Ilan Halfon

  For years, I used to wonder why, in a world where we have every reason to be happy, so many people feel disconnected from joy. I noticed that depression and a lack of happiness are surprisingly common — almost like they’ve become the norm. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that happiness isn’t some elusive state you stumble upon — it’s a mindset, almost a decision you make. I get it: how can you choose happiness when you’ve just been fired, your bank account’s on hold because of an overdraft, or you’ve had a big fight with someone you love? Many years ago, I started a simple daily practice: writing down what I was grateful for each morning. At first, it felt mechanical — just going through the motions because I’d read it could help. I’ve been doing it for over 15 years now, and I believe it helped shape my mindset. But despite that, I was still chasing happiness as if it were some distant destination. Then life hit me hard, again. What truly shook me wasn’t the difficulty itsel...

  A client of mine has struggled with his weight for many years. He’s already lost a lot and did an excellent job maintaining his progress—truly something to be proud of. Yet he believes he doesn’t have time to make the next set of changes needed to continue improving. That’s a common misconception—and one I see often. What got us here won’t necessarily take us to the next level. The same actions that produced initial success won’t move you forward without a new, higher level of effort and strategy. He tells me life is too hectic now, but in many ways his life is actually less intense than it was five years ago. So what’s missing? It’s not time—it’s priorities. As we age, our bodies respond differently. Lack of sleep affects a 50‑something far more than it did in their 30s. Eating “pretty good” isn’t the same as fueling a body that needs more careful support. Small compromises add up faster as we get older. If you want different results, you must prioritize your well‑being cons...

  The Power of Hunger: It's Not What You Think Yes, being hungry can be good for you. It's a fantastic practice for self-discipline. No, starving yourself is never the answer (unless you're training to be a monk!). For the average person, there are profound benefits to understanding and experiencing hunger responsibly. Here's why: Age and Calorie Needs:  As we age, particularly as we approach our 40s and prepare for our 50s, our calorie needs naturally decrease. Instead of waiting for weight gain and drastic dieting, practice consuming fewer calories slowly, gradually, and responsibly  now . Thirst vs. Hunger:  Experiencing hunger helps you rediscover the difference between true hunger and thirst. Many of us have forgotten what it feels like to simply be thirsty! Meal Scheduling & Organization:  Your body typically signals hunger within 1.5 to 2 hours after your last meal (regardless of size). When you schedule your meals, you can train yourself to say, "...