TRICKS THAT DO WORK

I came upon this article and actually have suggested all of these things to clients.

They do work. And I are not really all that bizarre.



http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/5-bizarre-weight-loss-tricks-that-work-2607467.html

NAUGHTY OR NICE

I am always amused when clients define themselves, food or an entire day by the terms "good" or "bad". This judgement is usually determined by their actions, or an event that has occurred. I typically remark that both adjectives seem a bit extreme. People, food and a twenty four hour period are neither good nor bad. They just are.

We are the ones judging it. There is certainly value in observing something. If I determine that a certain behavior or food item may be harmful to me, I may consider eliminating it.

Rather than waste time replaying and criticizing, it may be more helpful to decide what to do about it.

WAKE UP

Approximately 88% of what you do on a regular daily basis is below your conscious awareness. It is automatic. You do not think about walking or driving. It is something you do automatically and unless something occurs that interrupts this habitual response, you will continue to do it routinely. You may think you are consciously aware, but the truth is most of the time you are on “auto pilot”. Habitual overeating, emotional eating , stopping at a drive thru is 75% habit control. To change eating patterns you have to choose to wake up.

WHAT YOU WISH FOR

You have heard the old cliché, "be careful what you wish for, you just may get it." It may seem at times that words almost take on a life of their own. This is because they are in a sense. When you read words you create an internal representation of it. Much in the same way if you chose to say things like “I just look at a piece of cake and gain five pounds”, you are creating an internal response to the words themselves. You chose that statement and soon it becomes ingrained into your unconscious mind. The unconscious mind then begins to respond to it.

FAT FREE IS LIKE BEING DEBT FREE

My friend received his Mastercard bill when I was visiting. He quickly shoved it in his pocket. When I asked why he had done so, he replied "I don't want to see it." To which I responded "Sooner or later you will have to look at it---so you can pay it." But he decided he was going to shove it away and pretend it didn't exist. Now you and I know that the longer he put off addressing his bills the worse the situation could become.

A lot of people do the same thing with their weight. The hide underneath baggy clothes or sweats and avoid mirrors. Just like a bill it doesn't magically go away. Not only does it not go away but it can (and usually does) get worse. When you decide to take a good look and become responsible--you can change the situation.

Like paying a bill, you can take steps to rectify the situation. And depending on the amount of the bill, you can determine the payments you will make. It doesn't matter if you make small or large payments. Just that you are working your way to being free of debt. It doesn't matter what you do --- just that you are working your way to being healthier and healthier every day.

FULL OF THANKS

For most people Thanksgiving is not just a time for turkey and stuffing but an opportunity to stuff themselves. In fact many will act as if it is a necessary part of the celebration. I am not suggesting that one bypasses the celebration, but I think one can commemorate the day without making the food the guest of honor.

It is certainly possible to give thanks without overeating. It makes more sense to be full of thanks than to be full of extra calories.

THE UNIVERSE INSIDE YOU

I remember my science teacher once told the story about a single cell making its way out of the water and joining another cell. The two cells together were able to survive easier. And cells began merging to live and survive.

There are 50 to 75 trillion cells in the human body. Whenever I eat and exercise, I am visualizing my cells. I think about what nutrients I am sending them and what they require. In doing this I also stay away from things that are extremely deadly to my cells (sugar, too much alcohol, man made products). Visualization helps me to be more consciously aware of the effect these things are having on my body. I am also visualizing the positive effects of exercising. The cells getting oxygen and thriving.

Think of yourself as the guardian of these precious living organisms. Considering how you have been treating them so far. remember they are counting on you to care for them.

JUST DO IT

What is your health goal? What does it mean to you? Your meaning or rather the meaning you give to something, drives and motivates you.Meaning is what you feel. It gives something significance.

What does the word “meaning” mean to you? How does that fit into your personal meaning of healthy? Or being fit? What meaning do you give to succeeding or achieving a particular goal.

