THE JOY OF HALF A COOKIE!
I think about this often in preparation for the holiday season and the stress that it often brings people. Oh, how it is easier said than done! When the seasons change and life presents increased challenges, I dig deep into my own arsenal of tools to manage my own stress/anxiety, diet, and healthy lifestyle. More than ever during the season change and holidays, I try to practice what I preach what I learned in nursing, yoga training, and use my treatment manual in mindful eating. My co-workers laugh when they see little notes that say; “Jen, are you hungry or are you just craving because you are emotional?” I was fortunate to enroll in a program that taught me exercises that I can do personally and teach professionally to our patients.
MB-Eat is a training program that was created by the best-selling author, Andrea Lieberstein, MPH, RDN, RYT, IMTA, CMT, of the book Well Nourished, and Jean Kristeller, author of Joy of Half the Cookie. Andrea is the director of the Mindful eating training institute (METI) and she trains professionals around the world to share her expertise in mindful eat. I enrolled in her 12-week course to gain more knowledge and best practices for my personal growth as well as my professional growth. In addition to triaging calls and helping patients in our office, I also support the weight management program at CGH that is created and offered by a compassionate team of professionals that offer a comprehensive weight management program. I will offer accountability, compassion, support, and mindful eating exercises along the way. I have over 20 years of experience of nursing that ranges from psychiatry, general medicine, and gastrointestinal specialty. In addition to MB-eat certificate, I have been trained in MBSR (mindful based stress reduction) and earned a 200-hour registered yoga teacher. I am passionate about my own diet and lifestyle to help prevent chronic illnesses. I hope to share some of my expertise and exercises that I have learned to help our patient population. The program taught me to embody the practice and teach mindfulness meditation and mindful eating from an authentic place of experience. Life is busy and stressful and I hope to be able to support you on a lifelong journey in mindful eating, mindful compassion and integrative nutrition approached for optimal well-being. Please call Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health at 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com to learn more about our weight management program.
LATE BREAKING NEWS
Our team of providers has just gained the assistance of an exceptional GI psychologist, Sharon Jedel. Over the last sixteen years, Dr. Jedel has been a faculty member at Rush University in the Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and has worked extensively with patients with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. She has a deep understanding of the mind-gut connection and the interplay of emotional and mental health with GI symptoms. Dr. Jedel uses an integrative approach toward her work with patients, combining cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help patients manage their physical and emotional symptoms with insight-oriented therapy to assist patients in achieving a deeper understanding of their feelings and experiences. Utilizing this approach and working collaboratively with patients, Dr. Jedel helps to empower patients to effect change–a transformative process that can enable individuals to endure fewer GI symptoms and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.
Dr. Jedel starts in December and also cares for mental health concerns WITHOUT any gastrointestinal issues. Call 224.407.4400 to schedule a consultation!