It has been estimated that approximately 60 million people in the United States, or 20% of the total population, feel lonely. Another study found that 12% of Americans have no one with whom to spend free time or to discuss important matters. There are three basic causes for loneliness or the feeling of alienation: Separation From God, Separation From Others, Separation From Ourselves

Have you ever noticed how most cravings happen when you are struggling with a particular negative emotion? Emotional eating is a primary source of weight gain for many men and women. Emotional eating will only sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Let's Talk About Fear. What is fear? Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat. For me, fear has caused me to retreat and pull back from people and life. In the past, I would medicate my fear with food.

Attempting a weight loss program without addressing the underlying causes of weight gain has led many people down a path of frustration and hopelessness. One of the most common problems regarding weight gain is the use of food as an escape from negative emotions. Anger, for instance, is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. Like fear, it is a reaction to an external stimulus, and the actual feeling is out of our control.

I love a good, fresh cucumber! I also love cucumber salad, and this recipe is a perfect fit for Phase 2!

Some questions... Does STRESS equal a piece of chocolate cake? Does LONELINESS equal sugar cookies? Does FEAR equal eating a bag of M&M's in a closet? Does ANXIETY equal going through a drive through window and ordering a #1?