We all know that moving our body is an important aspect of gaining fitness and losing weight, but for a lot of us "exercise" is a dirty word--even if it is more than 4 letters long.
The absolute best exercise for losing weight is one that you will do...so figure out a way to make it fun. The goal is to have you enjoying your life, not dreading it! Active games are one way that we can get fit by moving our body while making it fun.
Whether you want to play tag or Frisbee with your kids, get on the swingset at the local playground (they don't call it an exercise yard except in prison!), pick up a racket for tennis or badminton or a paddle for your kayak, canoe or even for ping-pong...playing is good for your body, your mind and your spirit!
Dr. Daniel Amen who is a specialist in brain and brain chemistry says that playing increases blood flow to the brain and our ability to process. Active play typically requires coordination of eyes, hands and feet. So don't pooh-pooh sports like badminton and ping-pong any more--they can be great ways to get fit and stimulate your brain.
BTW, did you know actress Susan Sarandon is a big fan of Ping-Pong? In her words, the sport is "the most fun way to stay in shape." If you want to join Sarandon at the table, find a club by going to usatt.org.
Showing posts with label enjoying life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label enjoying life. Show all posts
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Happiness vs Weight Loss and Fitness--Which Comes First?
Following up on yesterday's post about the link to happiness and weight loss success, I received a comment:
The thing is, that being "fit and attractive" is no guarantee of happiness! Just ask the myriad of celebrities and models, considered to be among the most attractive how they feel. Being "attractive" is a completely subjective thing...and it doesn't really matter if other people find you attractive if you feel like you are anything but.
What I have learned is that when we are happy then we learn to love ourselves...all of us...include our limitations, "flaws", weaknesses, and yes, even our big noses and thighs and cellulite. When we can do that...scratch that...when we can BE that person...then we are attractive from the inside out. We take care of our bodies because we WANT to. We eat foods that nourish us, that give our bodies the energy, vitamins and minerals we need...AND the taste sensations that please us.
This creates a wonderful cycle...because by eating better and moving our bodies we set up a fantastic chemical reaction within our bodies and we feel better. We feel better so we care for our bodies. We care for our bodies and we feel better.
I've tried to use getting fit as my goal...saying that I would be happy when I lost "x" pounds (10 or 20 or 100...depending on where I was in my life.) But that never worked for me.
If you are not happy NOW the chances are you will not be happy "if/when." Instead IF you do lose the excess weight you will just find something else to be unhappy about.
If you decide to have a specific weight or size (or physical fitness level) be a requirement for you happiness then you are setting up yourself for a sad and sorry life. If you don't figure out why you are really unhappy you will just remain fat--as your safe excuse for being unhappy.
Instead of waiting for "xyz" event--make a choice to be happy now. Why miss out on the beautiful things life has to offer to you just because you aren't perfect? And why deprive the world of your light just because you don't see yourself as perfect?
My goal is to be the happy person first. I firmly believe that when I am happy and loving FIRST then I am healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. It doesn't mean that I never cry or get angry...it means that I accept myself as the imperfect human I am.
That acceptance of my imperfection is what, ironically, allows me to improve and become better each and every day. Or not!
And maybe, just maybe...by accepting myself right now I can help someone else in their journey to health and fitness and weight loss success!
Being fit and attractive is a great benefit to your happiness.While I don't exactly disagree with this...everything else being equal (which it isn't...but for the sake of argument...) of course we would be happier as fit and attractive people than if we are out of shape slobs...
The thing is, that being "fit and attractive" is no guarantee of happiness! Just ask the myriad of celebrities and models, considered to be among the most attractive how they feel. Being "attractive" is a completely subjective thing...and it doesn't really matter if other people find you attractive if you feel like you are anything but.
What I have learned is that when we are happy then we learn to love ourselves...all of us...include our limitations, "flaws", weaknesses, and yes, even our big noses and thighs and cellulite. When we can do that...scratch that...when we can BE that person...then we are attractive from the inside out. We take care of our bodies because we WANT to. We eat foods that nourish us, that give our bodies the energy, vitamins and minerals we need...AND the taste sensations that please us.
This creates a wonderful cycle...because by eating better and moving our bodies we set up a fantastic chemical reaction within our bodies and we feel better. We feel better so we care for our bodies. We care for our bodies and we feel better.
I've tried to use getting fit as my goal...saying that I would be happy when I lost "x" pounds (10 or 20 or 100...depending on where I was in my life.) But that never worked for me.
If you are not happy NOW the chances are you will not be happy "if/when." Instead IF you do lose the excess weight you will just find something else to be unhappy about.
If you decide to have a specific weight or size (or physical fitness level) be a requirement for you happiness then you are setting up yourself for a sad and sorry life. If you don't figure out why you are really unhappy you will just remain fat--as your safe excuse for being unhappy.
Instead of waiting for "xyz" event--make a choice to be happy now. Why miss out on the beautiful things life has to offer to you just because you aren't perfect? And why deprive the world of your light just because you don't see yourself as perfect?
