I spent a good part of my childhood hoping to lose weight. The only childhood memory I have of being thin is when I was about 4. Growing up in a home where rice, beans and fried plantains were staples was hard for a girl who loved food. Food served as my comfort for years. I have to admit that even though I am now a certified health coach, food still is my comfort. I’ve just … [Read more...]
Lifestyle
5 Family Traditions That Really Matter
[tps_header]I didn’t grow up in a home where we had a lot of money. Raised by a single mom in Brooklyn, we always knew our mom did the best she could with what she had. I hope she knows it was more than enough. We always had food to eat. We always had clothes to wear. We always went to school. And we even had two working televisions in the home. Life was good. Sure, there … [Read more...]
Christians, Is Your Spirituality Enough to Conquer Your Dark and Troubled Past?
Dr. Buckingham, I am a 45-year-old recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I have lived a very rough life both in childhood and as an adult. I was physically abused by my father in childhood and was emotionally abused by my ex-wife. Life has not been easy for me, but I refuse to give up. I have become a very spiritual person and have learned the importance of prayer. I … [Read more...]
I’ve Experienced a Lot of Adversity in My Life: What Can I Do to Remain Optimistic?
Hey Dr. B, I have been going through some things in my personal life, and I do not know how to move on. I work very hard to remain positive and upbeat, but I have experienced a lot of adversity in my life. I was abused as a child, abandoned by my mother who used drugs and even experienced homelessness at one time. My mind is a mess. However, I keep pushing on because God has … [Read more...]
Your Health is Your Wealth, so Make Yourself a Priority
By Lia Miller We’re just past a quarter of the way into 2016, and once again we are busy. Busy working, busy playing, busy dreaming, busy achieving—basically we’re busy being busy. Unfortunately, this isn’t unusual; in fact, it is the “American Way.” Well I’m sorry but I just can’t do that, I have to call a flag on the play. I am at a point where I have never felt more … [Read more...]
9 Super Easy Ways to Make Your Family Healthier and Happier
We live in a world that makes it challenging to determine what we should or shouldn’t do when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. Many of us try our best to get it right because we know how much good health matters. But for many, sorting through all the noise is frustrating. Life is stressful, and slipping into bad habits becomes easier and easier with each passing … [Read more...]
A Look Inside Michelle Obama’s Kitchen Garden; Plus Her Message to Parents
As parents, we strive to give our children the best. We want them to get the best education and to receive the best medical care. Anything less is unacceptable. But do we have the same standard when it comes to what we feed our children and how much we encourage them to exercise? Do we still go above and beyond to make sure they’re getting the best? If you’re not as diligent … [Read more...]
Dear God: Where’s My Baby?
Dek: With every pregnancy announcement—and trust me, there have been plenty—I found myself slipping further into depression and confusion…But I learned to live in the now. It’s funny. I’ve been trying to write this post for a while now. I was even disguising my feelings, by initially naming it: Dear God: Where’s My Next Blessing? However, I know God has called me to be a … [Read more...]
Is Jaden Smith a Pioneer of Black Masculinity or It’s Nail in the Coffin?
If you haven't heard already, Jaden Smith was recently named as the face of a Louis Vuitton collection for women. A lot of people feel a lot of different ways about it. Jaden's never been afraid to push gender and societal norms, famously wearing an all white bat suit to Kim and Kanye's wedding, and a dress to his prom. The Internet predictably went nuts. Some went so far … [Read more...]
5 Powerful Tips to Help You Stick to Your New Year Goals
At the start of every new year, many of us decide we’re going to: lose weight, start a business, write a book, quit a bad habit, improve our relationships, etc. The resolutions are endless. And we have the best of intentions. So why, then, is it that only 8% of us actually achieve our New Year’s resolutions every year? In fact, by January 15th, it’s pretty clear who’s going … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Focusing on Your Health Can Improve Your Marriage
I firmly believe in the power of taking a holistic approach to living a happier life. I think if one area of your life is way out of balance, it inevitably impacts the other areas of your life in ways you wouldn’t even imagine. That said, your health is probably the area of your life that impacts everything else the most. From your ability to be successful in business, to … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Drop the Drama and Find Peace in the New Year
The New Year is often a time of hearty celebration with friends, music and alcohol. But what does one do if they prefer to ring in the New Year alone or more contemplatively? There are a number of ways to celebrate the New Year in a less traditional way and make it meaningful. Below are three ways you can bring in the New Year quietly either alone or with friends. When you … [Read more...]
Five Ways to Deal With Stress When Shopping and Eating No Longer Work
One of the great things about working as a personal finance coach is that I get to help women enjoy breakthroughs as it relates to their relationship with money. Recently, I was working with Susan, a client who was accustomed to relieving stress through shopping and eating. She recently had a breakdown and resorted to buying herself something or treating herself to something … [Read more...]
African American Gemologist Shares 3 Super Important Steps in Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring
The holidays are upon us and there's nothing like sharing in good food, good times, and good love. This time of year, it's not unusual for couples to take a leap to the next level of their relationship and go from merely dating to an engagement for marriage. Because that leap is an emotional one, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect engagement ring whether you decide … [Read more...]
5 Things That May Be Killing Your Mood and Your Spouse Didn’t Make the List
You wake up in a crappy mood and look at the person laying next to you in bed. It’s your spouse. Unfortunately, he is going to have to deal with your funky mood today, the way he has for countless days. He loves you. He knows you love him. But that funk you’ve been in makes you no fun to be around. As a matter of fact, it makes you downright impossible to be around some … [Read more...]