I am moving in the next couple of weeks and I think that most of you would agree how hectic and stressful packing and moving can be – especially when you have a career to manage. Well, I am no different than most women who sometimes try to do it all but I can honestly say I have been very stressed lately. Because of this, my life seems to be off and I am not as focused as I normally am and this can lead me to overeating. I began to see my eating pattern change about a week ago, not horribly, but enough to make me take notice and realize that my eating pattern was off. For me, staying focused is key to eating well since this is essential to making me look and feel better. When I am polluting my body with processed foods and not the fruits and vegetables I normally eat my whole world can go into overload. Most processed foods are pure junk and in the end are not good for my health. When I eat them, especially sugars, I am always craving more and more and if I do not stop this then binging is right around the corner. While binging for me is not what it was years ago, it is still an issue. Those days of stressful binge eating still stir up every once in a while. When that happens, if I do not handle it properly, it can be a disaster. So, the first step is to realize that this is a problem. In other words, if food is the way you rescue yourself from any stressful situation, know that before it occurs. This way it can be much easier to deal with. Just take a step back, look at what you need to do to care for yourself in a healthy way and get right back on track. It is really important not to take it to the next level. For me it is the emotional roller coaster of self-loathing and feeling horrible about yourself. That is the worst feeling to shake off. Unless it is stopped with a positive affirmation such as “OK, so I am still fine even though I was off track today” or “I will get back on track; that is what I do” or anything that you know that will get you back mentally. Do not sit and be negative. Get up, take a deep breath, and get back in the game. THAT IS WHAT I DOEVERY TIME. Debra

Hi everyone, What gorgeous weather we have been having. Yesterday was spectacular! The CURVY GIRL TEAM and I were invited to sponsor and participate in the WALK FROM OBESITY this past Saturday. The event took place in Willow Grove, PA. A lot of people showed up to walk and give their pledges. Obesity is a major crisis in this country and no one wants to really talk about it. For some, changing their diet and controlling themselves will be enough. But for others, it is not. For them weight loss is a more complicated issue and surgery is the only answer. Gastric bypass surgery is saving lives and giving some a second chance for a better quality of life. I personally lost my weight with diet, exercise and mental skills, but I still know the emotional and mental struggles that go along with this problem. I was more than happy to be at the Walk seeing people, especially one of my CURVY GIRLS (Lori), walking the 3 miles to the finish line. Lori did a spectacular job while Jennifer helped back at our table. All in all it was a great day. Well be posting photos of the event soon on our website. For years I have been saying that FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES. Do not wait until you lose weight or have the right state of mind to get into a fun, safe fitness routine that will help you want to change your life. Many women who are not a size 4 have to come to realize the benefits of a fitness routine. You will feel better and therefore want to look better. We are going to be spreading the word and you are welcome to come to Lane Bryant on 34th Street in Manhattan, New York on Friday October 5 at 8:00 pm. The CURVY GIRL TEAM has been invited to be part of a Bra Fitting promotion. We will be there to help promote the event and the CURVY GIRL WORKOUT. Lane Bryant has really started making some very beautiful sexy clothes for larger women and I believe that you can feel sexy and beautiful at any size if you have the right attitude. I am off to take my dog Hannah out for a 5-mile power walk/run at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where I hang out a lot. The path is great and Hannah loves to run with me. There is so much for her to smell and of course lots of other dogs to say hi to. Debra