My goal is to be the happy person first. I firmly believe that when I am happy and loving FIRST then I am healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. It doesn't mean that I never cry or get angry...it means that I accept myself as the imperfect human I am.
That acceptance of my imperfection is what, ironically, allows me to improve and become better each and every day. Or not!
And maybe, just maybe...by accepting myself right now I can help someone else in their journey to health and fitness and weight loss success!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Favorite Foods for True Weight Loss Success
Last week I gave my Chiropractor a copy of my book, Refuse to Diet: Weight Loss Success Starts with Your Mind...Not Your Mouth. He was very excited to get a copy and see what I've been up to. Yesterday when I went back to see him he told me that someone else had already borrowed it from him!
That was a really cool feeling, to know someone was so excited about my book that they asked to borrow his copy...and that he [reluctantly] agreed (she is a very important person in his life, after all!)
He had read a large part of the book and was asking me if I really still have my favorite treat (for those of you who are new to following this blog, that would be ice cream, the richer the better.) I said definitely. I also enjoy pizza, beer, wine and lots of other goodies. I just don't eat them as often or in as large of quantities. And the truth is I don't crave them like I used to!
A huge part of the "magic" is that I no longer put foods that I love on a list of forbidden foods. That didn't work for me. That doesn't mean I have gallons of ice cream on deck (although I have upon occasion.) I prefer to give myself permission to eat whatever I want, give myself smaller portions and then go back for more if I really want it.
See, the next part of the "magic" is making it all a conscious choice.
I couldn't do either parts of the magic when I was dieting, or when I was trying to lose weight because it was what my doctor told me to do, or my mother wanted me to do, or even because I would get a better health insurance rate.
I had to totally decide that I deserved to be healthy...which is a completely different mindset than wanting to lose weight or look good. With this mindset I can enjoy my favorite foods and not stress about what I am eating.
Am I stick skinny? Could I be a model? Hell no...but then that has never been my goal. I am a healthy weight for my body. I can go hiking like I never could before. I enjoy food like never before. I feel better about my body than ever. In my book, that is true weight loss success!
That was a really cool feeling, to know someone was so excited about my book that they asked to borrow his copy...and that he [reluctantly] agreed (she is a very important person in his life, after all!)
He had read a large part of the book and was asking me if I really still have my favorite treat (for those of you who are new to following this blog, that would be ice cream, the richer the better.) I said definitely. I also enjoy pizza, beer, wine and lots of other goodies. I just don't eat them as often or in as large of quantities. And the truth is I don't crave them like I used to!
A huge part of the "magic" is that I no longer put foods that I love on a list of forbidden foods. That didn't work for me. That doesn't mean I have gallons of ice cream on deck (although I have upon occasion.) I prefer to give myself permission to eat whatever I want, give myself smaller portions and then go back for more if I really want it.
See, the next part of the "magic" is making it all a conscious choice.
I couldn't do either parts of the magic when I was dieting, or when I was trying to lose weight because it was what my doctor told me to do, or my mother wanted me to do, or even because I would get a better health insurance rate.
I had to totally decide that I deserved to be healthy...which is a completely different mindset than wanting to lose weight or look good. With this mindset I can enjoy my favorite foods and not stress about what I am eating.
Am I stick skinny? Could I be a model? Hell no...but then that has never been my goal. I am a healthy weight for my body. I can go hiking like I never could before. I enjoy food like never before. I feel better about my body than ever. In my book, that is true weight loss success!
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!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Best Holiday Gift is YOU
This week I'm writing about the best holiday gift you can give your family...of course that gift is a healthy YOU...by deciding to become healthy you will be around for your family and you will actually save money (refer to earlier posts if you want to see the logic about that)...
Today I want to focus on another gift that you will be giving by improving your health--that is FUN!
How much fun are you missing if you are struggling to keep up? Can you play with the kids in the park if you can't catch your breath? It is hard to play musical chairs if you don't fit, or you are afraid you might actually break one!
Having fun, being joyful, that is a part of leading a full, fulfilled life...and that is definitely a gift--to yourself as well as your friends and family.
If you have trouble moving around it sets up a vicious cycle...you tend to go out less, to withdraw more...and guess what? You tend to then eat more which just leads to having more trouble moving. Not a pretty picture.
I used to worry if I would be comfortable at the theater...would I fit into the seat okay? Would I impact my "neighbor" because of my size? I still went out...but I fretted about it, and made sure whenever possible that I was on the aisle...so I could get up and step into the aisle if someone needed to be seated further in. If I couldn't get into the aisle I knew that no one would be able to get by me...and I couldn't get by anyone else either. That definitely made my experience less pleasurable.
I was pretty active for someone in the 300 pound range...but I often wondered if I would be able to keep up. Frequently people had to slow down so that I didn't fall behind. I definitely felt like I slowed the group down because of my extra weight.
