This post comes from James Stein--I know you've heard me say that affirmations and mind set are important, well crucial to achieving weight loss success...but I thought you just might be interested to know that I'm not the only one. I've been reading many others who are also learning this "secret"...I thought James wrote it really well.
Happy New Year everyone--and enjoy James' take:
You can condition yourself to help shed those pounds away. As you probably already know many diet products on the market do not work. But there is more to weight loss than just eating a well balanced meal and exercising properly everyday. A surprising fact that you will not see these diet programs advertise is that your mindset makes a huge difference on success or failure.
When you constantly visualize in your mind what your body will look like with 10 - 20 - or more pounds shed away, then your subconscious will begin to take over and move you in that direction. You will soon become more positive about how your body looks, more accepting to dieting or exercising, and you will reach your ideal weight quickly and more easily.
If you ever wanted to learn to true secrets to losing weight than you have just learned that. When you condition yourself to be focused and positive on any goal you set then you will always be successful. This is true not only with weight loss but with everything you do in your life, including running a business. If you truly want to lose those extra pounds then condition your mindset and you will have the body you always dreamed of.
Many of those that are overweight tend to have the belief that they simply can not lose weight. Sometimes these people may say it out loud or even worse hear friends tell them they can't lose the weight. When you are around people that have a negative impact on you then it is best to stay away from those people because this can also effect your subconscious.
Staying around these people with negative attitudes can cause you to actually believe what they are saying. Negativity can have the reverse effect of the goal that you want to achieve because your mind after awhile will be conditioned that you can't lose that weight. By separating yourself from these people you will be able to gain control over your mindset and keep a positive attitude towards your goal.
It is important to practice the conditioning of your mindset every day - morning and evening. Find a quite place in your home away from all distractions and close your eyes to visualize yourself at your ideal weight. Focus on this and tell yourself in your mind that you will reach your goals and you are going to think positive. Doing this several times throughout the day will greatly increase your chance of obtaining your goal.
During the day while you are not in your quite place you still want to think positive thoughts and think of yourself at your ideal weight. Create your own affirmations and repeat them often, always in the present tense "I am glad to be fit and slender". Notice affirmations should say "I am" and not "I will". You can enjoy the feeling of having a positive self-image.
While your weight loss will of course be gradual, conditioning your mindset along with using proper weight loss tips will give you the success you want to achieve..
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Lose Weight Naturally by Having Fun
Last night a good friend came to visit...well, actually the husband of my very good friend Diane. He was in town on business and stopped by for a couple hours...we had a fantastic visit...enjoyed a great meal...it was really good to see him. One of the things I noticed was how much longer our meal lasted...because we were all so busy chatting...our hunger was satisfied and we had a lot of fun, too. It reminded me that enjoying life is part of the secret to losing weight naturally!
An interesting thing happened during the course of the "tour" of the house (it was his first visit since I moved to this house) he saw a galley copy of my book, Refuse to Diet...now, he's seen the physical changes in me and not said much...but at seeing the book his eyes lit up.
He was really impressed that I actually have a book that is "real" and asked how and when I did it. Lots of other people have been asking about my book, too (which will be available next month--soon, very soon!)
So I wanted to share some info with you in case you have a book inside you that is ready to come out, but you just aren't sure how to do...
Writing a book is a very exciting thing...and it was a lot of fun...and I think we all deserve to have as much fun in our lives as possible! By having fun we fill our lives with joy and, frankly, we are less apt to overeat when we are loving life! So, you can write a book and lose weight, too!
Don't think you have to be a "great writer" in order to write a book...I'll share a few tips I learned from my "writing coach" Donna Kozik that helped me get over the fear of the red pencil (remember high school English class--YIKES!)
For more book writing and book publishing information, join in a special teleseminar series being conducted by my coach, colleague and friend, Donna Kozik. You can find out more here, plus see a cool video Donna put together with a tip on how to build buzz for your book-before you even start writing it!
Experience more joy in your life--write what you love and you get to experience that passion again and again...and share it with others! Have fun, Refuse to Diet, and lose weight naturally!
An interesting thing happened during the course of the "tour" of the house (it was his first visit since I moved to this house) he saw a galley copy of my book, Refuse to Diet...now, he's seen the physical changes in me and not said much...but at seeing the book his eyes lit up.