And what is so meaningful about those meanings? why does it "mean" so much to you? And finally, does it mean enough that you will take action? If yes,what is the physical action you will take? Now Just do it.

TREAT YOURSELF BY TRICKING YOURSELF

First time clients always try to earn my sympathy with tales of how the refuse to "deprave" themselves. They are referring to no longer eating sweets,chips etc. I always ask them to consider what they really have been depraving themselves of? The active lifestyle and comfort in wearing certain clothes. Isn't not being able to wear what you want to wear or do what you want to do the real deprivation?
And yes, I've heard the same cry "You have to live." Which makes me wonder why anyone would assume that my passing on a slice of pizza has made my life less than. And if eating a piece of cake is what you may consider the greatest thing in your life, perhaps you need to exam your life. I think improving the quality of my life is the best way to treat myself.

HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT EATING

One phrase that seems to be fashionable amongst the overweight is "emotional eater".I suppose they are stating that they eat when the experience an emotion. I am curious to know if there is any moments when they are experiencing the void of any emotion. Being human, I too , experience a wide range of emotions. However, I don't necessarily equate eating a cup cake as a way to negate the negative feeling.

Feelings can alter from one experience to the next. There are going to be times in our life when things happen that we may not be too happy about—but can recognize that emotions are temporary. And when they go you will still be here. Ready to experience the next one.

What you are feeling should not dictate what we are going to eat, or how we feel about ourselves, health etc.

Eating a bag of chips or cookies will not make the "feeling" go away. It may change your focus for ten minutes, but you can change your focus by engaging in any activity. The truth is covering your feelings by eating something unhealthy will only make you feel worse. You are causing yourself to be trapped in a cycle. Whatever is troubling you WILL change. But the consequences of what you choose to do about it may linger for much longer.

JUST DO IT

No one is harboring any deep secrets about success. Many successful people have gladly volunteered their so-called “secret formulas.” One would think we would have a world full of happy, healthy successful people. But it is not enough to receive instructions and to get inspired. It requires the commitment to actually apply the mental exercises and do the work. The one who is willing to keep going will always cross the finish line. When clients ask me how long "change" will take, I answer, “Until you get the results you want.”

OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND

Clients ask me all the time how to stop snacking at home. I think the first step is very simple. Just don't have it in the house. If you are in your cozy armchair watching television and you know there is a bag of chips in the pantry--you might be tempted. However, if you go to the cupboards and they are empty...it is highly unlikely that you will make the effort to put your clothes on, grab the keys and go to the store.
One of the best ways to overcome temptation is to not put yourself in the position to begin with.

BE EXTRAORDINARY NOT EXTREME

For some people weight control means going to extreme measures to lose a few pounds. Unless those measures are kick up the work outs and/or eliminating junk food, I am not an advocate of traumatizing your body.

Unless you are doing a cleanse for religious or medical purposes, I can not understand why anyone would put themselves in potentially dangerous situation by fasting. Fasting to lose weight just isn't smart. Anorexia, bulimia and bingeing can have serious irreversible side effects.

Here are a few taken from Health magazine :infertility, heart problems, tooth decay, bloating and overdosing on self medications.

I am surprised that people would rather hurt themselves than help themselves by (lets say) running a few miles.

HEALTHY IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

September signifies the end of one season beginning of the next. And for some of us the time to put away and take out the seasonal clothing.

I can never remember what colors are acceptable during what season. And living in California one can escape these faux pas.

I do know that looking good and feeling good are always in season. And you can begin any season, any month, any day ...any moment.

HOW YOUNG ARE YOU?

In honor of the month of my birth, I have decided to address what I seem to hear with every passage from my "realistic" friends out there. Nothing seems to be more fulfilling for them but to remind me that there will come a birthday that will mark the end of my health and fitness.

Or the need to justify their lack of health responsibilities with such statements as "it gets harder when you're older." I don't think anyone is saying it's easy at any age. And no doubt our hormone levels decrease with the years. However, you can decide to be the healthiest you can be and look your best at ANY age.