These may not seem like big stresses, but they can definitely impact having fun...and even little stressor can impact your health...and having fun is about reducing stress, not adding to it!
Get out and enjoy life...have fun...that is one of the steps to having weight loss success...and when you do, you are setting up a delicious cycle of health! The more fun you have being out, the more you will do things...the more you do things, the more fun you will have.
You deserve to have fun...and your family and friends will love it, too!
Come back tomorrow to learn how giving the gift of a healthy you to your family gives them a big bonus gift!
Today I want to focus on another gift that you will be giving by improving your health--that is FUN!
How much fun are you missing if you are struggling to keep up? Can you play with the kids in the park if you can't catch your breath? It is hard to play musical chairs if you don't fit, or you are afraid you might actually break one!
Having fun, being joyful, that is a part of leading a full, fulfilled life...and that is definitely a gift--to yourself as well as your friends and family.
If you have trouble moving around it sets up a vicious cycle...you tend to go out less, to withdraw more...and guess what? You tend to then eat more which just leads to having more trouble moving. Not a pretty picture.
I used to worry if I would be comfortable at the theater...would I fit into the seat okay? Would I impact my "neighbor" because of my size? I still went out...but I fretted about it, and made sure whenever possible that I was on the aisle...so I could get up and step into the aisle if someone needed to be seated further in. If I couldn't get into the aisle I knew that no one would be able to get by me...and I couldn't get by anyone else either. That definitely made my experience less pleasurable.
I was pretty active for someone in the 300 pound range...but I often wondered if I would be able to keep up. Frequently people had to slow down so that I didn't fall behind. I definitely felt like I slowed the group down because of my extra weight.
These may not seem like big stresses, but they can definitely impact having fun...and even little stressor can impact your health...and having fun is about reducing stress, not adding to it!
Get out and enjoy life...have fun...that is one of the steps to having weight loss success...and when you do, you are setting up a delicious cycle of health! The more fun you have being out, the more you will do things...the more you do things, the more fun you will have.
You deserve to have fun...and your family and friends will love it, too!
Come back tomorrow to learn how giving the gift of a healthy you to your family gives them a big bonus gift!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Weight Loss Tip: Feel LIFE
I have fought my emotions for a large part of my life.
I thought I was unique, but I have learned that lots of people are uncomfortable with emotions.
We have emotions...that is part of being human. And we are taught early on not to express them...or not to express certain emotions...at least in public.
Little boys are taught not to cry. Little girls are taught not to be angry. Stereotypes of course...but you get the picture. We are pretty much taught to try to keep it calm all our lives. Like that is possible!
We are hushed if we get too excited, perked up if we are too quiet. We are soothed if we are upset.
We are made to feel like our emotions are wrong...or bad...or by extension we are wrong or bad.
Our emotions aren't good or bad...they just are. We were given emotions for some reason...so I'm sure they serve a purpose. I don't have to enjoy the roller coaster that I sometimes feel, but it does seem that I have to take the ride from time to time.
I used to try to squelch my emotions. I thought I could control my feelings...love, hate, fear. All I did was keep them at bay temporarily. When they got really big I ate to feel better. Trouble was I had to eat more and more just to get by...not to feel good...just to not feel bad.
That did not work out well for me. I wound up fat. Really fat. Then I still felt bad...and I was fat.
That is when I decided I had to make a change. I started to allow myself to actually feel life. I started to feel joy...to actually seek it out. I stopped to watch a sunrise and feel the peace that rose in my heart--joining the sky on it's journey across the sky.
I found little things that brought me pleasure...the details in a flower, the tenacity of a bug, the shifting shapes in the clouds through my window, the sun on my cheek.
I also began to allow myself to feel some sadness, some disappointment...without eating...without drowning it.
What surprised me is the sadness was short-lived. It might have been more intense without a pint of Ben & Jerry's numbing effect, but it lived and died quickly...no longer held captive by the sugar it did not have to linger. And I didn't add to the disappointment...by adding my regrets about what I ate to the mix.
Life happens. We cannot truly appreciate the joys if we never experience any lows. Do I wish people to be unhappy? For as brief a moment as possible. In order to do that, you have to feel it and let it go.
Stop self-medicating your life away. You will have more joy...and you will lose weight, too!
I thought I was unique, but I have learned that lots of people are uncomfortable with emotions.
We have emotions...that is part of being human. And we are taught early on not to express them...or not to express certain emotions...at least in public.
Little boys are taught not to cry. Little girls are taught not to be angry. Stereotypes of course...but you get the picture. We are pretty much taught to try to keep it calm all our lives. Like that is possible!
We are hushed if we get too excited, perked up if we are too quiet. We are soothed if we are upset.
We are made to feel like our emotions are wrong...or bad...or by extension we are wrong or bad.
Our emotions aren't good or bad...they just are. We were given emotions for some reason...so I'm sure they serve a purpose. I don't have to enjoy the roller coaster that I sometimes feel, but it does seem that I have to take the ride from time to time.