He was really impressed that I actually have a book that is "real" and asked how and when I did it. Lots of other people have been asking about my book, too (which will be available next month--soon, very soon!)
So I wanted to share some info with you in case you have a book inside you that is ready to come out, but you just aren't sure how to do...
Writing a book is a very exciting thing...and it was a lot of fun...and I think we all deserve to have as much fun in our lives as possible! By having fun we fill our lives with joy and, frankly, we are less apt to overeat when we are loving life! So, you can write a book and lose weight, too!
Don't think you have to be a "great writer" in order to write a book...I'll share a few tips I learned from my "writing coach" Donna Kozik that helped me get over the fear of the red pencil (remember high school English class--YIKES!)
Book Writing Tip 1: Select a topic that's an "inch wide, mile deep." It's easier and faster to write, and readers like books that are very topic specific.Another thing that freed me up was when Donna really encouraged me to write like I talk...to be myself. After all, when you are writing it is YOUR book...not one written by Hemingway or Dickens or by fill-in-the-blank-with-name-of-your-favorite-author!
Book Writing Tip 2: Keep your book short & powerful-it doesn't have to be your version of "War and Peace." The upside of this type of book is that it's easier for people to read in one sitting or while on a plane ride.
Book Writing Tip 3: The key to getting finished is getting started! It sounds simple, yet it's very true. There's power just in getting started.
Book Writing Tip 4: Start writing where you're most passionate. It might not be Chapter One and instead could be Chapter Five. Again, the key is to get started and build momentum.
Book Writing Tip 5: Don't consider yourself a writer? "Talk" your book. Record, transcribe, edit and - wah lah - you have a completed manuscript.
For more book writing and book publishing information, join in a special teleseminar series being conducted by my coach, colleague and friend, Donna Kozik. You can find out more here, plus see a cool video Donna put together with a tip on how to build buzz for your book-before you even start writing it!
Experience more joy in your life--write what you love and you get to experience that passion again and again...and share it with others! Have fun, Refuse to Diet, and lose weight naturally!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Stop Comparing: Weight Loss Tip for New Year
It is really common for us to compare ourselves to others. We are encouraged to from a very early age. Some of it is through subtle messages and other times it is shouted in our faces.
Whether quiet or loud, these messages that we are not enough...that we must be better than or we are less than...these messages are internalized and we take them on as our own.
Women in particular are subject to the body image comparisons...not being pretty enough or thin enough are probably the two most common.
No one benefits from these comparisons...by comparing ourselves we are making someone wrong...and based on the experiences of most of the women I know, the person who is wrong is usually US!
Even when we are trying to better ourselves we compare...if we want to lose weight we compare our numbers to everyone else's...we beat ourselves up if we do it slower than someone else...or if we don't have as big a result.
Instead, let's focus on what we want to achieve...we want to improve our health. How does that feel? What does that look like for you? Not what does it look like for your sister, your mother, your best friend or the super model in the magazine at the check out stand--YOU. What will you be able to do that is a challenge now? How will that feel when you can do that?
Now, visualize yourself doing that...feel how happy you are in accomplishing this goal...see yourself celebrating the accomplishment.
That is what this is about. Focus on you, your success. Measure your success against your desires and your goals--and forget what anyone else is doing!
Whether quiet or loud, these messages that we are not enough...that we must be better than or we are less than...these messages are internalized and we take them on as our own.
Women in particular are subject to the body image comparisons...not being pretty enough or thin enough are probably the two most common.
No one benefits from these comparisons...by comparing ourselves we are making someone wrong...and based on the experiences of most of the women I know, the person who is wrong is usually US!
Even when we are trying to better ourselves we compare...if we want to lose weight we compare our numbers to everyone else's...we beat ourselves up if we do it slower than someone else...or if we don't have as big a result.
Instead, let's focus on what we want to achieve...we want to improve our health. How does that feel? What does that look like for you? Not what does it look like for your sister, your mother, your best friend or the super model in the magazine at the check out stand--YOU. What will you be able to do that is a challenge now? How will that feel when you can do that?
Now, visualize yourself doing that...feel how happy you are in accomplishing this goal...see yourself celebrating the accomplishment.
That is what this is about. Focus on you, your success. Measure your success against your desires and your goals--and forget what anyone else is doing!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Weight Loss is a Process...Thanks...Tips on Exercise for Losing Weight
I want to thank the folks who take the time to read my blog and let me know their thoughts and feelings about what I write, their questions and what is working for them.
