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Brigid Fitzgerald

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25.01.2022 IMPROVE THE FIBRE IN YOUR DIET! You probably think you already have enough fibre and why should it matter anyway. Fibre has been thrown around for ages and no one really knows what it's all about anyway - especially with all the media info out there, books and magazine articles....too much info and too much confusion.... In Western society, we eat only about 15grams a day... What does fibre do? Fibre slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream from the gut, it makes us feel full (thus helpful when dealing with sugar cravings) and reduces cholesterol. The problem people face is that people often consume fibre from packaged and canned foods which are refined and processed. These foods provide far less fibre than whole, real foods. To get the fibre you need, eat fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole (gluten-free) grains and beans (in moderation) It doesn't' sound like enough does it - you'll be surprised once you see the variety of delicious foods that are available once you begin. Once you get over you tastebuds screaming for all the chemicals you have become used to - it's an absolute pleasure to have a beautiful home-cooked meal

25.01.2022 FAQ's Why is losing weight quickly an important step in beating Type 2 Diabetes? The main reason is that it's far easier for most people to lose 15kgs quickly than spreading it out over 6-12 months.... Once the excess fat has been removed from the pancreas the insulin begins to be produced correctly (unless it's been too long)

25.01.2022 FAQ's When beginning on a weight loss program is it true that I can't have any alcohol? Yes. Alcohol is essentially liquid fat... There are far more calories than people assume Beer has 200 calories in around 500ml (1 pint) and Australian beer bottles are 375ml....... Even light beer is relatively high in calories! Is it worth it? To free yourself from diabetes???? YES! It's only for 1-2 months, depending on how quickly you lose weight

25.01.2022 A little bit about me and the steps I took to manage my health after 2 very scary diagnoses Leave a comment below if you've watched this on the replay

25.01.2022 #GratitudeWeek Day 5! Is anyone else feeling something that's wonderful in their life they'd like to share? Today I'm grateful for having a calling that provides me with the freedom to be myself.... I meditate daily and this morning it was all about being so happy to be me and looking at how deep I could go into the possibilities I haven't been aware of. Once again - stoked for it to be a cold and rainy day :) and I'm also really glad to able to connect to all of you who read this page. It means a lot to me THANK YOU

24.01.2022 "The old idea that weight gain is simply a matter of calories in-calories out is falling apart. New evidence is showing that it can occur in the absence of calorie intake" Dr Mark Hyman You can gain weight and increase your fat storage (which can cause diabetes and chronic illness) by being exposed to toxins (packaged food, environmental toxins, pollution, junk food) without excess calories or less exercise.

24.01.2022 Going live tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10am AEST (Brisbane/Sydney time) It's been a while, like about 2-3 months I think, so there's a fair bit of catching up o be had. The subject will be....Cravings - ... Food Cravings, why they are there and how they got there.

24.01.2022 When your brain is calm and you are in a state of gratitude the physical effects are: *Flexible attention *Deep and slow breathing *Good digestion... *Reduced blood sugar and blood pressure *Reduced heartrate *Improved immune system *Relaxed muscles and flexibility See more

24.01.2022 STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING SABOTAGING HABITS *DRINK WATER! Water costs very little 500 ml (1 pint) fills the stomach during times of temptation ... You could also flavour the water with a sprig of mint, a squeeze of lemon or another herb of your choice. This sounds way too simple - but it works and also keeps your mind busy.

23.01.2022 STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING SABOTAGING HABITS Most of our daily activities and thoughts are subconscious. These are generally dictated by social conformity and habit... AVOID SITUATIONS - especially social eating - that will trigger your desire. If you find that the 'food simply turned up in your mouth before you knew it" you have been in a situation to avoid. Avoid people who will offer you a muffin even when they know of your goals - or have a good reply for them already prepared. Learn to say NO and feel ok about it Are you choosing to give in because you feel under social pressure? If so your reason isn't strong enough - go back and have another think to redefine your reason.

23.01.2022 This week I'm continuing on with information for those with Type 2 Diabetes - but you'll find this is also very useful for those who simply have trouble losing weight and keeping it off. Losing weight is essential if you have Type 2 Diabetes - in fact losing a lot and losing it quickly is the best way to do it. Just a quick reminder that being overweight doesn't cause Type-2 Diabetes - unless there's a predisposition to this through your genetic makeup... And that extra weight is never a healthy thing for your body to have to carry at any stage. This week we'll be going over *Strategies for regulating sabotaging behaviour *Some FAQ's *Golden Principles to stick by when losing weight

23.01.2022 What’s the best way to change your diet? There is no way around it. You have to be consistent as in anything.... If you are learning anything new, whether it’s learning a musical instrument, the rules of a new sport, how to drive a car none of these things are possible if you don’t practice. Practice entails failing, getting it wrong, getting it right, being praised and corrected. Thinking about it, wanting it and being willing to get out of your own way to try a new way of thinking and acting. To be happy with your decision and see the results. Compare it to driving a car. Getting your license would give you the freedom to see your friends, go to work, make money, make more friends, be independent and confident. https://wholefoodalchemy.com/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-cha/