I used to try to squelch my emotions. I thought I could control my feelings...love, hate, fear. All I did was keep them at bay temporarily. When they got really big I ate to feel better. Trouble was I had to eat more and more just to get by...not to feel good...just to not feel bad.
That did not work out well for me. I wound up fat. Really fat. Then I still felt bad...and I was fat.
That is when I decided I had to make a change. I started to allow myself to actually feel life. I started to feel joy...to actually seek it out. I stopped to watch a sunrise and feel the peace that rose in my heart--joining the sky on it's journey across the sky.
I found little things that brought me pleasure...the details in a flower, the tenacity of a bug, the shifting shapes in the clouds through my window, the sun on my cheek.
I also began to allow myself to feel some sadness, some disappointment...without eating...without drowning it.
What surprised me is the sadness was short-lived. It might have been more intense without a pint of Ben & Jerry's numbing effect, but it lived and died quickly...no longer held captive by the sugar it did not have to linger. And I didn't add to the disappointment...by adding my regrets about what I ate to the mix.
Life happens. We cannot truly appreciate the joys if we never experience any lows. Do I wish people to be unhappy? For as brief a moment as possible. In order to do that, you have to feel it and let it go.
Stop self-medicating your life away. You will have more joy...and you will lose weight, too!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Weight Loss Tip: Get Gruntled
Sometimes we eat because we are bored or unhappy...or even if not unhappy, not filled with joy.
A friend of mine used to say he wasn't exactly disgruntled, but he was "far from being gruntled"...it is that feeling of gruntledness (I love making up words!) that we deserve to feed. And by feeding it, we are less apt to need to overeat.
With that in mind (in mind, body and spirit, actually!) I am heading to the Loveland Colorado sculpture shows this weekend!
I know that by feeding my spirit with great art, catching up with old friends, and meeting new artists I will be so filled with joy that I will be on an entirely different plane and I will not need to overeat.
Hey...that's not to say I won't have a food treat...I might choose to...but I won't be applying a food binge salve to my soul--cuz it won't need it!
Do things that feed your spirit and you will be less inclined to feel the urge to overeat in an attempt to fill the emptiness you feel that has nothing to do with physical hunger.
A friend of mine used to say he wasn't exactly disgruntled, but he was "far from being gruntled"...it is that feeling of gruntledness (I love making up words!) that we deserve to feed. And by feeding it, we are less apt to need to overeat.
With that in mind (in mind, body and spirit, actually!) I am heading to the Loveland Colorado sculpture shows this weekend!
I know that by feeding my spirit with great art, catching up with old friends, and meeting new artists I will be so filled with joy that I will be on an entirely different plane and I will not need to overeat.
Hey...that's not to say I won't have a food treat...I might choose to...but I won't be applying a food binge salve to my soul--cuz it won't need it!
Do things that feed your spirit and you will be less inclined to feel the urge to overeat in an attempt to fill the emptiness you feel that has nothing to do with physical hunger.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Weight Loss Tip: Count Blessings Not Calories
The universe loves gratitude. I've heard that so many places--from many, many
teachers including Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Abraham-Hicks, Bob Proctor and so many
more.
I have found this to be true regarding health and fitness and weight loss, too. Which leads me to this weight loss tip about counting blessings.
When I am grateful for the health I currently have it actually sets me up to
experience improved health. When I feel the gratitude in my heart that I no longer
have cravings controlling my life, that I can eat what I want and achieve and
maintain a healthy weight...that feeling is so liberating that it reinforces that I
have a "normal" relationship with food.
Start wherever you are now and be grateful for that. Be grateful for your desire for
health. Be grateful for your willingness to change. Be grateful for the potential in
your body for perfect weight.
We are so tempted to live in the future...not remembering and aknowledging where we are right now...and what we have right now. This is where we tend to come from when we count calories. Instead of enjoying and savoring where we are, we are thinking about the future outcome.
When we count calories we are being restrictive.
When we count blessings we are open to abundance.
I am so blessed to have this healthy body that moves easily and carries my spirit throughout the day. I thank God for the energy I feel in my body, for the clean air that fills my lungs and water to quench my thirst. I am grateful for my reliable feet, my strong legs and arms that enable me to accomplish so many things every day.
By being grateful for what I have now, it does not mean that I don't want more! I can always desire increased health, more endurance, strength. Part of our human nature is to want more and to be better. There is nothing wrong with that.
My gratitude reminds me that there are so many things in this world--including my body--that are miraculous and amazing...things that are to be loved and cherished...cared for and nurtured.
Gratitude then sets in motion a glorious cycle of love which then brings us more to be grateful for.
Thank you, God, for all the blessings I have in my life. And thank you, readers for your love and support.
To your health! You can achieve it. The potential is in you. Claim it with your gratitude and you will be amazed to see your weight begin to drop.
teachers including Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Abraham-Hicks, Bob Proctor and so many
more.