For example I got a very nice email today from "Bonnie" today...who was thanking me for a post I wrote back in September...about how weight loss is not a straight line...
First--congrats on the 11 miles on the bike yesterday...I hope it was a fun and exhilarating experience and that you will continue to have fun moving your body.
Second--I am so glad you will be gentle on yourself for not working out today. If perhaps you were a bit sore from yesterday's ride and that's why you didn't work out today, then remember to stretch before the ride, and maybe make the ride a tad shorter next time!
I have found that why I try something new, or that I haven't done in a long time, it helps me to do the same exercise two days in a row.That may seem a bit odd, but maybe it is because the muscles are sore and tend to tighten up...so now you stretch them again. The BEST exercise for losing weight is any exercise...that you keep doing...whether it is the same exercise or different one...it is just about moving more...and if you hurt too much you are apt to not want to keep it up!
Celebrate your accomplishments...and keep making small steps in the direction you want to end up at and you will get there.
Does 11 miles seem like too much to you? That's okay...do what YOU can do easily and then just a tad more...even if that is walking to the mailbox.
It isn't about keeping up with Bonnie, or me, or your spouse, colleagues, or kids...it is about being the best YOU that you can...and to do that you have to start where you are right now!
It is easy to think about what we want to do, or what we used to do...and that can be a great place to start...as long as we keep it in our minds in a positive way and then use that to catapult us to taking an action that will get us where we want to be. Weight loss starts with our minds...not our mouths!
Thanks to Bonnie and to my other readers for keeping in touch and helping to inspire me every day!
My New Year's toast to you:
For example I got a very nice email today from "Bonnie" today...who was thanking me for a post I wrote back in September...about how weight loss is not a straight line...
...it reminds me its ok to have a detour but get back on track... I enjoyed reading it and I was reminded not to be hard on myself as I didn't work out today...I will move forward and remember I did 11 miles on the bike yesterday which was a first for me.
First--congrats on the 11 miles on the bike yesterday...I hope it was a fun and exhilarating experience and that you will continue to have fun moving your body.
Second--I am so glad you will be gentle on yourself for not working out today. If perhaps you were a bit sore from yesterday's ride and that's why you didn't work out today, then remember to stretch before the ride, and maybe make the ride a tad shorter next time!
I have found that why I try something new, or that I haven't done in a long time, it helps me to do the same exercise two days in a row.That may seem a bit odd, but maybe it is because the muscles are sore and tend to tighten up...so now you stretch them again. The BEST exercise for losing weight is any exercise...that you keep doing...whether it is the same exercise or different one...it is just about moving more...and if you hurt too much you are apt to not want to keep it up!
Celebrate your accomplishments...and keep making small steps in the direction you want to end up at and you will get there.
Does 11 miles seem like too much to you? That's okay...do what YOU can do easily and then just a tad more...even if that is walking to the mailbox.
It isn't about keeping up with Bonnie, or me, or your spouse, colleagues, or kids...it is about being the best YOU that you can...and to do that you have to start where you are right now!
It is easy to think about what we want to do, or what we used to do...and that can be a great place to start...as long as we keep it in our minds in a positive way and then use that to catapult us to taking an action that will get us where we want to be. Weight loss starts with our minds...not our mouths!
Thanks to Bonnie and to my other readers for keeping in touch and helping to inspire me every day!
My New Year's toast to you:
To your healthy, energetic, slender body--You deserve it!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Weight Loss Tip: It Isn't About Food
I was at a holiday party the other night...it was a really nice night and I had the opportunity to get to know some of my neighbors a little bit better.
One of the neighbors mentioned to our newest residents that I had recently lost over 100 pounds. This announcement was followed with lots of questions...and they are the same sort of questions that I get asked whenever someone finds out about my weight loss success.
It goes something like this:
This isn't an exact transcript of the conversation but it gives you the idea. And I hope you see that the line of questioning almost always revolves around food and the idea that there is a specific formula that one must follow.
Folks...that is a DIET, and diets don't work.
I always try to steer the person back to the key concept which is that weight loss success starts with your mindset...you have to change your thinking in order to permanently, safely, lose weight.
If you've been around the diet block a few times then you know it isn't just about counting calories. But you probably don't really know what the answer is...because we've been told our entire lives it is about food in versus calories out.