22.01.2022 Are you ready to approach your life with fearlessness? Ready to discover the real you? Ready to be true to yourself and honour your possibilities?... Are you sick of being sick, overweight and reliant on the medical system? Do you feel as though your health has been taken out of your hands? Would you like to be on the road to recovery in 6 months with all the tools necessary to keep you there? You have all the courage and life experience to empower yourself - you just need some guidance support to realise it. NOW YOU NEED TO LEARN HOW, WHAT AND WHY THIS HEALTH BREAKTHROUGH IS FOR YOU AND TAKE THE STEP TO MAKE IT REAL. This 6-month program HEAL YOUR BODY - HEAL YOUR LIFE - is for you if you are ready to look seriously at your health from all angles and find the best way forward to break the old habits and form new healthy ways of living based on new experiences and new knowledge. It's for you if you are ready to take a risk, jump in with both feet - but still have a hand to hold. It's for you if you are frustrated with your health (or lack of) and want to be in control of it again. It's for you if you just aren't sure how to actually do this! You are limitless and your future can be very bright. To apply simple book a call with me https://wholefoodalchemy-bookings.as.me/30-min-wellbeing-se or email [email protected]

22.01.2022 HOW TO ESCAPE TYPE 2 DIABETES STEP 5: MAKE THE DECISION. What will make you take the leap?... I have coached people who have cancer and once they have been given the diagnosis they have decided that life is too short to do things they don't like anymore. They have quit work, radically changed their diet and worked out how to manage their life during this period of downtime. Type 2 diabetes causes all types of misery and shortens life. The same action should be taken as for any life-threatening diagnosis. It threatens your eyesight, your feet and your heart and your risk of getting a stroke is doubled. I'd call that life-threatening. Everything in your life changes. You are labelled as a "diabetic", spend long waits at the doctors' rooms, pay more for insurance and a lifetime of monitoring and medication. The approach of easing up on food for 3 months is far less disruptive than stopping work altogether. Less food surprisingly provides more energy as well. And ultimately - it is YOUR decision - one that means a lot to you and is made for reasons that are special to you. But a decision HAS to be made..... Message me - with any questions

22.01.2022 Morning everyone! Over the last 2-3 weeks I've been posting on menopause and diabetes - and it appears that there's quite a bit of interest on these issues. There have been quite a few requests for more info on particular problems that people face and I appreciate the interaction.... To everyone here who has asked me questions regarding their health and what to do to help it - remember this........ Health is a myriad of intertwining challenges and experiences that have happened and been formed over decades. Health comes from within and from without, it's moulded by the environment you grew up in, the country you live in, your family history, genetics, what you eat and have eaten, the medications you are taking and have taken in the past, the diagnoses you have been given and the manner it was given to you - and the prognosis you have been given, it's also governed by how you approach your health - whether it's with fear or willingness to tackle new horizons and overcome the obstacles in front of you. I could go on but ultimately what I'm saying is that I just can't answer your questions here in text.....there are just too many variables to give you the magic-pill of words that will solve your problem. To most of the people here who have asked me for help, I have offered to talk one-on-one to get a bigger picture - it's the only way. I am offering that again here - for the next 7 days only - to anyone who would like to touch base with me. This will cost you nothing, it's because I know how confusing it is when trying to figure out which way to go. To follow through just leave a comment below or send me a message and we'll set up a time to talk.

21.01.2022 YOUR THYROID CONTROLS YOUR METABOLISM If your thyroid is working slowly you are at greater risk of obesity and diabetes. Thyroid disease affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men - although it's often left undiagnosed.... The thyroid gland is very sensitive to environmental toxins, infections, nutritional deficiencies and stress. Looking at environmental toxins - scientists have shown that toxins cause an increase in glucose, cholesterol and fatty liver - and slow down your thyroid function. This, in turn, can increase your appetite and the brain may stop signalling that "full" feeling. i.e. overeating becomes a problem. Toxins make you fat and cause diabetes. If you are toxic, you can gain weight without eating any more calories or doing any less exercise.

21.01.2022 FOOD IS NOT JUST CALORIES - FOOD IS INFORMATION! The key to overcoming diabetes and obesity (not to mention any illness) is to watch what you eat. Ensuring what's on your plate is quality food and not sugar (fructose) or carb-laden (think white potato).... If it's a whole food, fresh and preferably grown locally you are giving your body information to process correctly and turn on the genes that will provide a healthy body. USE FOOD AS YOUR MEDICINE! Good food will improve your entire physiology, reduces inflammation, helps detox the body, balances the hormones and provides powerful antioxidant protection.

21.01.2022 STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING SABOTAGING HABITS *REMOVE TEMPTING FOODS FROM YOUR CUPBOARDS Cleaning out your pantry has never been more important removing the biscuits, cakes mixes, flour, sweet snacks, chips and quick meals makes your decision a lot easier to maintain.... Having a healthy (and maybe sparse) pantry is a godsend when suddenly having the urge to grab something to feed that urge. See more

21.01.2022 STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING SABOTAGING BEHAVIOUR *TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY Your family will already be aware of why they don't offer you biscuits or cakes with your cuppa... The next step is to disclose to your friends and colleagues the reason for your change in habits. The aim is to stay healthy by avoiding food poisoning (and I'm not talking salmonella here - just too much food) Changing food habits needn't be about preaching - but it's also good to know that adults weight shouldn't get heavier during adult life

