TAKE IT LIGHTLY

One of my client's co-workers baked cookies for her peers. When it got down to the last three, the office worker offered my client one of the last cookies. My client replied "You know I don't eat them." At that moment the woman insisted "Eat it. You know you want it. Just have one."

Certainly we understand that the office worker was not being malicious. The real disappointment is that when the same client had stopped smoking no one insisted she "just have one cigarette." We wouldn't think about standing there making statements like "You know you want it" with a lit cigarette.

It is not my responsibility to dictate whether someone should have a cookie or cigarette. I am just confused as to our peers cannot honor our choices. But mainly I am amused that people take others healthy food choices so lightly.

ALL LEVELS

People are complex human beings who experience life on several levels (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.) Real change work is done on all levels. The results and benefits are experienced in many ways.

In relation to healthy and fitness the benefits can be a new heightened self image. Achieving fitness goals leads to self-confidence, improved body image and discipline.

And as ones health improves it will effect the over all immune system, meaning a better work performance, fewer missed days at work and school etc. Good health can bring a increase in oxygen flow throughout the body especially the brain.

On a physical level health changes reduces the risk of injury.Strengths the heart, lowers blood pressure, assists in anti-aging, digestion, skin, hair etc. Everything depends on circulation and the only way to get things circulating is by moving.

Finally ask a professional athlete if training is a spiritual experience and they will agree. Many people roll their eyes when you start talking about a professional athletics. As if they cannot relate to them. But we can learn alot from a professional. About their thoughts, their attitude etc. And if you apply what we learn to all levels you can experience the benefits on all levels

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

I asked a weight client what she thought was the best thing she could do to get control of her weight. She replied: "Stop eating chocolate." She continued to add that she refused to give it up--- "It's the only thing I have!"I told her that I didn't think it was the only thing she had. When I asked her about her family, career etc and pointed out that she "had that" , she laughed. "I know that", she replied.

Making statements like that are not harmless. Not only did she say it out loud to me but I am certain she has said it to herself several times. By making a comment like that, she immediately creates a picture in her mind. And that picture translate to a suggestion.

I remember once I had heard an overweight woman tell her friend "I just look at a piece of cake and get fat." Now if she keeps telling herself that, she will always be right.

Food is important. We eat in order to live. But be careful how you speak about it. There is nothing magically about food. The magic comes from you. And your words have power. Remember you are the most suggestable to yourself. So it may be beneficial to listen to what you are saying.

GO AHEAD--UNDER INDULGE

Yesterday I was participating in celebrating Easter with a friend's family. I had just enjoyed a very nice dinner and was satisfied. Seeing that my plate was clean, the host asked if I wanted more food. I replied "No thank you. I'm fine." The next line is something that I have heard on several occasions--- "Oh c'mon it's Easter." Now you can insert any other event in place of the word Easter. As it is not an uncommon for me to hear it after I decline to eat more.

I am still confused as to why people equate the success of an event with the feeling of over indulgence. What does one have to do with the other? If I wanted to overeat I would not need a celebration to do so. If I chose to celebrate or dine with friends, I am enjoying their company. Subjecting my physical body to unnecessary work and pain takes away from my experience. I chose not to overeat and to pass on foods substances that I consider damaging to my body (i.e. too much sugar and salt) I would never insist on making that choice for someone else. They are responsible for themselves. But no one ever says "C'mon have a drink. It's your birthday" to an alcoholic.

THE MISUNDERSTOOD EASTER EGG

At brunch I often order a side of eggs. I was allergic to them as a baby but have since grown into being able to eat them. Aside from your basic hard boiled Easter egg--I like eggs. I think they are misunderstood.

Eggs are a great source of protein and "good fat". Assuming you are not frying them. Yes, eggs do contain cholesterol so clearly if you have high cholesterol you shouldn't be eating eggs. But if you are trying to prevent high cholesterol or get healthy, exercise can help by keeping your cholesterol low and preventing heart disease.

Regular sessions of swimming, running, and jogging have been shown to lower cholesterol. If you are changing your lifestyle to being healthier --- don't take away the egg. Add the exercise.

Besides your cholesterol, exercise has many health benefits. It is in my opinion the "fountain of youth. It helps to strengthen your heart, bones, and other muscles of the body, in addition to helping you to lose weight.

WHAT HAS THAT COUCH DONE FOR YOU?

One area where people often avoid responsibility is exercise, and that is a big mistake. Here is the question you should ask yourself: Do I want to be healthy and have the body I want? You may answer “no” or “yes, I do.”

Most people want to answer “yes,” but statistics show that only 3% of the population will eat healthy and exercise. 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.

LUCK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT

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.