[caption id="attachment_21506" align="alignleft" width="116"]Grade 6 graduation Grade 6 graduation[/caption] I have a beautiful, intelligent, caring, sensitive, perceptive 13 year old daughter. She just finished her first year of high school and thriving.  She loves acting, singing and playing waterpolo.  As her mom I have taught her a lot over the last thirteen years; how to cross the street,  how to ride her bike, how to tie her shoes, table manners, conversation skills...the list goes on and as she continues to grow as she still has a lot to learn.

 I recently went to NYC with my son and my best friend for what I thought was going to be the easiest place to keep the feet moving and the mouth resting!  Not to my surprise, the "TEMPTATIONS" of this  fascinating city hit me at every angle and every corner!  Walking, talking, looking and shopping, there were food temptations beyond belief. From street vendors, to the famous Eataly across from  the unique Flat Iron building, to Soho's Jack's Wife Frieda, to the best Ribs at Daisy May BBQ on West 46th, and finally the outdoor Brooklyn Food Fair, an absolute foodies haven.  After 24 hours I  asked myself...why is this happening to me?

When you look into the mirror, what do you see and how do you feel?

For many, our human conditioning has automatically programmed us to see and feel the worst part of ourselves. Ultimately leading to a very critical and unhappy self-image.

FACE IT… FAD DIETS DON’T  WORK… LIFESTYLE CHANGES DO – Most of us look outside ourselves for that quick fix to shed 10 or 20 pounds with a fad diet. When this goal is reached we receive raving compliments from a partner, a family member or a good friend and we give ourselves a slap on the back for a job well done. We’ve worked so hard and we truly believe that this time the weight is off forever. But unfortunately as time moves on so do old habits and behaviors. No sooner than later that day comes in the not so distant future when we look in the mirror, try on those new jeans we rewarded ourselves with and the zipper barely budges!      Yes, we’ve gained it all back with a bit more and we don’t’ understand how or why! Does this scenario sound familiar?