There are weight calculators that use your height, gender and age to find your optimal weight.
I checked mine and was amazed it wasn't just a number. The calculator comes up with a weight range you should fit into. Mine was 120lbs.-160lbs. So, I should not dip underneath 120lbs
Ha-ha!, I should be so lucky to get near 120lbs. No worries for me about the low limit. Last year I was 158lbs. That was right within the limit on the high end
This year I've gone a bit haywire with the salad dressings and mayonnaise. I'll have to get back to my 1tbsp. serving with that.. And one excuse is that I cannot exercise. I'm mobility challenged, as we now call it so poetically
Why is staying within our ideal weight range so important? I can think of two reasons:
The more weight we gain the higher our risk becomes for having a heart attack, stroke, or developing diabetes.
When we are within our ideal weight range we feel comfortable around other people. We keep our self esteem.
Personally I'm not a great fan of weight loss programs.
And yes, I do realize there are now programs where you don't need to starve in order to follow the program. I simply would not be able to afford food after paying the fee.
My husband joined one of these programs about a year ago. It cost him $ 1100.- to join. And then there was the $46.-and change weekly for capsules.and getting weighed in
He lost around 44lbs but could stand to lose another 15-20lbs. He quit because it was getting too expensive for what he got out of it.. At least he did not gain..yet. since he quit.
It really is not that hard to lose some weight. That is if you want to lose it. There has to be motivation or you can forget about it. It's really not about how much you eat, but what you eat.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, cut down on the red meat, eat fish twice a week and make sure you get your proteins, carbohydrates, starches and dairy.
Yoghurt, cottage cheese, eggs have all protein in them. Stay away from pastas unless they are whole wheat. Eat brown rice instead of white rice.
Actually I read somewhere we should stay away from everything in a package, box or bottle. A bit too much for me.
Don't take big servings and try to make it a habit not to completely clean your plate
And do not skip breakfast. Have some oatmeal and some fruit. Or a Bran muffin and fruit. You need breakfast to, let's call it, prime your metabolism to start working for the day.
It's just a matter of common sense, eating healthy and some exercise.
With a little effort you can achieve and retain your ideal weight without going broke during the process.
Joyce Thorburn is passionate about staying healthy in a natural way. She's committed to offering people natural pain relief products, and other natural products to enhance health.
To discover more about healthy, natural alternatives visit:http://www.health-questions-galore.com/proactol.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joyce_C._Thorburn
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
YOGA For Mental Health, Mind and Body
Yoga is a system of mental and physical exercises which were originally developed in India over thousands of years.
Yoga comes in many forms specifically designed to suit different types of people. As a result, some forms of yoga have gained significant popularity outside India, particularly in the West during the past century.
Today there are many different styles with many different goals. Yoga is not a religion. It doesn't require that you fast or abstain.
The Basics.
Yoga is basically the practice of stretching for one hour. Stretching should only take five minutes, other peoples would rather spend the extra fifty- five minutes playing in an actual sport or spending time with their families and friends. Yoga is not just physical fitness training. It is an authentic holistic tradition inclusive of contemplation and meditation. Yoga injuries are unheard of. The meditation techniques are a comprehensive combination of concentration, sublimation and ideation.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety.
Yoga is an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety. See how to get started. Yoga is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a union of body, mind, and energy (or soul or spirit) to bring about a state of equanimity (calmness). Yoga is most effective in dealing with psychosomatic problems. If practiced diligently on a long-term basis it can have a significant effect on a person's health both on a preventive basis and to control and cure existing problems.
Benefits of Yoga.
Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Yoga is all about breathing correctly about integrating that breath into your being. Conscious Yoga doesn't call for you to force or strain your never or sinew. Yoga Slackers are a group of yoga practitioners who practice their asanas not on a mat, but suspended on a piece of 1" flat, stretchy tubular webbing (like rock climbers use) tensioned between two anchor points above the ground.
A Great help for Expectant Mother.