20.01.2022 Just imagine that you are exactly where you need to be in life. That you have stopped believing that you need future goals and achievements to achieve happiness. AS Alan Watts says... "In music, though, one doesn't make the end of the composition the point of the composition.... If that were so, the best conductors would be those who played the fastest; and there would be composers who only wrote finales. People would go to concerts to hear one crashing chord - because that's the end. Same way in dancing - you don't aim at a particular spot in the room; that's where you should arrive. The whole point of dancing is the dance." See more

20.01.2022 Feeling good isn’t just getting a diagnosis, having some tests and taking a tablet. Your Health, Body, Mind and Lifestyle are connected I’ve been working with a few new clients lately and it’s my great love to explain how their health is based on a big picture. When I first talk to someone there’s usually a big picture that can become obvious quite quickly.... For example if someone contacts me for help with diabetes, it’s not only that the diagnosis is given that’s the problem, there are other influences that have led up to this stage. An illness or even pain is never just one thing. The ‘extra’ things I have come across are as follows *Cigarette smokers this issue speaks for itself *Alcohol depending on how much, what kind and how often *Coffee in excess (I recently met a woman who was having 12 cups a day!) *Lymphatic problems Movement is the ONLY way to move the leftover toxic stuff from your body. Without moving your body just doesn’t function. Our lives have become generally very sedentary, then we finish work, cook a quick meal and then sit again then lie down to sleep. *The type of job and whether it’s sedentary or not. Doing a job that stresses you out will add to your woes. *Lack of stress-management. Learning to meditate is a huge step in the right direction and like everything that will benefit you maintaining it so it becomes a habit, not a chore. TV is NOT stress-management! *Lack of fun in your life! Getting out in nature, doing the things you love, creating, writing, playing, singing, dancing, running whatever it is that makes your heart sing do it! *Being overweight never helps. *Having a good personal relationship is really important feeling comfortable and safe at home is undeniably a big factor in gaining and maintaining good health. *Food Choices aren’t good too much sugar, too many grains and packeted food Read more here.. https://wholefoodalchemy.com/health-body-mind-and-lifestyl/

19.01.2022 How to overcome the disappointment of not losing the weight you expected as quickly as you anticipated I mean - you have got rid of bread, dropped the amount of sugar and are eating smaller portions. in your first week you dropped 1 kg - but this week......nada. I have a few things to say about this...... Although I appreciate the benefit of seeing what you weigh - it can put a lot of pressure on the scale to confirm what you thought should happen. When the scales don't give you the answer you hoped for - all possibilities that the changes you are making will make an improvement to your overall health and weight............run out the door. You can't see why you are missing out on your morning toast. It's never worked before so why should it work now I just can't be bothered to try and fail again It's too hard It'll take too long The food is boring I can't have alcohol?! Why am I doing this again? It's ok to use the scales - but - don't rely on them entirely to gauge how much your health has improved. If you are an ardent weight-scale user - drop it down to every 3 days. I can guarantee you won't put on or lose any more weight than before - and you will get to feel what your body is doing. The scales are not going to lose your weight for you - You will have far more self-control, self-awareness and self-confidence. And most importantly - You'll be avoiding disappointment!

19.01.2022 When changing (Improving) our nutrition - the first thing to look at is SUGAR! And this is sugar in all its different forms. White Sugar Brown Sugar... Raw Sugar Organic Demeter Coconut Sugar Rapadura Turbinado Sugar Maple Syrup Agave Syrup Glucose and Corn Syrup (HFCS is seldom used in Australia but is common in the US) Maltose Molasses Date sugar Golden Syrup Honey (unless it's raw and organic and is used for illness) How to avoid these? These are often found in packaged foods, check the labels, eat whole foods only - a piece of fruit, fresh vegetables, raw nuts, seeds - anything that is real, whole, fresh food. Let's get back to basics and get off the sugar habit!

19.01.2022 There are so many things to stress about - probably the easiest way to tap into how you really feel is to sit quietly and breathe into your body, I promise you no harm will come to you.... Imagine you have an entire month with no appointments, no work, no bills, no health problems, no car problems and it's perfect weather for what you like.... Imagine yourself in that place, live it, breathe it and become the unstressed person who is living there. For an entire month. Sit there for 5 minutes and remain in that frame of thought. Did you feel your shoulders drop? Your pain disappear even momentarily? Your worries for the future vanish? Stress, worry and anxiety are powerful motivators for ill-health to take over the body.....all driven (mostly) by our thoughts. Just think how powerful you are to create disease - and that you are capable of creating great health as well.

19.01.2022 It's quite normal to have negative feelings while overeating chocolate eclairs or indulging in an entire packet of potato chips. This can be to the point of preferring certain foods as opposed to spending time with family, friends or finding the time to play. Or having a bowl of snacks by your computer at work to keep your mind occupied. For example: Going on a picnic but refusing to play the family game of cricket or join in on a game because of the lure of a French Bread St...ick that you just can't get enough of. It seems harmless enough, it's just another family thing - but can become very destructive to your sense of fulfilment, your health and even personal growth. Overcoming these cravings is an important step in feeling amazing - and I'm not exaggerating there, the people who have followed the protocol I offer really do feel amazing! The Craving Challenge is coming soon!

