NEW RESOLUTION

New Years is the time that most people begin to set their resolutions. If you find yourself repeating the same "resolution", the fault may be in the way you are setting the goal. Goals should be stated in the positive. Don't say, "I want to stop eating sweets" or "I no longer want to be fat." The mind will have to process the negative in order to understand the goal. It is like that old joke: tell someone “don’t think of a pink elephant.” Now you know that all the listener has to do is create an image of a pink elephant. If you say to yourself: "I no longer want to be fat," your mind will first form the idea of being fat, before it can reverse the image. In essence you are saying “I want to be …” and now the mind creates an image of you, fat. Your mind will deliver what it thinks you want. Did you know that neurotransmitters bathe every cell in the body? Every thought affects every cell in your body. The adult brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons, interconnected in a vast, dynamic network. There are trillions of possible neurological connections in the body. So each time you generate the thought about being fat, you affect your brain physiology; your mind will try to turn this image into reality. It typically gives it to you in the form of an action. Your mind will take you in the direction you picture, whether it's positive or negative, so frame your goal with a positive picture. Take action by asking yourself what you want, and then focus on that instead.
Imagine your goal is a set of bowling pins. The gutters are there, and if you focus on them, you will wind up watching a series of gutter balls. Good bowlers focus all of their attention on the pins they want to hit. In much in the same way, successful people focus all their attention on the goals they want to achieve.

SUCK IT UP DON'T SUCK IT OUT

An old friend ("Kelly") had lost a significant amount of weight. I commented on how great she looked as another woman ( "Lori" ) listened in. Kelly told me that she had liposuction. But after the operation had a loose skin. She decided to take up running. "After I started running I realized I should have just started doing that in the first place." And I agreed with her.

Now Lori, who is overweight, was only concerned with how much the friend had paid and if she would be able to save up enough money. Kelly kept telling her "You are not listening to me. Just start running."

After five minutes of Kelly trying to convince Lori that exercising and eating right were better alternatives than surgery, I realized that Lori was not interested in what she could do to achieve the physical body she wanted. She was only interested in an "easy" fix.

I am not against plastic surgery. I am not against surgery. I am just confused. If there is a healthy alternative---something we can freely do---which is healthier, less expensive and certain to achieve the results we want---why would someone chose anything else?

It may seem like an easier option. In the long run it really isn't. Even with liposuction yo must alter your lifestyle and habits. Fat cells will grow back. They are cells.

When you allow your body to use up the fat you simply get better results.

BE YOUR OWN HEALTH REFORM

Every quarter my insurance company sends me a bill with a discount to receive a basic check up. Last year I decided to have one as I have never had one as an adult.

As expected I had an excellent physical. As I was leaving the Nurse Practitioner asked what my doctors name was so my results could be mailed to him/her. I told her I only had an OBGYN. The office staff puzzled as to why I felt it was unnecessary to have a doctor when I was not ill.

I support someone seeking professional medical advice especially to prevent future health issues.

Now what I am puzzled about is why some people would prefer to get ill versus taking better care of themselves in the first place. The future of health care is prevention. Seek assistance to prevent illness and promote health. With the continue rise of health care and no real solution on the horizon, not taking care of yourself is just financially irresponsible.

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.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

We’ve all seen that gym person taking class after class, month after month, looking as if he/she hasn’t made any progress. You don’t want to be that guy... or girl. This is a great example of how quality wins over quantity. If you are working out for two hours with little or no intensity you may not be seeing the results you want. It might be wiser to increase your intensity.

BE 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.

IT'S JUST DESSERT

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.