And remember , Brad Pitt was forty years old when he filmed the movie TROY. It’s true he gets paid to look great, however he certainly exemplifies that it is possible to look that great at any age. Ask yourself, if you were getting paid to get into shape would you do it? Most people would answer “yes”, but without money as an incentive, they have plenty of great excuses. If that is you, then perhaps you need to re-examine your priorities and what is truly important to you.

YOUR MIND IS STILL WORKING ON LABOR DAY

If you are worried about that Labor day barbeque because you are uncertain if you can make a healthy choice ask yourself if you are using this event to predict failure. Be honest with yourself in an effort to recognize the situations and circumstances where you need to retrain yourself. You should take 100% responsibility for your choices.

You can help retrain yourself by repeating certain new habits such as eating slowly. Not only chewing your food slowly but also placing your utensil down between each bite and do not pick it up until you have completely chewed and swallowed each piece. Make a commitment to eat only at the table and do not pick at the food while it's cooking. You can serve yourself on a smaller plate and leave at least a bite of each item on the plate. This will help you train yourself to stop eating when you are full.

Think your choices through. Behavior modification works only if you are consistently repeating new behaviors.

ALWAYS IN SCHOOL

With the kids back in school, you’ve decided to get into a weight-loss program. You begin exercising and eating healthy. Within a month, you’re noticing some changes. But on day you look in the mirror, and still aren’t completely happy with what you see. Instead of continuing, you get impatient and say "What's the use?" It takes too long.

The problem may be not in your body but in your mind. You may have changed your eating habits but not your thought habits. Still thinking of healthy eating as a form of punishment.

It is easy to get caught up in focusing on what is "wrong" with our bodies. However you may get better results if you focus on how thin you want to be, and the clothes you want to wear. This is different than constantly reminding yourself how much you need to lose.

Attitude and focus are everything when it comes to working toward a goal. Isn't that how you would want your child to approach their learning in school?

FAT-BURN NOT HEARTBURN

After dining with a friend I noticed that after every meal she took a pill. "There for my heartburn" she informed me. "Do you always get heartburn?" I asked. "Only when I eat certain foods. Now I just take it after every meal. Just a habit" She replied

Now this seems odd to me. First, I can't imagine anyone would make it a habit to take unnecessary medication. And second, I am curious as to why anyone would continue to eat a food that made them ill. Really? Would you prefer to medicate yourself rather than discontinue to eat something?

I suppose it is an individual's choice. I once had a similar conversation with my mother. I told her I could not recall a time I had heartburn. Without hesitation she thought out loud "Maybe I should just stop eating those foods." She now walks daily and does a spin class once a week. I suppose she has traded in burning her internal organs for burning fat. I consider my mom to be a very wise woman.

FILL IT UP

Food is fuel to your body. It's great that we enjoy a wide range of selections. But this only means we have several quality fuels to chose from.
Much in the same way your thoughts are fuel to your motivation and can effect the way you feel. The truth is we have the ability to make a decision about the quality of fuel we want to put into our mind and body. And we can expect results based on that choice.

JUNK FOOD

Wikipedia defines "junk" as ---Waste, any undesired thing or substance--

When we really don't want junk we throw it in a big pile and put a fence around it. We call that a "junk yard". Rats nest there. Stray dogs will sometimes pass through.

Some people will dig through all that debris.Hoping that they might find somebody else's trash at a discount price.

Most of the time it's just junk. And it's dirty.

Can you picture a junk yard? Now picture junk food. It's no different.Trash.

Do not buy junk food. You don't need it. Your mate doesn't need it. Your children don't need it. There is no reason for it.

EAT SLOW DROP POUNDS FASTER

Eating is a very social event. For a good deal of us, we find ourselves at a table for both business and socialize engagements. And some of those events last a couple of hours.
If you find yourself in this situation a lot , you might consider reducing the amount of food you consume by eating slowly, Or putting your utensil down until you have completely chewed and swallowed each bite. Even if you are eating finger foods.
This will assure that you are not over eating as well.