I have found this to be true regarding health and fitness and weight loss, too. Which leads me to this weight loss tip about counting blessings.
When I am grateful for the health I currently have it actually sets me up to
experience improved health. When I feel the gratitude in my heart that I no longer
have cravings controlling my life, that I can eat what I want and achieve and
maintain a healthy weight...that feeling is so liberating that it reinforces that I
have a "normal" relationship with food.
Start wherever you are now and be grateful for that. Be grateful for your desire for
health. Be grateful for your willingness to change. Be grateful for the potential in
your body for perfect weight.
We are so tempted to live in the future...not remembering and aknowledging where we are right now...and what we have right now. This is where we tend to come from when we count calories. Instead of enjoying and savoring where we are, we are thinking about the future outcome.
When we count calories we are being restrictive.
When we count blessings we are open to abundance.
I am so blessed to have this healthy body that moves easily and carries my spirit throughout the day. I thank God for the energy I feel in my body, for the clean air that fills my lungs and water to quench my thirst. I am grateful for my reliable feet, my strong legs and arms that enable me to accomplish so many things every day.
By being grateful for what I have now, it does not mean that I don't want more! I can always desire increased health, more endurance, strength. Part of our human nature is to want more and to be better. There is nothing wrong with that.
My gratitude reminds me that there are so many things in this world--including my body--that are miraculous and amazing...things that are to be loved and cherished...cared for and nurtured.
Gratitude then sets in motion a glorious cycle of love which then brings us more to be grateful for.
Thank you, God, for all the blessings I have in my life. And thank you, readers for your love and support.
To your health! You can achieve it. The potential is in you. Claim it with your gratitude and you will be amazed to see your weight begin to drop.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Don't Let Your Size Stop You From Living Your Life
We all have dreams and aspirations. Some are huge--for our lifetimes. Others are quite small.
Sadly, too often we shelve our dreams because of our size.
Don't let your size stop you from doing what you want to do, from being the person you want to be.
Be the person who listens to her spirit.
Be the person who hears the call and responds.
If you want to play with your kids at the beach then do it! Do it with your heart and to teh best of your physical abilities. Don't allow fear of what other's MIGHT think stop you. Don't let your EGO keep you from living your life.
I've met so many people--women mostly--who won't take their kids to the pool, the beach, or the water park because they are embarrassed to be seen in their bathing suits. They are ashamed of their bodies and don't want to be seen in all their glory.
Please, do not put your life on hold until you lose weight. Be the person that you feel inside and live that life and then you will lose the weight.
Don't wait to Have first thinking then you can Do and Be.
It starts with BE-ing. Be, Do then Have the results!
Sadly, too often we shelve our dreams because of our size.
Don't let your size stop you from doing what you want to do, from being the person you want to be.
Be the person who listens to her spirit.
Be the person who hears the call and responds.
If you want to play with your kids at the beach then do it! Do it with your heart and to teh best of your physical abilities. Don't allow fear of what other's MIGHT think stop you. Don't let your EGO keep you from living your life.
I've met so many people--women mostly--who won't take their kids to the pool, the beach, or the water park because they are embarrassed to be seen in their bathing suits. They are ashamed of their bodies and don't want to be seen in all their glory.
Please, do not put your life on hold until you lose weight. Be the person that you feel inside and live that life and then you will lose the weight.
Don't wait to Have first thinking then you can Do and Be.
It starts with BE-ing. Be, Do then Have the results!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Eating Chocolate as Part of Weight Loss
Yes, chocolate can have a place in your weight loss plan.
First, as you have heard me say repeatedly, I do not believe any foods should be off-limits completely. That is just no fun! Not only that, it can lead to feeling deprived which then tends to prompt us to binge.
We don't want to be in that cycle. We want to be in a healthy cycle where we feel good about ourselves and the progress we are making towards achieving our ideal health goals.
So incorporating some of your favorite foods, in small portions can actually help you lose weight in the long run!
Now--don't let that lead you to believe you can just eat bon-bons all day long! Nor does it mean that we should eat large quantities of the "healthy chocolate" that you see advertised.
It is important that we change our thinking--not just what we eat. I have done that before and it has always backfired! If you swap eating a dozen chocolate chip cookies for a bag of low-cal cookies you are not really changing the thought process or the behavior! I contend that even if what you swap for is carrot sticks you are still not changing the thinking. Because if you still stuff yourself, at some point you will decide the carrot sticks just aren't cutting it and look out baby--then a super-binge is on the way!
When we change our thinking about food and our bodies and begin to really love ourselves we want to truly take care of these wonderful bodies we have. One of the ways we take care of them is to fuel them properly rather than stuffing them with food because something is "eating us" emotionally! Instead we learn other ways to deal with issues and no longer feel the need to self-medicate with food.
But fueling properly doesn't mean you never get to have a treat...and chocolate is a great treat AND can actually have some health benefits.