18.01.2022 Once you allow yourself to be present - in the now - your productivity increases! It's a common belief that the opposite happens - and it's just wrong. By always striving for the next thing, you are damaging your brain, your health, your relationships and your success.... Living in the future, allowing your mind to constantly wander there focusing on the things you will gain keeps you away from all the wonderful moments that are happening right now. Being sidetracked by the usual methods employed to manage stress - internet, tv, alcohol (and Facebook) prevents you from seeing an amazing sunset, playing with the kids and grandkids, walking the dog, enjoying the outdoors or finding a creative outlet.

17.01.2022 Do you have a food addiction? If you find yourself consuming certain foods even if you are not hungry due to a craving for them - it's one sign that you have a food addiction. You are not alone - if that makes you feel any better - food addiction affects millions of people throughout the world and can be overcome with a bit of perseverance and determination - and having a foolproof reason to want to beat these cravings.... Watch for the Cravings Challenge start date - soon to be announced.

17.01.2022 Over the years I've been working with people with all sorts of physical problems ranging from aches and pains, stress-related issues to severe pain and chronic illness - and what I've seen is that there's an overwhelming truth that's necessary to overcome any illness. It's that your illness isn't stemming from just one thing. It's not caused by a malfunctioning organ - whether that's your pancreas, liver or heart... It's not because you are overweight or because you have lung... or digestive problems It's the big picture of interacting complexities that are necessary to address from all angles. Your life and your health didn't just happen - whether it's good or bad - it has taken decades!! And this can't be addressed by repeating the same actions that led you there. There are 7 Steps to your Good Health that need to be addressed This is where I'll be going for the next several days I'd like to say "week" but that never seems to happen!

17.01.2022 HOW TO ESCAPE TYPE 2 DIABETES STEP 4: Talking to your family, your partner or spouse is a really important step as well... Having their support is vital to being able to succeed. Are your immediate family willing to make a few changes as well - to make the meal prep a lot easier? Sometimes a spouse doesn't want their partner to lose weight surprisingly! It's very rare but it is a reality for a few different reasons. Removing all the treats for the grandkids is an essential step as well - not easy if that's what has been a reward for both you and the grandkids - but, it has to be done. Losing 10-15 kgs is no mean feat and can't be done while feeding the family all the things you can't have. Remember......Type 2 diabetes runs in families so giving your grandkids treats is doing them no favours at all in the long term And be aware that if you are tempted to eat the treats as well - they aren't for the grandkids anyway, just another excuse. Being honest with yourself is difficult at first but will set you up for a diabetes-free life. Message me with any questions

16.01.2022 Have you ever wanted someone to just have a decent chat to someone about your health? Someone who listens and has more than 10 minutes? Someone who isn't family or a friend and can offer an ear and some genuine and informed guidance?... The option to talk to me over a cup of coffee (or herbal tea) is still open - but only for a few more days. Click the "message" button below - or leave a comment and we'll set up a time to talk (no pressure or cost to you)

15.01.2022 I'm a Wellness Coach specialising in Health Crisis Management particularly for those over 40. I have been a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing, Remedial Therapist where I the connection between the heart, mind and body became a cemented belief, Bowen Therapist, Health Educator and Wellness Coach. I specialise in personal breakthrough sessions to enhance your health, energy, courage and knowledge about your illness and how to break through its limitations... Message me or visit https://wholefoodalchemy.com/wellness-coaching/ See more

15.01.2022 HOW TO ESCAPE TYPE 2 DIABETES STEP 3: It's really important - and absolutely necessary to reduce your food intake for 2-3 months.... Can you fall off the wagon for a wedding, birthday or other special reason? No.......unless you are disciplined enough to jump straight back on and have to put up with being hungry again for a few days This is a period of time that has to be stuck to - you could take your own food - and I have known a few people who have done this and felt so good about it afterwards (and not upset the host either, people do understand). Managing social events with food and drink is a valuable tool to maintain your health in the future. any questions? Message me.

15.01.2022 "In our overfed society, fasting is not usually dangerous, but eating is." Prof Roy Taylor The thought of eating less food brings up fears of being ravenous, but this rarely happens. It could be from our hunter-gatherer days when food was scarce at times. Hunting for the next meal wouldn't be advisable if you were just thinking how hungry you were.... Another added bonus of eating less is that you will start feeling better within a short period of time and this will make you want to continue. You'll find that you can move around easily, sleep more soundly and become more energetic.

15.01.2022 HOW TO ESCAPE TYPE 2 DIABETES STEP 6: Let's get this started by cleaning out your cupboards of chips, biscuits, cakes and other prepackaged snacks.... Build up your supplies for making whole-foods, salads and other non-starchy foods, stock up on plastic containers for when you are away from home. Grab a thermos for a soup to have for lunch Beware of friends who will actively attempt to sabotage your efforts with "you'll have a muffin won't you?" Be prepared for this and forearmed with an appropriate response.

