In this talk we will discuss: The new scientific dangers of processed food. The manipulation of our diet to create "heavy users". Food as a form of substance abuse? Strategies to battle food cravings and curb food addiction. How to control hidden triggers in your food environment - at home, restaurants, grocery stores & workplace. How to conserve willpower and maintain self-control. Stress relief - what works & what doesn't. Presenter: Lynda Montis Lynda is an internationally recognized motivational speaker and entrepreneur. She draws on her formal training as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with a specialty in weight management, her experience as a certified yoga, Pilates and barre instructor, as well as her personal experience losing and maintaining the loss of 42% of her total body weight. Lynda has struggled with weight issues since childhood and after 4 pregnancies decided to dedicate her time and education to the study of nutrition, obesity and movement. She opened a Yoga and Wellness Centre in Richmond Hill, Ontario and began teaching and leading numerous workshops in both movement and weight loss through lifestyle changes including presenting at the Annual Canadian Holistic Nutrition Conference. Lynda is passionate to share numerous tips on ways to increase motivation and willpower as well as how to make changes to destructive habits and personal food environment. She is also looking forward to sharing her current interest in the study of the longest lived cultures of the world and their lessons for us to age with mobility, vibrancy & joy.

Mindfulness is a key component of behaviour change and enhances our self-awareness. In this course, you will learn the following aspects of mindfulness: attention to the present moment, automaticity, avoiding judgment, practicing acceptance and compassion, setting goals, managing the ego, and integration. This optional 8-week course is delivered by our mental health coach Katja Demmer.