Be sure to eat dark chocolate for maximum heart benefits. And take small pieces--you only need 1/4 oz to achieve the benefits--that means a standard size chocolate bar will pretty much last you a week.
First, as you have heard me say repeatedly, I do not believe any foods should be off-limits completely. That is just no fun! Not only that, it can lead to feeling deprived which then tends to prompt us to binge.
We don't want to be in that cycle. We want to be in a healthy cycle where we feel good about ourselves and the progress we are making towards achieving our ideal health goals.
So incorporating some of your favorite foods, in small portions can actually help you lose weight in the long run!
Now--don't let that lead you to believe you can just eat bon-bons all day long! Nor does it mean that we should eat large quantities of the "healthy chocolate" that you see advertised.
It is important that we change our thinking--not just what we eat. I have done that before and it has always backfired! If you swap eating a dozen chocolate chip cookies for a bag of low-cal cookies you are not really changing the thought process or the behavior! I contend that even if what you swap for is carrot sticks you are still not changing the thinking. Because if you still stuff yourself, at some point you will decide the carrot sticks just aren't cutting it and look out baby--then a super-binge is on the way!
When we change our thinking about food and our bodies and begin to really love ourselves we want to truly take care of these wonderful bodies we have. One of the ways we take care of them is to fuel them properly rather than stuffing them with food because something is "eating us" emotionally! Instead we learn other ways to deal with issues and no longer feel the need to self-medicate with food.
But fueling properly doesn't mean you never get to have a treat...and chocolate is a great treat AND can actually have some health benefits.
Be sure to eat dark chocolate for maximum heart benefits. And take small pieces--you only need 1/4 oz to achieve the benefits--that means a standard size chocolate bar will pretty much last you a week.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Celebrate Weight Loss Successes
I never really liked trying on clothes before...now I realize that was because it was hard work and uncomfortable when I weighed 100+ pounds more!
I am having fun trying on clothes that I had put away because they were too small--and now I'm finding they are too big!
Woo-hoo! Yay me!!!
Be sure to celebrate your weight loss successes! Find a supportive friend or support system and brag about what you are doing right, rather than beating yourself up for what you have done wrong. It is about changing your mindset...you will begin to notice more and more what you are doing right and that will reinforce those behaviors and you will be more apt to continue to make those good choices (and changes)!
There is SO much to celebrate in this life!
I am having fun trying on clothes that I had put away because they were too small--and now I'm finding they are too big!
Woo-hoo! Yay me!!!
Be sure to celebrate your weight loss successes! Find a supportive friend or support system and brag about what you are doing right, rather than beating yourself up for what you have done wrong. It is about changing your mindset...you will begin to notice more and more what you are doing right and that will reinforce those behaviors and you will be more apt to continue to make those good choices (and changes)!
There is SO much to celebrate in this life!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thank You Academy, or And the Winner Is...
Did you enjoy the Academy Awards last night? I did...I almost didn't watch but heard that they were changing up the format and so I decided to check it out. Glad I did.
Why? Well, besides learning a bit more about the movies (I don't get to see movies much these days!) I got a couple "social ah ha" moments out of it...
What do I mean by a "social ah ha"? For me, it is the light bulb moment that is more than just a personal revelation (or ah ha), but one that gives me insight into what is going on in the world today. Or at least the USA.
This is going to be a longer than usual post...but it struck me deeply...
I even enjoyed the variety of styles of dress among the men and women--especially when it was obvious that it was a fit specifically for them. Think of Mickey Rourke and Penelope Cruz. Very different and each unique and well suited for them.
I loved when Andrew Stanton (winner for Best Animated Feature) "Creative seeds are sown in the oddest of places" as he was thanking his high school drama teacher for casting him in Hello Dolly.
The change in the stage format was a much more intimate approach than years past. It brought the audience closer to the host. It made it easier for him to communicate with the audience. And it brought the live audience closer to the television audience. And the groups of presenters for the acting awards spoke directly to the nominees. There was a deep, personal connection that struck a chord with the nominees and allowed us at home to feel like we knew both the presenter and the nominee a little bit better. Much different from showing a clip of the movie. Focus was on the person, not the movie.
The entire show was a throw-back to the 30s & 40s. From the song and dance numbers to the crystal curtain. It was nostalgic, reassuring, opulent.
What does this have to do with health, wellness and Refuse to Diet?
So be open to new ideas. Try some new things out. Change up your exercise routine...especially if you are getting bored. Boredom is a motivation killer!
Why? Well, besides learning a bit more about the movies (I don't get to see movies much these days!) I got a couple "social ah ha" moments out of it...
What do I mean by a "social ah ha"? For me, it is the light bulb moment that is more than just a personal revelation (or ah ha), but one that gives me insight into what is going on in the world today. Or at least the USA.
This is going to be a longer than usual post...but it struck me deeply...
- Dreams--have them and use them for success.