It isn't about the food...not a specific food to eat, not a specific food to avoid. It is about how you feel about yourself, your body, about your ability to lose weight. It is about eating consciously. It is about not stuffing your feelings down with a side of mashed potatoes or a gallon of ice cream.
Weight loss success starts in your mind.
One of the neighbors mentioned to our newest residents that I had recently lost over 100 pounds. This announcement was followed with lots of questions...and they are the same sort of questions that I get asked whenever someone finds out about my weight loss success.
It goes something like this:
Q: What did you do?
A: I focused on changing my thinking first.
Q: Did you eat certain foods?
A: I eat whatever I want...I focus on eating consciously.
Q: I like __ (fill in the blank, I've heard it all), do I have to give that up?
A: I don't believe in forbidden foods...by putting foods off limits we just want them more.
Q: So what do you eat?
This isn't an exact transcript of the conversation but it gives you the idea. And I hope you see that the line of questioning almost always revolves around food and the idea that there is a specific formula that one must follow.
Folks...that is a DIET, and diets don't work.
I always try to steer the person back to the key concept which is that weight loss success starts with your mindset...you have to change your thinking in order to permanently, safely, lose weight.
If you've been around the diet block a few times then you know it isn't just about counting calories. But you probably don't really know what the answer is...because we've been told our entire lives it is about food in versus calories out.
It isn't about the food...not a specific food to eat, not a specific food to avoid. It is about how you feel about yourself, your body, about your ability to lose weight. It is about eating consciously. It is about not stuffing your feelings down with a side of mashed potatoes or a gallon of ice cream.
Weight loss success starts in your mind.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
3 More Tips for Healthy Holidays Without Weight Gain
It is sooooo common for people to gain 5 or 10 pounds over the holidays....heck, I used to do that in a weekend!
But why does this happen...bottom line it is because we tend to focus on food...it overwhelms us, we eat by rote, we also believe that it is the FOOD that is special.
Here are my tips on how to have a healthy, happy holiday--without gaining weight--by shifting your mindset...both away from and towards food. Confuse? Stick with me...
1. Meet new people, or engage people in a new way.
This definitely takes your mind off food--unless talking to people makes you so nervous you want to bolt yourself to the dessert table! If that's the case, make it a goal to meet 3 people this holiday season. Imagine you are entirely comfortable and your favorite person from history, current events, industry, or entertainment was going to answer 3 questions. What would you ask him or her? Ask those questions...or something similiar...of someone else, a co-worker or neighbor you want to know better or someone at a party. Now listen to their answers. You'll learn some fascinating things and you just might make a great new friend. And when you are really listening to someone else, you won't be eating!
2. These special foods can be had any time of the year.
Yes it is true! Just because gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition, it doesn't mean you can't make gingerbread in July if you want to. Take away the rule that says you can only have it now and suddenly the need to store it all in your cheeks until next year is taken away! If you have a favorite treat then enjoy it, but remember you can have it at any time. Otherwise you are apt to limit yourself and then binge on something else later--something you don't enjoy as much and so you will eat lots more of it!
3. When you eat, eat mindfully
So much of the time we eat completely unconsciously. Bowls of nuts and candies are all about and we grab handfuls without even thinking about it. Make it a point to be aware of every morsel that you put in your mouth. Not from a counting calories perspective--from the point of fully enjoying every single bit. And commit to stopping when you are no longer enjoying it. Give yourself permission to eat anything you want with this one rule--as long as I am making a conscious decision about what I'm eating and I am enjoying it!
If you follow these 3 tips...you are sure to avoid the plague of added pounds and you will have the gift of a healthy, happy holiday season!
Enjoy!
But why does this happen...bottom line it is because we tend to focus on food...it overwhelms us, we eat by rote, we also believe that it is the FOOD that is special.
Here are my tips on how to have a healthy, happy holiday--without gaining weight--by shifting your mindset...both away from and towards food. Confuse? Stick with me...
1. Meet new people, or engage people in a new way.
This definitely takes your mind off food--unless talking to people makes you so nervous you want to bolt yourself to the dessert table! If that's the case, make it a goal to meet 3 people this holiday season. Imagine you are entirely comfortable and your favorite person from history, current events, industry, or entertainment was going to answer 3 questions. What would you ask him or her? Ask those questions...or something similiar...of someone else, a co-worker or neighbor you want to know better or someone at a party. Now listen to their answers. You'll learn some fascinating things and you just might make a great new friend. And when you are really listening to someone else, you won't be eating!