FOOD IS FUEL

Eating is not a horrible and evil act. Food gives us energy, it is meant to be enjoyed. Putting your focus on what you “should” or “should not” do only creates an obsession. When you become obsessed about something the tendency is to do more of it not less. You should take pleasure in the foods you chose and eat; it doesn’t mean you have to eat all of it. Healthy slim people recognize they will eat again. There’s no notion of depravation or a sense of saying goodbye to an old friend that they will never see again. Eat to live.

THE NON SURGICAL MAKE OVER

Studies indicate that people who exercise can REVERSE the aging of their internal organs by seven years. Other studies indicate men well into their sixties and seventies can increase their muscle strength by 100 percent after just twelve weeks of training.

While your body is getting stronger it also gets leaner. Remember as a result your bodies ability to process glucose increases. And you train your body to constantly burn fat. Not to mention that regular exercise lessens the chances of osteoporosis. Once you get osteoporosis --- you cannot reverse it. But you can slow it down and prevent it with exercise.


Be good to yourself everyday. Develop the habit of exercise everyday. Allow yourself the time. Either you will do the work. Or the work will do you in. Your body is truly a gift and source of wonder. Cherish the gift and take care of yourself so you can experience the possibilities of what your human body can do.

PICK EXERCISE NOT THE REMOTE

You have heard time and again that regular physical activity is important, but how many times have you picked the couch and a bag of chips instead? And what has the couch done for you?

Today you have the ability to live a better quality of life. Not just because of the new gadgets you buy but how you enjoy those things. What is the point of earning a lot of money if you do not have the health to enjoy it? What is the point of taking great vacations if you can’t even walk two miles without needing a break? Imagine the quality of your life ten or twenty years from now.

Getting older doesn’t have to mean breaking down physically. Why not aim to be in the top 3% of the population?

BE INDEPENDENT

With today's holiday celebration, food becomes an even more significant issue for those whose objectives are weight loss. The key is to not allow a single day to prevent you from continuing with your program.

Now I'm not saying that a 4th of July BBQ is an excuse to predict failure. You should take 100% responsibility for your choices. Create an
easy to follow plan to overcome each situation.

Remember what the holiday signifies--independence. How will you chose to declare you independence? Perhaps by taking control of your choices.

PLEASURE OR SATISFACTION

It was brought to my attention that in many languages the words pleasure and satisfaction were not synonymous.

The word pleasure was defined as short term. Satisfaction is associated with long term. I suppose you can decide which you would prefer--immediate pleasure or long term satisfaction. But keep in mind they are not the same.

DON'T EAT THIS DON'T EAT THAT

I was reading an article giving advice about what snacks to eat late at night. The article was written as a "EAT THIS NOT THAT".

Although the writer gave great examples of choices with less calories and fat, it missed a very important point. Isn't the real issue not to eat late at night? How about choosing not to eat at all?

Eating late at night typically leads to overeating. Can make losing weight more difficult. This habit has got to go if you are going to lose weight permanently. If you eat more calories at times of day when you're not expending much energy, you're likely to gain weight.

If you're plagued by midnight munchies, do your best to get yourself into a regular meal routine. Keep it simple, and remember that your main goal is to get into the habit of not eating after dinner.

DON'T BE MAD AT DAD

In honor of Fathers Day (this Sunday) I want to remind you that when it comes to health and fitness-genetics does not dictate fate. They are just a factor. Mom and dad may have determined how tall you are, your skin color and the color of your eyes. You would not work hard at becoming 4 inches taller. Nor to you take spin class in an effort to become Chinese. However, you understand that if you exercise and eat healthy, you can become healthier and slimmer.

Having an overweight Dad might have effected your eating habits, beliefs and other aspects. However, bad habits can be replaced with better habits. Habits that can assist in overcoming these things.