15.01.2022 #GratitudeWeek Day 2 Many years ago when my 6 sons were babies I was in a Sizzlers restaurant. The kids were being naughty, noisy, fighting, raiding the "all you can eat" dessert bar and I was hoping for a nice easy, calm dinner. The vision of us all sitting at the table with politeness and calm was a long way from this experience.... I was stressed! A woman passed us by and looked directly at me and said "You are so lucky to have these wonderful kids" or words to that effect. I thought she was mad, to begin with! But these words have stuck with me and I have been and am extremely grateful to have had these wonderful boys - who are now men - in my life

14.01.2022 HOW TO BEAT SUGAR CRAVINGS..... It's no secret that along with bread - sugar is the hardest thing to give up. It's everywhere and has been part of our normal way fo living for as long as we have been alive - so giving it up is a bit of a shock to the system and to our way of life.... if you have decided to remove sugar from your pantry and your life the cravings will be a bit of a shock to begin with. So, there are a few vegetables that are sweet (believe it or not) and they will help to quell the pain of a sugarless life. Pumpkin Beetroot Carrots Sweet Potato Raw Peas Try to avoid fruits especially dates - as these are all high in natural sugars and fructose..... If you have to have some fruit - try some fresh blueberries to snack on.....although I'd rather have something far more filling so the need to fill the stomach isn't a problem.

14.01.2022 Continuing on with the STRESS theme You just don't realise how much time is wasted until you become aware of the present moment. Our society is governed by the pressures of work structures, education, internet, phones, entertainment and advertising. ... These all present a state of non-presence which has become normal. Most of our lives are distracted by thinking of the next thing instead of thinking about what's happening right now. And unfortunately, this has become the accepted norm and in fact, is often thought of as a good thing. In turn - when we slow our minds down we think we are 'slacking off' A beautiful Quote from Eckhart Tolle "The future always comes as the now, therefore if you cannot be happy in the now you will never be happy"

13.01.2022 I've spoken to a lot of people about their health. and the one thing that is constant is this.... They KNOW the right thing to do, KNOW what food is good for their health and longevity.... Life is busy - and at the moment it's also quite stressful - we are all living in a time of unknowables and because of this it's possibly the best time to step into something new. It doesn't even have to be that new to you! Simply deciding that the life you are leading right now isn't serving you well and you'd like to change is a great place to begin. Or searching for THE reason that change is so important to you - something that will hold you and help you maintain a new life. Baby steps... be real and honest to yourself

12.01.2022 There is a simple truth about losing weight and keeping it off. Once the extra weight has been lost you have a smaller body to keep alive, and so you need less food. Most of our lives we run on autopilot - it would be exhausting to make a new decision every minute of the day - so it's easy to fall back into those old familiar habits.

12.01.2022 There's no need to go looking for stress - it finds us with ease! It is an unavoidable part of life. In our society, we are not taught the antidote so it's common to deal with it with alcohol, junk-food, numb out emotions with sugar and other feel-good foods.... Zoning out in front of the TV is a common solution - and now with all the binge fests offered it is being approached as normal and acceptable behaviour. Not to mention the internet, computer games and Facebook. These are all stress-busters in the worst possible way! What is the solution? We all have a pause button that works....mine is meditation and learning to control my mind, bring it back down to a manageable and beneficial level. I also find that learning is a real stress-buster and often simply disconnect my TV for months at a time. Peace of mind and joy for existence is my aim. Do you have a method that works for you?

11.01.2022 It's been known for a while that practising gratitude helps to stay in the present moment and alleviate stress. But what does this mean? Practising gratitude is nothing more than redirecting your focus from possible good things in the future to the good things that are happening now.... Practising gratitude can be done at any time - but initially, I recommend doing it at a particular time of the day. You can simply think of them, or even better, write them down - like a Gratitude Journal. This increases the impact of the practice Sharing what you are thankful for with a friend, your kids or partner will increase the mindful connection. This week is Gratitude Week! I'll be posting daily thankful quotes and inspirations plus my own thoughts on what's wonderful in my life - I'de love you to join me!

10.01.2022 #GratitudeWeek Day 4 Today I'm stoked to have a friend who calls me at 7.30 to have a coffee on the beach.....someone understands me!! Plus a call from my granddaughter in Canada with all her birthday news. So so grateful for the internet!!! ... It's my day of working from home today and it's a cool, overcast and rainy day....another thing to be really happy about - this is my favourite weather. (this is the result of living in a hot climate with almost permanently blue skies)

10.01.2022 FAQ's What should I do if I've been told I have Pre-diabetes? Lose 10kgs if you are over 80kgs or... 10% of your weight if you are under 80kgs This will almost certainly remove you from this category and help you to transform your health in the long term

09.01.2022 Once you take out the bad stuff Processed foods, sugar and wheat and stress And replace them with the good stuff - the body will know what to do to create health... It takes some trust in yourself and your body to take this step Eating well and having a good look at your environment, ensuring it is a peaceful, invigorating, purposeful and rewarding place to be is as important as breathing when it comes to overcoming illness.