2. These special foods can be had any time of the year.
Yes it is true! Just because gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition, it doesn't mean you can't make gingerbread in July if you want to. Take away the rule that says you can only have it now and suddenly the need to store it all in your cheeks until next year is taken away! If you have a favorite treat then enjoy it, but remember you can have it at any time. Otherwise you are apt to limit yourself and then binge on something else later--something you don't enjoy as much and so you will eat lots more of it!
3. When you eat, eat mindfully
So much of the time we eat completely unconsciously. Bowls of nuts and candies are all about and we grab handfuls without even thinking about it. Make it a point to be aware of every morsel that you put in your mouth. Not from a counting calories perspective--from the point of fully enjoying every single bit. And commit to stopping when you are no longer enjoying it. Give yourself permission to eat anything you want with this one rule--as long as I am making a conscious decision about what I'm eating and I am enjoying it!
If you follow these 3 tips...you are sure to avoid the plague of added pounds and you will have the gift of a healthy, happy holiday season!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
How to Survive the Holiday Party Season: 7 Weight Loss Success Tips
Holiday parties aren't generally when people plan to lose weight, but you can avoid piling on pounds over the holidays and still enjoy the festivities by following these 7 simple tips.
1. Eat Before You Go Out
It doesn't have to be much...but you never know if food will be available when you walk in the door, so don't arrive hungry--you're sure to eat more if you do.
2. Pick and Choose
Thoughtfully select from the variety of goodies available. Take your favorites and try a couple new items, but you don't have to eat it all. Start with just a bite and you can always go back for more.
3. Water, Water, Water
Drink at least 2 or 3 glasses of water...plain, sparkling, with lemon...for every glass of alcohol or other holiday drinks like punch or eggnog. It'll help keep your blood levels even and you will be better able to make conscious eating choices.
4. Talk It Up
Enjoy the people at the party. Get away from the buffet table and avoid "liquid courage"...Momma always told you not to talk with your mouth full, so talk...you'll eat less, and you just never know the fascinating people you might meet!
5. Protein Is Your Friend
Be sure to have some protein...bring a little pack of nuts along in case you get in a bind. By having protein you keep your blood sugar even which helps keep you from peaking and then crashing...and wanting to bolster the crash with more carbs.
6. Take a Break
Remember to stop a minute and enjoy the surrounding. Interrupt your feeding frenzy for a few moments and eat up up the sounds and sights of the holidays.
7. Enjoy and Avoid Regret
Overdoing during the party can lead to a pile of regret the morning after. Enjoy the party and follow the first 6 tips and you will likely not have anything to regret. But if you do eat, or drink, more than you planned, beating yourself up the next day won't make it any better.
There you go--7 simple tips to help survive the holiday party season...without gaining weight!
1. Eat Before You Go Out
It doesn't have to be much...but you never know if food will be available when you walk in the door, so don't arrive hungry--you're sure to eat more if you do.
2. Pick and Choose
Thoughtfully select from the variety of goodies available. Take your favorites and try a couple new items, but you don't have to eat it all. Start with just a bite and you can always go back for more.
3. Water, Water, Water
Drink at least 2 or 3 glasses of water...plain, sparkling, with lemon...for every glass of alcohol or other holiday drinks like punch or eggnog. It'll help keep your blood levels even and you will be better able to make conscious eating choices.
4. Talk It Up
Enjoy the people at the party. Get away from the buffet table and avoid "liquid courage"...Momma always told you not to talk with your mouth full, so talk...you'll eat less, and you just never know the fascinating people you might meet!
5. Protein Is Your Friend
Be sure to have some protein...bring a little pack of nuts along in case you get in a bind. By having protein you keep your blood sugar even which helps keep you from peaking and then crashing...and wanting to bolster the crash with more carbs.
6. Take a Break
Remember to stop a minute and enjoy the surrounding. Interrupt your feeding frenzy for a few moments and eat up up the sounds and sights of the holidays.
7. Enjoy and Avoid Regret
Overdoing during the party can lead to a pile of regret the morning after. Enjoy the party and follow the first 6 tips and you will likely not have anything to regret. But if you do eat, or drink, more than you planned, beating yourself up the next day won't make it any better.
There you go--7 simple tips to help survive the holiday party season...without gaining weight!
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