YOU CAN GET SOME SATISFACTION

It was brought to my attention that some foreign languages have completely different definitions for satisfaction and pleasure. In fact, the two words are not as closely linked as in the English language.

In short, pleasure defines more immediate/short term gratification while satisfaction was more long term.

When it comes to health and fitness the emphasis is more long term. Therefore it makes sense to consider the satisfaction of making certain choices rather than the immediate gratification.

Yes, one should enjoy the pleasures of life. And certainly there are many to be found without sacrificing the long term gain.

CREATE NEW MEMORIES THIS ON MEMORIAL DAY

With todays BBQ in the limelight, food becomes an even more significant
issue for those whose objectives are weight loss. It is almost certain that you will
not "stick to your diet." It is usually expected since you have not reprogrammed
or reconditioned your usual behavior. The key is to not allow this step back to
prevent you from continuing with your program.

Now I'm not saying that a 4th of July BBQ is an excuse
to predict failure. You should take 100% responsibility for your choices. Create an
easy to follow plan to overcome each situation. Do not look at a summer get together
as a roadblock or a stumbling point. Instead as an opportunity to shift your mindset
and relearn new habits. After all, habit patterns are things you learned. And if you
learned them you can unlearn them.

RESPONSE ABLE

Every effect has a cause, and every cause is the basis of an effect. There is a chain of causation: each effect is the result of a cause, which then becomes a cause for another effect. It is a cascade, or an ongoing loop. You might see it as two sides of an equation – a cause side and effect side.

This concept calls you to take responsibility because at any given moment you are on one side or the other, which in every moment is leading you to the other side . Therefore when you are fully present in any given moment, the question arises; Which side of the cause and effect equation are you on? Are you the CAUSE in your life or are you at the EFFECT of things in your life? If you are at CAUSE you take responsibility for things in your life.

It is not about blame,but more so about taking action. Think of the word "responsible"--respond+able. You are able to respond

YOU HAVE TIME

People come to me asking me to "make them" motivated to exercise. This is a big mistake. Motivation is determined by our goal. If you want it bad enough it becomes a priority.

This is a hard one to overcome. It’s really the failure to prioritize your workout above everything else that causes people to fall back into old habits of being "lazy".

Yes, exercising four to five times a week for 30 minutes will get you big results, but you will also see some results by investing less time than that.

If you watch one television show a day--you have time to exercise.

COMPARE IS NOT FAIR

One thing overweight people do best is compare themselves. I suppose that’s true for a majority of people as well. The comparison seems to be the basis of how people may view themselves. “My body will never look like that” or “I ran a mile but Bob ran two.” Healthy comparisons can be good. It can inspire you to move toward greater goals or take action toward improvements. However, if you don’t have confidence-comparing yourself can lead to less confidence. Most of the time the greatest improvements are made when you concentrate on your own achievements. Regardless of why you may compare yourself, ultimately it takes away from the one thing that does matter—what you want. I think it best to let go of any judgements, be clear about your desires, and focus focus focus.

M IS FOR MOM AND MANY CHOICES

In honor of Mother's Day, let us acknowledge that poor Mom seems to take a lot of heat for attributes we may not like. However you are what you are today because of the choices you have made and the information and programming you have absorbed and acted upon throughout your life.

At any time you have the power to change the way you see yourself and to change your beliefs. Also you can change you attitude about food and your body right now. You were born with the power of choice.

Truth be told, genetic only plays a 35% role in your physical health and make up. The rest is determined by the choices you make. And what precedes that choice? Your thoughts. Subconscious thoughts are seven to nine times more powerful than conscious awareness.

So instead of focusing your thoughts on blaming mom's genes, think about what thoughts you would like to have instead.

THE MAGIC THREE

The three key ingredients to being the healthiest and fit you can be are eating healthy, exercise and sleep.

Think of it as a tripod. If any one of these are missing it's like removing one leg from the tripod. It doesn't hold up.

Yes, improving your life in any of these areas is certainly helpful and highly recommended. And you might have already seen amazing benefits from improving one area. So think how great you would feel (mentally and physically) if you were to do all three.

