even though you could. Now you can choose, you're not locked into an old habit pattern. 

Freedom From Food Cravings & Old Habits

Once you make this change in a session, you have more options available to you, options that you haven't even imagined yet.  A well-worn groove or habit is replaced by a variety of new choices available to you. Once your cravings are fully addressed, you're not destined to repeat the same old habits that no longer serve you; you'll be in charge and have more choice.  You'll even have the choice to eat the food you used crave, but it will feel completely different, and won't result in more cravings or overeating. You can also choose to avoid them.

Success does not require willpower. It just requires targeting your specific cravings and habits, then, you'll find it easier to stick to your plan. Success is found when you get to and resolve the root cause of your cravings, habits of overeating and patterns that lead you off track. When this is achieved, you won't want for more willpower to make good choices, it will feel natural for you to be in charge.

If you're curious about what is ultimately possible for you, visit the Make Peace with Food page. If you'd like to break free from the cycle of yo-yo dieting, or would like to finally make peace with food, please contact me.

Yours in Health,

Kara Sorensen, MS, LAc

The Food Craving Solution

15066 los Gatos-Almaden Rd, Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA

408.805.5272 (KARA)
800.514.1406
kara(at)karasorensen.com