YOU ARE INDEPENDENT NOT DEPENDENT

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.

INDEPENDENT CHOICES

With the holiday weekend on the horizon, 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 an upcoming event (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.

ALL SEASONS LONG

It is summertime. A time for picnics, vacations, and for some sheer panic. For some the idea of wearing less clothing 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 the March Issue of 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. And why not begin anytime of the year? There is always going to be a summer. And looking good and feeling good are always in season.

GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE

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.

Now the real value comes 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.

SANTA KNOWS

Winter Warlock:
If I want to change the reflection I see in the mirror each mourn. You mean its just my election to vote for a chance to be reborn!

Both:
You put one foot in front of the other. And so you'll be walking out the door

GO AHEAD IT'S THE HOLIDAYS DON'T TAKE ONE

For many the holiday season just around represents a time of "fear". The fear of being tempted by the holiday cookies, cakes, pies and other desserts. Most will talked about it as if it is beyond their control. This seems really absurd to me. The notion that a bunch of items from a bakery can "control" one's decision seems to be a massive public brainwashing.

A piece of candy has no more control over you than anything else outside of you. If you decide to be a victim you are still the one deciding. Take responsibility for the decisions you make in your life. Including what you put into your body.

FULL OF THANKSGIVING

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.