CRASH IS TRASH

Want to be unhealthy fast? Try a crash diet. Cutting down on calories too fast and too low can actually increase your chances of hurting yourself. There is nothing "wrong" with a calorie restricted diet however not all calories are create equal. Be certain you are getting the nutrients your cells need.
Eating very little and getting very few nutrients can actually increase your metabolism and decrease the strength of your bones. When you are on a weight loss plan be certain to incorporate weight training as it will increase your metabolism and strengthen your bones. Remember that no matter what method you use to lose weight, if you do not alter your attitude,beliefs and habits--it will only be temporary. 5% of people who lose weight by any given method will keep it off for the rest of their lives. The rest will continue the cycle. For real change both your physical and mental self should exercise and eat healthy.

PUT YOUR THOUGHTS ON A DIET

Take it off. Put it on. You know what it's like to be a human yo-yo. One attempt fails. You try another. Your best friend is the bathroom scale. At what point to you recognize that what you have been doing is not the solution to your problem?

In order to change permanently you have to put yourself on a mental diet. Starve yourself of those old beliefs and thoughts. Fad diets afford only temporary change. Stats show that only 5% of people who have lost weight on a diet will remain slim. The rest return to their previous overweight condition. Why? Because the still indulge in old unhealthy thought patterns.

The most fundamental way to make permanent long-term change involves changing beliefs. When the inner mind of an individual changes, the rest of the body follows.

TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ADD MORE SPRING TO YOUR SPRING

Adding small activities level can assist in your health. By gradually adding more physical activity into your daily routine, you can work toward a goal of at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity.

1. Instead of sitting and talking, go for a walk with family and/or friends.

2. Walk around the soccer, baseball fields instead of sitting on the sidelines as your children practice.

3. Walk or bike to do errands.

4. Practice good posture when you're forced to wait in line. Stand firmly on both feet and try to raise the top of your head to touch an imaginary hand held a quarter-inch above you. Let your spine extend, stomach lift, shoulders relax and arms fall to your sides.

5. Carry your own groceries. And park in the farthest parking stall and walk.

6. Take the stairs.

7. Walk during your work breaks

8. Walk while you're talking on the phone.

9. Take your dog for a walk. If you don't have a dog, borrow your neighbor's dog!

10.Take the stairs at the mall instead of riding the escalators or elevators.

Your body was designed to move. Begin to apply these ten things and incorporate your own ways of adding more physical movement to your life.

IS YOUR GOAL A JOKE?

“A guy calls a company and orders their 5-day, 10 lb. weight loss program. The next day, there's a knock on the door and there stands before him a voluptuous, athletic, 19 year old babe dressed in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me." Without a second thought, he takes off after her. A few miles later huffing and puffing, he finally gives up. The same girl shows up for the next four days and the same thing happens On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost 10 lbs. as promised. He calls the company and orders their 5-day/20 pound program. The next day there's a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning, beautiful, sexy woman he has ever seen in h is life. She is wearing nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign around her neck that reads, "If you catch me you can have me". Well, he's out the door after her like a shot. This girl is in excellent shape and he does his best, but no such luck. So for the next four days, the same routine happens with him gradually getting in better and better shape. Much to his delight on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers that he has lost another 20 lbs. as promised. He decides to go for broke and calls the company to order the 7-day/50 pound program "Are you sure?" asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most rigorous program."
"Absolutely," he replies, "I haven't felt this good in years." The next day there's a knock at the door; and when he opens it he finds a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running shoes and a sign around his neck that reads, "If I catch you, your ass is mine." He lost 63 pounds that week.”
It’s a funny joke because what it actually illustrates is that if you want something bad enough you’ll do it. The guy in the joke always had the ability to lose weight, he just didn’t do it. The same can be said about all goals. The question is not whether or not you will get your goal but how bad you want it and how hard you are willing to work for it.