- Be true to yourself. Be authentic.
- Be grateful for everything in your life. You never know what/who is going to inspire you to greatness.
- We are craving intimacy, closer contact.
- We are looking for reassurance that all is well in the world and that is reflected in our fondness for nostalgia.
I even enjoyed the variety of styles of dress among the men and women--especially when it was obvious that it was a fit specifically for them. Think of Mickey Rourke and Penelope Cruz. Very different and each unique and well suited for them.
I loved when Andrew Stanton (winner for Best Animated Feature) "Creative seeds are sown in the oddest of places" as he was thanking his high school drama teacher for casting him in Hello Dolly.
The change in the stage format was a much more intimate approach than years past. It brought the audience closer to the host. It made it easier for him to communicate with the audience. And it brought the live audience closer to the television audience. And the groups of presenters for the acting awards spoke directly to the nominees. There was a deep, personal connection that struck a chord with the nominees and allowed us at home to feel like we knew both the presenter and the nominee a little bit better. Much different from showing a clip of the movie. Focus was on the person, not the movie.
The entire show was a throw-back to the 30s & 40s. From the song and dance numbers to the crystal curtain. It was nostalgic, reassuring, opulent.
What does this have to do with health, wellness and Refuse to Diet?
- Set your dream (goal) regarding your health and weight--and stick to it. Live it every day and you will achieve it.
- No one diet, exercise or fitness program works for everyone. Know yourself and choose a plan that will work for YOU, your lifestyle and your goals. And don't try to look like anyone else...instead be the best YOU that you can.
- We all have so much to be grateful for. Sometimes things that seem small or like a long time ago can be the catalyst we need for change. Sometimes things that even seem like negatives...look for the positive. And when you realize you were inspired by someone--let them know it!
- Make an effort to connect with at least one other human being--directly. That real connection can make all the difference in how you feel. Focus on people--not food.
- In times of uncertainty we look for things that give us comfort. That can be food--which might sabotage our health goals. What other ways can you give yourself a sense of security? Remember to celebrate your wins, recognize and reward your achievements
So be open to new ideas. Try some new things out. Change up your exercise routine...especially if you are getting bored. Boredom is a motivation killer!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Focus on the Positive Changes Not What is Left to Be Done
I am feeling positively wonderful...
Interesting thing how ones outlook or attitude can affect your entire day...and choosing different ways of looking at something can make all the difference.
For example, you know that I've lost over 100 pounds (over 120 now)--what you may not know is that I still would like to drop a few more.
In the past, I would have allowed the "fact" that I have not accomplished my goal to diminish my ability to celebrate and embrace the success to date. Maybe I haven't lost 100 pounds before, but I have lost 50 pounds before--and not respected that achievement or myself enough and instead of maintaining that loss I actually put it all back on AND MORE!
So as I look in the mirrow while exercising I notice and love my body--even with some extra fat jiggling around. I am not perfect. May never have the perfect body--however, I am PROUD of what I have done. I am enjoying seeing the changes in my body.
Instead of focusing on the remaining fat, I am choosing to focus on my emerging muscles that I can see and feel . I am focusing on their growing strength and that they are coming out of hiding from beneath layers of fat.
I am choosing to focus on noticing my bones--seeing my skeletal structure. How strong my bones are! How loyal have they been as they carried my body around.
I am choosing to notice how my arms and legs, and even my fingers and toes, are appearing to grow longer. The truth is they are less round than they were before--the shortness was an illusion that I am shattering.
What an exciting discovery this "new" body is!
Interesting thing how ones outlook or attitude can affect your entire day...and choosing different ways of looking at something can make all the difference.
For example, you know that I've lost over 100 pounds (over 120 now)--what you may not know is that I still would like to drop a few more.
In the past, I would have allowed the "fact" that I have not accomplished my goal to diminish my ability to celebrate and embrace the success to date. Maybe I haven't lost 100 pounds before, but I have lost 50 pounds before--and not respected that achievement or myself enough and instead of maintaining that loss I actually put it all back on AND MORE!
So as I look in the mirrow while exercising I notice and love my body--even with some extra fat jiggling around. I am not perfect. May never have the perfect body--however, I am PROUD of what I have done. I am enjoying seeing the changes in my body.
Instead of focusing on the remaining fat, I am choosing to focus on my emerging muscles that I can see and feel . I am focusing on their growing strength and that they are coming out of hiding from beneath layers of fat.
I am choosing to focus on noticing my bones--seeing my skeletal structure. How strong my bones are! How loyal have they been as they carried my body around.
I am choosing to notice how my arms and legs, and even my fingers and toes, are appearing to grow longer. The truth is they are less round than they were before--the shortness was an illusion that I am shattering.
What an exciting discovery this "new" body is!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Ellie Krieger: Enjoying Favorite Foods at the Holidays
Ellie Krieger is a dietitian as well as star of the Food Network. She recently shared some of her tips on enjoying the holidays with neither guilt nor packing on extra pounds!
