As long as I can remember, I have been interested in the impact of the mind and spirit on the body. 

When I entered college, I wanted to study neurophysiology, hoping to get a glimpse into ‘what makes us tick.’  Luckily, in my freshman year, I realized (after several hours in the organic chemistry lab) that I couldn’t stand being in the lab on beautiful Spring days.  Before long I had transferred to the nursing department where I could explore the relationships between body and mind - and be around people too!

My curiosity about the interplay of body, mind and spirit has deepened over the years due to my own experiences and those with whom my life has intersected, both professionally and personally.  While working in oncology and hospice, I was able to witness how those facing life-threatening illnesses often let go of that which is not truly important.  They wake up to their lives, face their grief and hold tight to those around them.

Because of my experiences, I always spend some time discussing the importance of purpose and meaning in the Health at Every Size classes I facilitate. 

We explore our beliefs and values and look for connections between our sense of life’s meaning and our relationship with food and with ourselves.  We discuss the causes of compulsive eating and begin the (life-long) process of learning what we are truly hungry for - both as it concerns food and the rest of life.

Thus, I was thrilled to see that Geneen Roth has a new book entitled, Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything.  I have found her previous books to be delightful - she is open, funny and inspiring. 

Though I have just started, I expect I will thoroughly enjoy her new book, too.  She shares how our beliefs and behaviors around food are linked to our beliefs about the world and our place in it.  I look forward to finishing the book!  I’m sure it will spur additional posts in the future.

Have you read this book?  Do you have any reactions to the title or my brief description?  I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.  And if you have read any of Geneen’s other books, I’d love to hear which one is your favorite!

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.