09.01.2022 I'd like to explain what I do. As a health coach, mentor and health educator I help you change your behaviour towards health. Supporting you to discover your own strategies and motivation for change, to overcome obstacles, and implement protocols that have either been prescribed by a clinician or nutritionist/dietitian or that you have chosen to implement on their own is my specialty.... All of the knowledge and expertise in the world doesn’t matter unless someone can apply it in their own life. The support of a health coach can make the difference between success and failure in implementing long-term diet, lifestyle, and behaviour changes. So, there’s no question in my mind that health coaches play a crucial role in reversing the chronic disease epidemic. I believe I fill a critical void in both conventional and Functional Medicine by offering more intensive, patient-centred care. When you have decided to take the step with me we will begin: Helping you to discover your own motivation and strategies for change Teach you to build on what’s working, rather than fixing what’s broken To offer the appropriate type of support at each stage of change Habit formation and reversal, which supports you to create new, healthy habits and reverse unhealthy ones Accountability and goal setting, to help you to stay on track and achieve their goals I have a few options for you to try 1-hour Embracing Change and 3-6 months of intensive one-on-one support (for the person who really wants major changes in their life)- but firstly message or email me at [email protected] let's see if it's something that will suit you.

09.01.2022 Irene was on a one-off 6-week program with me After only 6 weeks her weight had dropped considerably, she had more energy and confidence in her food choices. "Brigid Fitzgerald came on my path at the right moment, with the right service. I had already for quite some time a tired feeling; waking up tired and lacking energy. ... I tried some wholefood programs before but run into problems, because of several food allergies I have. Furthermore, another problem I encountered was that all the extra stuff you need to buy is expensive, and I was on a really tight budget. Brigid gave a lot of alternative possibilities and searched for recipes I could make. She also made me see that with what I already had for dinners I, did not need to invest a lot extra. In the beginning, I was experiencing quite some headaches and feeling heavy in the legs. She explained to me that it was a sort of withdrawal symptoms and helped me get through it. I really liked her personalised help and advice. It really wasn’t just a program she worked through. Another positive side effect is that I did lose in the first week, without even applying the new lifestyle fully, already 2 kilos. I have already lost in total of 5 kilos and feeling way more energized. I am very thankful to Brigid for helping me getting a more healthy lifestyle and getting back my energy. "

08.01.2022 Cutting down on certain foods can be difficult at first. The common withdrawal symptoms include agitation and even anxiety when bread, biscuits, ice-cream, coke or other 'normal' foods are removed. Most of these 'foods' contain wheat......... The cravings are not only emotional but also physical and it does take a little while to get through them - maybe a week or more - but it's so so worth it. Setting a date for the Craving Challenge this week

07.01.2022 What is Prediabetes? We have spoken about Diabetes 2 previously but now I’d like to talk about Prediabetes. While Type 2 Diabetes is Australia’s fastest-growing chronic disease accounting for 85% of cases with around 1.7million people suffering with it and further 2 million are at risk of developing it, PREdiabetes is the underlying groundswell of people who have higher than normal Blood Sugar levels.... PREdiabetes is exactly what it says it’s a precursor to Diabetes. Read more to find out how to fix it! https://wholefoodalchemy.com/what-is-prediabetes/

07.01.2022 "It is impossible to create any new future when you are rooted in your past. You have to clear away the old vestiges of the garden (of the mind) before you can cultivate a new self by planting the seeds of new thoughts, behaviors, & emotions that create a new life." Dr Joe Dispenza

07.01.2022 Many people find it wrong to be present - in the now - and fully enjoy it. It's as if being present and happy should be a reward for working hard and achieving things. People also fear that being content can breed laziness.... This means that happiness comes from achievements, not from life itself and that having too much happiness that lasts too long will prevent you from moving forward in life (achieving more)

06.01.2022 Cravings have such a hold on us! One of mine was cinnamon donuts?! Every Friday morning I'd line up for a packet of fresh, warm donuts coated in cinnamon and sugar. It was a habit I happily embraced along with Chocolate Mint slices.... Food cravings are related to how we feel about the food, the feel-good emotion that is experienced reminds us to continue to enjoy them. Once they are controlled it's so much easier to eat well, lose weight and heal. Getting control of your cravings is a science - and to help you through this I'll be offering a Craving Challenge for you shortly. I'm building the Craving Challenge now - so if there are any requests you'd like me to add - let me know.

05.01.2022 Midlife can be q bewildering time.... I have written a 5 Step Process to Your health Blueprint - but have left out the most important bit. The first step - before going through the pantry, finding recipes you like, umming and ahhing, procrastinating, waiting until you feel in a better headspace and whatever else is in your arsenal of change-makers... The first step......is to find out what's SO important to you that nothing else comes close. This step will help you define WHAT you need to make the decision and then go through all the steps to get to your desired destination. If you are taking a flight (it will happen someday) there are certain steps you need to do to accomplish not only the destination but the passport, the payment, the seat allocation, packing suitable clothing, the type of airline, what to eat, getting there on time and what to wear on the plane. But before this all starts there has to be a really good reason to embark on this flight. For me, it's about making a clear decision for a great reason that becomes an immovable force. THEN I can easily move onto the next 5 Steps - otherwise, it's like building a home on quicksand. There's no solid platform to form the desired outcome. The same applies to your health. Why do you want to improve your health WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?!

