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.