Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker

How to Break Free from Perfectionism in Health Goals

Striving for perfect health habits can feel like walking a tightrope—you’re constantly trying to balance it all without slipping. I know this feeling all too well. As a former Type A perfectionist, I spent years setting impossibly high standards for myself, believing that anything less than perfect was a failure. But here’s the truth I’ve come to embrace: perfectionism isn’t helping your health, it’s holding you back.

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Health Coaching, Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Health Coaching, Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

Rebuilding a Positive Relationship with Exercise

The pressure was always there: more miles, more effort, more results. Slowing down wasn’t an option. Over time, as my metabolism naturally slowed down with age, the relationship between exercise and food became even more complicated. I started viewing exercise as a way to earn my food—justifying hunger, allowing myself to eat carbs, and making sure I didn’t feel guilty about what was on my plate. I told myself that if I didn’t train hard, I was being irresponsible and risking weight gain. It was never about punishment, but rather a system of rules: train more, eat less.

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

How to Manage Food Intolerances Without Feeling Restricted

Let’s be honest—dealing with food intolerances is no picnic. Whether it’s gluten, sugar, or chocolate (why, oh why, does it have to be chocolate?), cutting out certain foods can make you feel like you're missing out on life’s little joys. And here’s where it gets tricky: trying to avoid certain foods for health reasons can start to feel like you’re stuck in a restrictive mindset. You don’t want to feel like you're constantly saying “no” to foods and missing out, but how do you balance these necessary restrictions without feeling like you're depriving yourself? It’s all about approaching food choices with care, not control.

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

5 Signs You’re Stuck in a Diet Mentality (and How to Break Free)

Let’s be real—breaking free from the grips of diet culture isn’t a one-and-done situation. Even for those of us on the intuitive eating journey, the food police can still pop into our heads every now and then, whispering things like, “You shouldn’t eat that,” or, “You haven’t earned that meal.” I’ve been there, and maybe you have too.

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

Quieting Food Noise

Food noise is a struggle that many people face, especially when trapped in the cycle of dieting and the pressure to lose weight. It’s that constant mental chatter about food — wondering if you’re eating the “right” things, feeling guilty about your choices, thinking about dinner when you’re about to eat lunch, or focusing on the cookies in the break room when you need to hit a deadline. For those stuck in this mindset, food noise can be overwhelming, making it hard to enjoy eating or trust your body’s signals. I’ve been there, and I know how exhausting it can be. But understanding why this happens is the first step towards quieting the chatter and finding peace with food.

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

Making Sense of Cravings and Binge Eating on Your Healing Journey

If you’ve ever felt like your brain is constantly craving sweets or worried that you can’t stop eating once you start, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But here’s the thing—those moments aren’t setbacks; they’re part of the journey. And each step you take, even the tough ones, is bringing you closer to a more peaceful relationship with food.

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

Fall Flavors and Intuitive Eating: A Sweet Journey

Baking brings me so much joy. Whether it's the creative process, the enticing aroma that fills the kitchen, or the satisfaction of enjoying the final product, I just love it. However, I haven’t been baking much lately because I sometimes hear that little voice in my head telling me it’s unhealthy. But this past weekend, I decided to get back on the baking wagon, and I’m so glad I did!

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

When Did We Start Labeling Food as “Good” or “Bad”? And Why?

How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I shouldn’t eat that, it’s bad for me,” or “I’ve been so good today, I deserve a treat”? It’s like we’ve all been programmed to see food in this black-and-white way, as if what we eat somehow defines our worth. But seriously, when did we start doing this? When did food become something to feel guilty or proud about?

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Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker

How the Diet Industry Profits from Your Insecurities

It’s time we talk about something that might make a few people uncomfortable. But honestly, it’s a conversation that’s long overdue. Here it is: the diet industry profits off your insecurity. Yep, I said it. And deep down, I think most of us already know it, but it’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when we’ve spent years—maybe even decades (that’s me!) —chasing after the promises they sell.

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Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating Cindy Parker

The Hidden Costs of Chronic Dieting: Physical and Emotional Impacts

As someone who has spent years trying to navigate the complexities of dieting, I’ve come to understand that the costs of chronic dieting extend far beyond the number on the scale. The physical and emotional tolls of constantly trying to lose weight can be overwhelming. Looking back, I don’t know how I survived it all. I am grateful every day for where I am now and how much I have overcome to get to this point in my life.

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Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker

What We Can Learn from Female Olympians About Body Diversity and Strength

This past weekend I was watching the US women's gymnastics team flip and soar with grace, and then witnessing the raw power and elegance of the US women's swim team at the Paris Olympics, I was struck by a profound realization: strength and beauty come in so many different forms. These awe-inspiring athletes, each with their unique body types, inspired me to delve into the lessons we can learn about body diversity and strength. Let's explore how these amazing athletes can help us heal our relationship with food and embrace our unique bodies.

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Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker Intuitive Eating, Health Coaching Cindy Parker

Embracing the Hormonal Roller Coaster: Navigating Cravings and Self-Care During Your Menstrual Cycle

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the conductors of your menstrual cycle. They rise and fall throughout the month, affecting everything from your mood to your metabolism. While these changes are natural, they can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when cravings hit hard.

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Health Coaching Cindy Parker Health Coaching Cindy Parker

Staying Accountable: Tools and Tips to Keep You on Track

Embarking on a health and wellness journey is a commendable step, and staying accountable to yourself is a key element to ensure your success. While support from friends, family, and your health coach can be incredibly helpful, self-accountability empowers you to take control of your health and well-being. Today, we’ll explore why being accountable to yourself is so crucial and share some practical tools and tips to help you stay committed to your health goals.

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