05.01.2022 Desiree has worked on the 6-month Heal Your Body - Heal Your Life Program and her success was tangible. see link int eh comments - it's on a Covid-19 Special Desiree began with a history of Adrenal Fatigue. *Her joints were aching and she was very tired all the time.... *She also had an addiction to coffee even though it made her feel terrible - plus lots of comfort foods. *Her weight could have been a little better and it bugged her *She felt sluggish in the mornings and lacked the motivation to get a healthy life going. *Plus when she ate badly the guilt was overwhelming. *Wanted to find a less physical job It didn't take long for the following to occur: "I feel more vitality. My outlook is uplifted. I feel like I'm on a good foundation and can move a little more each week towards feeling altogether healthier." Then...... "The support I have received from Brigid over the past 6 months has been instrumental in shifting my health. The benefits have been renewed energy, a holistic perspective on health, more resilience and oodles of recipes to feed my family. The support I have received from Brigid over the past 6 months has been instrumental in shifting my health. The benefits have been renewed energy, a holistic perspective on health, more resilience and oodles of recipes to feed my family. She offers a thoughtful and creative approach with a full range of support, from the nitty-gritty everydayness of cooking for a family to the spiritual ground needed at times to make real change. I have appreciated her readiness to meet me wherever I am and encourage each tiny step or big leap. Her authenticity has been a true gift for me. I have appreciated her readiness to meet me wherever I am and encourage each tiny step or big leap. Her authenticity has been a true gift for me." PLUS - all the things listed above were gone! No guilt, weighing less, more energy, great motivation, no aches and pains - plus she even made headroads into finding a totally new interest which has become the foundations for a lucrative new business. What a woman!!!! So happy for her.

04.01.2022 Let's talk about STRESS! Stress increases the stress hormone - Cortisol. Too much cortisol increases belly fat, increased blood sugar, cholesterol, depression and even goes as far as dementia. It also causes loss of muscle-loss and impacts on a good nights sleep.... The best way to acknowledge your stress levels is to answer these questions: *Do you believe things will work out in the end? *Is your glass half-full or half-empty? *Do you think the world is a pretty dangerous place to be - or do you feel safe here. Our stress is governed by our thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. Don't believe every thought you have! They are often based on a fallacy side-note: Did you know that your memories from the past are only 50% true? Getting stressed and worrying over some perceived future drama is often based on a memory from the past.....and there's a huge chance it has never even happened!

04.01.2022 Grace worked with me for only one session and the outcome has been incredible! If you'd like a result like this - message me and we'll have a chat I do believe that the day after I spoke to Brigid I was amazingly over what had been hanging over me for 12 months - which was a chronic (diagnosed as incurable) lung disease... I have thrown away all the pills I was supposed to take forever and am adapting to a healthier lifestyle. I was empowered by Brigid’s advice. I felt the sickness, that had been with me, just lifted and went away. I felt it go - Its that simple. With the Dr, I was winding down the dosage of one of the medications I had been prescribed but had been told I would be on the other one for the rest of my life. Not something I was happy with as I really don’t like to take anything unless I am desperate! I have been extremely well and my husband & I have been adopting a ‘green, sometimes raw & as healthy as we can’ approach. We have made changes to our eating patterns and adopted for lots of fresh fruits, green smoothies, fresh veges and cut down a lot of wheat, dairy, sugar etc as well. I have come to realise that all in life is up to us. It has become important to realise that you really do know your own body and you should trust yourself more. Others along the way are guides, but we must take personal responsibility for our own lives and health.

04.01.2022 What is the Real Cause of Disease? The body is connected - each organ, whether the skin, heart or stomach - are not separate items to be treated without thought to what's happening in the rest of the body. So often it happens that you have a skin condition and go to a dermatologist or a heart issue is treated by a cardiologist and reproductive problems are looked at by gynaecologists - but everything IS connected!... No one asks "What could be the underlying cause of the illness" Whether it's prediabetes, diabetes, and all other diseases, imbalances, symptoms and illness occur because of just a few things. There are just 5 real causes of disease... Poor Diet Chronic Stress Microbes Toxins Allergens When these are out of balance - symptoms occur and a diagnosis is found. The cure for this and to reveal the healthy human within is.... Real, whole, fresh food, nutrients, light, fresh air, sleep, movement, friendship, love and not to forget ....purpose.

04.01.2022 I accidently did this live on my personal page - My apologies. #cravings #foodcravings Food cravings are what holds you back from achieving your health goals

03.01.2022 Healing is an all-encompassing thing. You have to look at the big picture - not just identify one particular area and think that if that's ok - then everything is good The body isn't a bunch of disconnected organs and substances.....it's a fluid, harmonious symphony all working together perfectly.... Balancing ALL your hormones including stress, adrenal, sex and thyroid hormones is important if you want to heal. Identify Thyroid imbalances - this will affect your metabolism Identify Overactive Stress Hormones that are worsening insulin resistance and blood sugar. And Insulin imbalance which in turn affects your sex hormones.

03.01.2022 STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING SABOTAGING HABITS *DISTRACT YOURSELF Have a list of things you'd like to do or need to do but have been avoiding them. Keep the list handy and add to it every time you think of something new.... This is to break the habit of going for the fridge when there's a lapse in "something to do" I have found it amazing how much more I learn and accomplish when instigating this practice - but the list is essential, otherwise, I'd just forget and go for an easy time filler that needs no thought - e.g. eating

02.01.2022 #gratitudeweekDay1 Being thankful is all those things we take for granted but think they are normal, so accept them and pile all those 'other things of the future' on top of them. This week I have come upon a few people who were in a totally different life than mine.... 1. A man at the plaza who had obviously been living and sleeping rough. His demeanour was very down and although he asked for nothing I offered him $10 trying not to make him feel bad......His Gratitude was almost overwhelming. 2. A woman sitting under a tree who asked for $10 for bus fare......although there were a lot of holes in the reasons for her plea I gave it anyway. To be in the situation where asking strangers for money is accepted behaviour is not a place I'd ever want to experience. So - TODAY I'm grateful for all the things that make my life liveable and enjoyable.

