Today I’m excited to bring you another post in the Alive in the Fire series on women who have found success in their careers as wellness entrepreneurs. Susan Zilberman is an inspiring Mind Body Eating Coach. She helps her clients with stress management, compulsive eating behaviors and mind body connection, and she’s also a retired foreign language and ESL teacher.

I admire Susan’s holistic approach and that teaching non-judgmental self-acceptance is a critical part of her work. I loved hearing Susan’s perspective and wisdom in this interview, and I hope you enjoy it too!

How long have you been practicing mindful eating?

I have been practicing mindful eating for the past 14 years. Previously, I'd been yo-yo dieting for 35 years, and was exhausted from all the energy I spent restricting and overeating. Diets didn't take my individuality into consideration, such as which foods were right for my body and personal taste. Frustration led me to become interested in the psychology of eating— the “why?” And this fueled my studies. Ultimately, I found an approach that melds mindful eating with psychology, and creates freedom and peace in my relationship with food, weight and body image.

What does that look like for you?

It looks and feels balanced and joyful. I eat to fuel my body, also for pleasure. I start eating when I’m hungry, and by eating slowly and with attention, I'm able to stop when my body has had enough. I eat a wide range of delicious foods that I enjoy, and make healthy choices without ever feeling deprived. There's no shame or guilt surrounding food, and my body. I eat what I love without fear of whether it’s a “good” or “bad” food. I use the energy food provides to do what I love. This is possible because mindfulness tools and techniques have helped me tune into my body wisdom.

What led you to become a coach?

Along my journey of healing my relationship with food, I met many people who struggled with similar issues. I am a teacher, both by nature and by career, so it feels natural to listen to people and share what I have learned with them. To become a coach, I studied and became certified in two programs; at The Institute for the Psychology of Eating and Am I Hungry.

What do you love about the work you do now?

I'm driven to help others create profound long term improvements in their lives, while also feeling good about themselves. It's important to let the process be fun too... I absolutely love this moment that happens when I can see on a client’s face that they are experiencing the change they're seeking. Their skin glows. They radiate an inner sparkle, and they are energetic. When a client sheds the trapped feeling of being unable to “control themselves around food,” I sense their relief and freedom!

What has helped you most in your career?

Continuing education— I love to learn. I read and listen to everyone who has something to say about intuitive/mindful eating, body image, and diet culture. Also, daily interactions with people I meet are opportunities for mindful discoveries. I want to hear what people are grappling with in the area of eating, and body image to discover out how I might help.

Did you have mentors who inspired you along the way?

I sure do! I learned from Marc David and Michelle May, the founders of the two programs I graduated from. And I have been following Geneen Roth’s work for many years as well.

I have also worked as a mentor for new coaches.

What advice would you give to new coaches who are just starting to build their business?

Be patient in terms of building your client base. Each client is unique and I have grown and learned from each person I have worked with. Always be curious before giving any advice.

What has been the number one thing that helped you build confidence in your career?

The feedback from my clients who have freedom from dieting, diet culture, mindless eating and all eating that occurs in response to triggers. It's why I do this work. Helping others transform their lives is everything.

What do you enjoy most on your off days? What helps you relax and stay balanced?

I love to spend time with family and friends, ride my bicycle, play golf, practice yoga, travel. My grandsons help me relax and stay balanced. A world seen through children’s eyes is filled with possibility, wonder, curiosity and delight. In those I find relaxation and balance.