LIVE AND LEARN

The other morning I was backing out of my office parking space and managed to hit a cement pole. The result was a very minor scratch on the front bumper. Immediately, I began to bombard my thoughts with what I "should" have been doing. It didn't change what happened. It only made me feel worse.

In that moment I recognized that this was similar to what some overweight people do. Let's say you were to binge and then afterward feel "bad" about it. Typically the "feeling bad" is followed by reprimanding oneself verbally. The cycle continues as one feels bad and continues to punish oneself. Never recognizing that this obsession is the problem.

Being healthy is not about beating oneself up after making a not so wise choice. It is the decision you will make afterward. What will you focus on?

Even if the damages to my car were more severe, my punishing myself would not change what already happened. What really was necessary is what I was going to do to rectify the situation and that I learned to pay more attention the next time.

YOU DON'T NEED A FOUR LEAF CLOVER

The phrase that all successful people in any given area (physical fitness, business etc) dislike the most; "You are so lucky." Luck has nothing to do with it.
Throughout the years my peers and I often find ourselves discussing why only 3% of any given field is successful. In other words, only 3-5% of law students go on to be successful lawyers. Only 3-5% of people who get certified as a hypnotherapist will actual do it full time. Only 3% of the population is debt free. And the list goes on and on.
We have concluded that success is often determined by due diligence. The person who keeps showing up and doing the work will often be in the upper percentile. Certainly I can testify that in the field of physical fitness the person that puts in the best effort at the gym will get the best results. I am not suggesting that you spend hours at the gym --- although if you have the time being physical should always trump watching television. I am suggesting that if you continue to put in a quality work out you WILL get results.
So if you happen to see me at the gym--know that I probably got up early to allot proper work out time and prepare a healthy breakfast, the night before I most likely passed on desert, did not consume alcohol in an effort to "relax" or "have a good time." What I did do was create my own luck. If you want to be lucky you have to put in the work. Stay positive. And all the luck will come to you.

BEING OVERWEIGHT IS NOT THE CAUSE OF YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS

One weekend I went to visit an old friend who is now suffering from many physical ailments. He is overweight. Over the years his doctors have advised him to drop the pounds. Apparently he had continued his bad eating habits and lack of physical exercise.

My concern led me to discuss his behavior with a friend and colleague. What we found to be interesting was that being heavy is often portrayed as the cause of being unhealthy. Yet he and I both concluded that there are many athletes who are husky who do not suffer from physical ailments. Being overweight is a symptom of being inactive. It might be more accurate to say that being inactive is what causes many physical ailments.

Regular physical activity is what we were designed to do. And consistency is key. If you are inactive and decided to play football with guys one Saturday morning, you might be asking for injuries. However, with regular consistent activity one can help prevent injuries and many illnesses.

YOU ARE WORTH IT

These days food can be an expense. And so you might buy the cheapest stuff out there. But cheap food is not necessarily healthy. And this can lead to more expenses in the future. Food prices might seem high but paying your own medical bills is even more expensive.

If you want to eat out, you can go somewhere with healthier, better food, and eat less. You might split an entree, or have an appetizer instead of a main course. You can forego alcohol which will decrease the bill. At home spend just a little bit more at the grocery store so you can cook healthy, great-tasting meals that will make you enjoy eating at home.

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY DEPRIVING YOURSELF OF

When it comes to choosing strictly healthy foods---the battle cry for some overweight persons is typically “I don’t want to deprive myself” or “you have to live”. May I suggest that if having a piece of pie is the highlight of your life, perhaps you need to re examine your life. And what are you really depriving yourself of? Think about it? What has over eating really cost you? Think about what you really want.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP

Good relationships start with good communication, but relatively few of us communicate effectively. Psychology teaches us that effective communication starts with the ability to create rapport.

Rapport is the state of ease and trust, where communication flows without resistance. You are naturally in rapport with 25% of the people you come in contact with. It doesn't happen consciously. When someone says "I feel like I've known you all my life" or "It's so easy to be with you," this is unconscious rapport.