Ellie agrees with me that there are no forbidden foods and that taking small servings of favorites is an important part of enjoying the holidays. Some of her favorites--her grandmother's butter cookies (yes, made with real butter), potato latkes and mashed potatoes with gravy!
And Happy Healthy Holidays everyone!
Ellie agrees with me that there are no forbidden foods and that taking small servings of favorites is an important part of enjoying the holidays. Some of her favorites--her grandmother's butter cookies (yes, made with real butter), potato latkes and mashed potatoes with gravy!
My strategy is to enjoy these specialties in small amounts. SO if I want butter cookies, I'm not going to have a dozen. I'm going to sit down with two cookies and a cup of coffee or a homemade skinny latte and savor them.Whether your favorite treat is butter cookies, gingerbread men or chocolate covered cherries, take this tip from Ellie and really savor them. Remember you CAN have one or two and that thought alone helps get rid of some of the stress (and you'll recall, stress can make us eat more...so it kind of defeats the purpose if you worry about it, right?)
And Happy Healthy Holidays everyone!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Making Exercise Fun
What can we do to make our exercise fun? How do we mix it up to prevent getting bored?
Across the street from my house is a pasture that during the winter is home to about 30 head of horses. I love watching them play. I always get a big smile across my face when I see them.
The other morning I walked over with some small apples I had leftover from visiting my brother. I had used the bigger ones and made myself a treat and decided the tiny ones were too small to make the effort worthwhile.
Of course they loved the treats! The horses got loving, great rubs and some nice eats. And I got to enjoy feeling their soft lips and warm, furry bodies. What a marvelous energy exchange.
I'm not saying that feeding the horses is great "exercise"! What was great was that I got out in nature, got some energy and moved my body in a different way, in addition to walking to the part of the pasture where the horses were. Yes, I walk on a regular basis and no, this was not a long walk, but it was different, fun and I feel happy and energized as a result!
Sometimes that is all we have to do to keep ourselves on our path to health! After all, if we aren't having fun, we won't do it!
Across the street from my house is a pasture that during the winter is home to about 30 head of horses. I love watching them play. I always get a big smile across my face when I see them.
The other morning I walked over with some small apples I had leftover from visiting my brother. I had used the bigger ones and made myself a treat and decided the tiny ones were too small to make the effort worthwhile.
Of course they loved the treats! The horses got loving, great rubs and some nice eats. And I got to enjoy feeling their soft lips and warm, furry bodies. What a marvelous energy exchange.
I'm not saying that feeding the horses is great "exercise"! What was great was that I got out in nature, got some energy and moved my body in a different way, in addition to walking to the part of the pasture where the horses were. Yes, I walk on a regular basis and no, this was not a long walk, but it was different, fun and I feel happy and energized as a result!
Sometimes that is all we have to do to keep ourselves on our path to health! After all, if we aren't having fun, we won't do it!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Walking at the Beach
I love the ocean...it is one of the few things I really miss living in my beautiful land-locked Colorado.
Walking at the beach is one of the best things ever. I love feeling the sand underfoot and the water as it laps at my toes.
Something about walking in the surf and moving through the water and on the sand that I forget that I'm actually getting exercise!
The combination of moving and fresh air, along with the rhythmic sounds of the surf bring me such a sense of peace.
Why am I talking about all of this? Because I am realizing how important it is to really appreciate the things that bring me pleasure.
Let's face it, food was something that brought me a lot of pleasure (and a lot of pain and confusion and....) so it is critical that I have other pleasures in my life. These are things that I can do when I get a craving or an emotional pull to eat, when my intellect is saying, no I don't want to eat, but the little kid in me is not sure what else to do!
Another thing I have to face is that I have been working very, very, very hard and not recognizing or allowing myself a lot of time for pleasures. Therefore I am reminding myself that balance in life is crucial and I deserve to have fun and enjoy my life. Heck, if I don't enjoy my life then there isn't much point, is there?
Walking at the beach is one of the best things ever. I love feeling the sand underfoot and the water as it laps at my toes.
Something about walking in the surf and moving through the water and on the sand that I forget that I'm actually getting exercise!
The combination of moving and fresh air, along with the rhythmic sounds of the surf bring me such a sense of peace.
Why am I talking about all of this? Because I am realizing how important it is to really appreciate the things that bring me pleasure.
Let's face it, food was something that brought me a lot of pleasure (and a lot of pain and confusion and....) so it is critical that I have other pleasures in my life. These are things that I can do when I get a craving or an emotional pull to eat, when my intellect is saying, no I don't want to eat, but the little kid in me is not sure what else to do!
Another thing I have to face is that I have been working very, very, very hard and not recognizing or allowing myself a lot of time for pleasures. Therefore I am reminding myself that balance in life is crucial and I deserve to have fun and enjoy my life. Heck, if I don't enjoy my life then there isn't much point, is there?
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