More About Mindset

So how do you get your head in the game, like discussed yesterday?

I've said this many times before, but affirmations are a great tool for changing your head.

I know that I started and failed many diets over the years. I had myself convinced that I actually COULD NOT SUCCEED. Sure enough, as long as I held that belief I didn't.

What changed for me? I started by being open to the possibility that maybe I could be healthy.

Sound simple? Well, if you have been struggling for years (almost 40 in my case) to be healthy then it may be simple but it is far from easy!

If you are struggling with affirmations--or struggling with the idea that it is even possible for you to lose weight, then review some of my past posts that deal with the subject of affirmation. I have several posts that give specific affirmations as well as how I have used them in the past.

If you are still challenged with affirmations and your mindset I suggest you give yourself the gift of some help. Louise Hay has been a great help to me. I love You Can Heal Your Life. I have the extended version with the affirmation tool kit and listen to that daily. I also meditate with Wayne Dyer. I suggest you start with one, and I would start with Louise Hay. Then as you get more comfortable with affirmations you can add some other tools.

Bottom line is to be loving to yourself! Give yourself the gift of health. You deserve it! Be open to the possibility of health for you.

Phone Coaching Assists Weight Loss

Thanks to Lynda Lippin, the Fitness Diva for this information.

In a new study published in the November/December issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion, researchers at Brigham Young University, headed by Dr. Larry Tucker, found that phone coaching has a an extremely positive effect on weight loss. In a 17 week study that contrasted men and women who were given 11 sessions of personalized weight loss phone coaching against a group who received no such support, the phone coached group shed an average of seven pounds in contrast to an average of four pounds in the uncoached adults.

Says Dr. Tucker, "Tucker: People tend to do better when they have a support system and when they have someone they report to each week. The weight loss coach can help people work through weight loss issues, barriers and problems. Compared to no coaching, phone coaching tends to show a benefit."

I couldn't agree more! My coaching with Dr. Linda (not the Fitness Diva, different fitness ladies!) has helped me immensely. I recommend finding someone who fits with your needs and who can support you in nutrition, attitude and exercise.

This is especially helpful if you live alone or in an area where it may be difficult to get support--or if you have family and friends who just "don't get" what you are trying to accomplish in your life!

I tried some of the groups in past (like Weight Watchers) and they didn't work for me. If they support you, that is awesome. But if not, give Dr. Linda a try, I think she is awesome!

Don't Give Up the Dream of Ideal Health

I was talking to an acquaintance of mine today. She mentioned that she had pretty much settled in to her body, and although she would love to be healthier and carry less body fat, she just doesn't think it is a realistic expectation for her at this point in her life.

I have got to say that at our age (we both recently turned 50) it is more important than ever that we take care of ourselves. I want to live a healthy old age, not be crippled from any more years of excess weight pounding my joints and back. Not to mention the other complications that can arise from not living and eating in a healthy manner.

As we talked, I recognized some of the thought processes that I had a couple of years ago. It really reinforced for me that, although we can encourage one another to be healthy and take care of our bodies, it is completely up to the individual whose body it is to make the decision.

It is possible to achieve ideal health and an ideal body. Because of my genetic makeup I will never be a long limbed, delicate boned Miss America type, but I can have a very healthy, strong, athletic build that will carry me very well.

I have been working with a coach in the area of my health. She encourages me to eat well and make good choices, but she also knows it is up to me. Since she is in the medical profession she points out the risk factors if I don't take care of myself, and she empowers me to take control of my own life.

Dr. Linda has helped me with my mental attitude first. That is where it had to start. I had to believe that it was possible, which for a long time I didn't. After years of attempting to lose weight and failing I, like my friend I saw today, was pretty resigned to being overweight. Only thing is, I was almost 300 pounds--and probably wouldn't have stopped there.

One of the reasons I love my coach, Dr. Linda so much is because I have worked with my doctors in the past and had very different results. Some doctors would criticize my weight but give me no guidance on how to change it. Others would "put me on a diet" and then if I didn't lose weight accuse me of cheating. So many of them seemed to think there was one approach to achieving a healthy weight. With Dr. Linda, she is there to answer questions and be a cheerleader if that is what I need, but she helps me keep my head right and has steered me to a point where I am continuing to lose weight and I do not feel like I'm on a diet at all.