Good communicators establish and maintain rapport unconsciously. You can create the same results through conscious awareness. This is important not just with relationships outside ourselves,nut the relationship we have with ourselves.

Most of us go about our day without communicating with our physical bodies. Without rapport, no meaningful exchange is possible. From a health point of view, you are more likely to make better choices when you bring the needs of your physical body to your conscious awareness.

Develop a more effective relationship with your physical body.

YOUR SWEETIE

Someone once said cake is like a bad relationship. It woos you with sweet nothings and leaves you unsatisfied and guilt ridden. I think this is an excellent anology. I would go one step further and say Sugar is like an abusive relationship. There might be a moment when things are great but it is very detrimental to the person. The pleasure is momentary and afterward the person is left feeling empty, and not very good about themselves. Think about what you would tell your best friend if you knew they were involved in a relationship that was harmful and ultimately could cause them physical harm. What if they told you " I can't help it. I'm in love."
Now think about your relationship with food. Are you that abused person? How long will you allow yourself to stay in the situation?

LEAVE IT ON YOUR PLATE

Yes I know mom constantly told you to finish everything off your plate. And now it is your duty to not be wasteful with food. When I think of the word wasteful, I recognize that is exactly what it is—a waste full.

If you are concerned that you may hurt someone’s feeling s because you are declining their baking goods, know that those same people are not going to be around when you’re trying to lose ten pounds.

You can engage in many social activities, go out to restaurants, and have insistent mothers who cook---and yet still be healthy and thin. Why? Because you can say “I’m not hungry.” And “I don’t think I can finish this.” Eat when you feel hungry and stop eating when you are full. That’s it.

DO IT AND MEAN IT

Make sure you are doing something for you and you alone. Resolving to do something for a family member or society is a sure way of setting oneself up for failure. Is it from your heart? Is it meaningful to you? You want it and what are you willing to do for it? Be responsible for the goal you are setting. Make sure it is possible for you to achieve it. Don't lose weight to prove something. Set a goal that is attainable and self-initiated. Remember there is always a bit of discomfort in change because you are reprogramming a past behavior. This is only temporary. As you work through the difficulties, the positive changes will occur. The discomfort is very small compared to the pay-off.

GET PHYSICAL

You have heard time and again that regular physical activity is important, but how many times have you picked the couch and a bag of chips instead? And what has the couch done for you?

Today you have the ability to live a better quality of life. Not just because of the new gadgets you buy but how you enjoy those things. What is the point of earning a lot of money if you do not have the health to enjoy it? What is the point of taking great vacations if you can’t even walk two miles without needing a break? Imagine the quality of your life ten or twenty years from now.Getting older doesn’t have to mean breaking down physically.

WAKE UP

Approximately 88% of what you do on a regular daily basis is below your conscious awareness. It is automatic. You do not think about walking or driving. It is something you do automatically and unless something occurs that interrupts this habitual response, you will continue to do it routinely. You may think you are consciously aware, but the truth is most of the time you are on “auto pilot”. Habitual overeating, emotional eating , stopping at a drive thru is 75% habit control. To change eating patterns you have to choose to wake up.
And yes, even reaching for the box of chocolate because it's "Valentine's Day" is a habit. Let's face it, you can still have a great romantic evening without the chocolate. And if you are alone, the chocolate will NOT change that. Now I'm not saying it's a "bad thing" to be alone. It's neither good or bad. It just is. And it's only where you are now. Like habits--life's situations can be changed.

THE NEW YOU

The New Year often brings about feelings of new opportunities. New beginnings. The truth is every moment is a new opportunity and new beginning. Every second you are making a choice and that choice will lead you away or toward becoming healthier.

You don't have to wait til you lose ten or twenty pounds to become healthy. You don't have to wait til next week, after "that" event etc. You don't have to wait at all. You can decide to be healthy right now. Be you only better. Be the you you want to be--right now.