BE 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.

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.

HOCUS POCUS IT'S ALL ABOUT FOCUS

Most of the time the greatest improvements are made when you concentrate on what you want and the way you want it to be instead. Regardless of what obstacles may come your way, focusing on how to change someone or something outside of yourself is time consuming. Ultimately it takes away from the one thing that does matter—what you want. I think it best to achieve is to let go of any judgements, be clear about your desires, and focus focus focus. All the magic you need is inside of you.

ANY AGE ANYTIME

In honor of the week 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.

YOU ARE AMAZING

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.

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.