02.01.2022 There can be a problem with goal setting! When you tie your happiness to a future goal you believe that you cannot be happy until you've achieved that goal. You may even be living in the present but have your mind on the future - i.e. you are striving in the present to achieve something that will make you happy in the future.... You are in a state of 'waiting until your happiness arrives'. Then - you reach your goal and feel a sense of achievement, happiness, relief and might even celebrate! Then, soon after you set another goal to find more happiness. A good example of this: The new kitchen is finished and it's looking amazing - so it's time to fix up the lounge room and then you'll find real happiness No need to panic about what you 'need' to do - just enjoy where you are, take a deep breath and simply 'BE".

02.01.2022 I love a good coffee in the morning. I don’t think it actually wakes me up but it is a morning ritual I enjoy. where I get my thoughts together for the day. But is coffee really good for you? I’ve met a few people all women who relied on drinking 12 coffees a day. There’s no judgement here life and its choices has its little quirks.... I say rely on because they were ashamed of it ( I had to weasel it out of them). And having 5 quick instant coffees in the morning before work is just a matter of filling up on caffeine as a bolus shot of supposed ‘energy’. The interesting thing is that even though it felt like an absolute necessity, the coffee was creating havoc in their bodies. You can read more here https://wholefoodalchemy.com/is-coffee-really-good-for-you/

02.01.2022 STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING SABOTAGING BEHAVIOUR *WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? Remembering what you would like to achieve, how much you'd like to lose and why is a great motivator to keeping to your end game.... Write down why you'd like to lose weight - or overcome type 2 diabetes - read it every so often to remind yourself Maybe it's because you don't want to suffer as your mum or dad did Wanting to not have to have medication to keep you stable and suffer the effects of them Not wanting to worry about having feet, eye or heart problems Wanting to feel healthy, energetic and free These reasons - whatever the ones that are close to your heart - will not change over time - so keep them close to remind yourself of why it's so important

01.01.2022 Book in with me for your Initial Consultation and we'll kick-start your new life This DEEP DIVE into your health, your cravings and habits, your desires will take you to the next step in less time and with less confusion. I work with passionate, determined and courageous people who are dealing with a Health Crisis and are willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace a new future. Does this sound like you?... If you have any questions click the Message button or email at [email protected] and I'll answer your questions then https://wholefoodalchemy.com/wellness-coaching/

01.01.2022 What you put on your fork is the most powerful medicine you can take to correct the root causes of chronic illness, diabetes and obesity. At times it's also important to supplement your diet with vitamin and mineral deficiencies originating from deficient soils, the storage and transportation of our food, genetic alterations of the heirloom seeds and the increased stress originating from out toxic environment. I have made you a quiz to fill out to see how you are going with V...itamin D, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Magnesium. The link is in the comments - just fill it out and I'll get back to you with a customised answer to help you optimise your health.

01.01.2022 #GratitudeWeek Day 3 Sometimes it's difficult to find the time to be thankful when life gets busy. And today has already been one of those days! It's not even 9am yet! Another thing - it's easy to go through the motions of saying things that I think I should be grateful for...family...home....pets...job....etc but it feels empty and takes the life out of me....... The best way to get through this is to "feel it" - as in feeling it in my body and heart, making it a reality that gives my day a real lift. Staying in the moment, relishing the perfection that it is and being thankful. The perfect way to begin the day. TODAY - I am grateful for this ever-present moment that is the now. It is perfection and absolute joy. Let's hear what you are grateful today - don't be shy.

01.01.2022 STEP 1 OF BEATING DIABETES - whether you have a few of these diagnoses or just one - the first step is IMPROVE YOUR NUTRITION! The average western diet is calorie-rich and nutrient-poor which has driven the epidemic of diabetes and obesity through the roof!... There are a few nutritional deficiencies that lead to diabetes and obesity. These include Magnesium, Vitamin D, Essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids Because it's not always easy to figure out what you are missing I've made a quiz for you to see where you are deficient and what steps to help you take to repair your body https://form.jotform.com/201907692915866

01.01.2022 HOW TO ESCAPE TYPE 2 DIABETES STEP 7: The Last Step!! Make a plan for Long-Term weight control - right from the beginning!... You might be able to commit to having low-calorie shakes for a month (as long as they are balanced correctly!) Or indulging in soups for the duration Or maybe you prefer to watch your intake by being vigilant and having a lot of salads, veggies and a bit of meat or other protein. No matter what your choice - there is a plan involved. Once you have shed the 15kgs - celebrate!! It is vital that you don't go back to eating large amounts of food - of the wrong kind. When the weight is gone - eating more is fine - but it will be about 3/4 of the amount you previously had. It won't be as hard as you think, 3 months of eating well, eating small, feeling great and energetic and accomplishing a LOT to lose a lot will also have the added bonus of not being attracted to your old food habits. This is for the rest of your life. Good health Normal Blood Glucose Levels and a new body.