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.

FEED YOUR BODY STARVE YOUR THOUGHTS

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.

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.

YOU ARE SAFE

Often people tell me they would like to be healthy and slim but feel being heavier keeps them safe. What they are feeling "unsafe" about varies--- Jealousy from peers, relationship fears, abuse etc.

It is unfortunate that one might be subjected to some very unfriendly people. However the weight of a person does not predict or protect one from harm. I am not suggesting that we not take precautions, but one should do this regardless. I am suggesting that you should not deny yourself the physical body you want. If you are using your weight to "fly under the radar" , you are implying you are responsible for the actions of others.

As for relationships, there are plenty of people who are attracted to many different sizes. Regardless of what size you decide to be, someone will be a member of that club.

The only reason to dedicate yourself to becoming healthy and slim is because you want it. It's your life. Take responsibility for your own thoughts and actions. And let others do the same for theirs.

SAY IT TO YOURSELF AND THE UNIVERSE WILL HEAR YOU

The best motivational coach for you is you. When you find yourself headed down a discouraging path---stop and change directions. Think of a word or phrase that will assist you as you continue to monitor your focus while running, working, etc.

Like high-octane fuel for your gas tank, mantras can give you that extra boost. What you choose to focus on will work as powerfully for you as against you. Take what is meaningful to you about moving and meditate on it, sing it, say it or pray it out loud. Let the entire universe know that you’re determined. And nothing and no one will ever stop you.

MAGIC ON AISLE B7

People walk into my office and often ask for "motivation." They are convinced this is what they need in order to exercise more. It is often talked about as if it were an item to be picked up at a store. And I think most buy into this notion that once the client/friend/patient is magically motivated they will begin a health program.

The only magic I have ever seen has occurred when the client decides the goal is worth it. The goal itself must evoke in you an emotion or desire. The drive to have it no matter what. That's the motivation. Otherwise the motivation is just a vague term that represents nothing. And the results will reflect that. Decide what you want. And make it meaningful. Make it motivate you.

ACCEPT THE POWER

You and only you ultimately determine what you think, and feel. Nobody can make you do anything or feel anything. You always play the determining role about what you let into your mind and what you give attention to. You have the power of your mind and the ultimate freedom of what to think and how to think. You can chose to fully accept your power.

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.

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.