Yoga is an excellent way to "train" for the marathon of labor and motherhood. Practicing Yoga in pregnancy helps to strengthen and stretch muscles, release tension and maintain good posture. Yoga is more than just a form of exercise, but part of a well-rounded philosophy that dates back over 5,000 years. The practice of Yoga can help you to live a healthy, integrated life. Yoga can help liberate your true nature. Please don't use yoga to suppress it.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion, it fits with any lifestyle, and in fact yoga is one of the most valuable tools you can learn! It will improve your lifestyle! Yoga is not a competitive sport. Yoga, including postures, breathing exercises and meditation is the science of positive mental health. Practice Yoga regularly and it will strip away the obstacles that separate you from your source. Yoga practice can be invaluable in this process, as it can alleviate tension from and clear energy blocks in the body and mind. So speak to a teacher about developing a practice to suit your needs.
Hands on Process.
Yoga teaching is, to a large degree, a hands-on process. A gentle guiding touch can definitely help you fine-tune your practice. Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. Yoga, Meditation, and other stress reducing wellness practices are critically important in today's world. By making these healing arts easily accessible, people will attain greater health, balance, and harmony in their lives.
Yoga for Kids.
Yoga for kids is an excellent way for a child to exercise and has many other benefits for a child's health. Not every type of yoga can be used as yoga for children though. Yoga is an ancient science of personal self -development that has evolved into an integrated lifestyle program. The practice of Hatha Yoga will release the physical tensions and stress so that you feel energized calm and peaceful.
This article is the original work of:
Mike Paul
Copyright C 2008
How to Get Rich Building a Lazy Downline.
http://www.nichesutra.com/lazydownline.pdf
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_D_Paul
Yoga comes in many forms specifically designed to suit different types of people. As a result, some forms of yoga have gained significant popularity outside India, particularly in the West during the past century.
Today there are many different styles with many different goals. Yoga is not a religion. It doesn't require that you fast or abstain.
The Basics.
Yoga is basically the practice of stretching for one hour. Stretching should only take five minutes, other peoples would rather spend the extra fifty- five minutes playing in an actual sport or spending time with their families and friends. Yoga is not just physical fitness training. It is an authentic holistic tradition inclusive of contemplation and meditation. Yoga injuries are unheard of. The meditation techniques are a comprehensive combination of concentration, sublimation and ideation.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety.
Yoga is an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety. See how to get started. Yoga is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a union of body, mind, and energy (or soul or spirit) to bring about a state of equanimity (calmness). Yoga is most effective in dealing with psychosomatic problems. If practiced diligently on a long-term basis it can have a significant effect on a person's health both on a preventive basis and to control and cure existing problems.
Benefits of Yoga.
Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Yoga is all about breathing correctly about integrating that breath into your being. Conscious Yoga doesn't call for you to force or strain your never or sinew. Yoga Slackers are a group of yoga practitioners who practice their asanas not on a mat, but suspended on a piece of 1" flat, stretchy tubular webbing (like rock climbers use) tensioned between two anchor points above the ground.
A Great help for Expectant Mother.
Yoga is an excellent way to "train" for the marathon of labor and motherhood. Practicing Yoga in pregnancy helps to strengthen and stretch muscles, release tension and maintain good posture. Yoga is more than just a form of exercise, but part of a well-rounded philosophy that dates back over 5,000 years. The practice of Yoga can help you to live a healthy, integrated life. Yoga can help liberate your true nature. Please don't use yoga to suppress it.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion, it fits with any lifestyle, and in fact yoga is one of the most valuable tools you can learn! It will improve your lifestyle! Yoga is not a competitive sport. Yoga, including postures, breathing exercises and meditation is the science of positive mental health. Practice Yoga regularly and it will strip away the obstacles that separate you from your source. Yoga practice can be invaluable in this process, as it can alleviate tension from and clear energy blocks in the body and mind. So speak to a teacher about developing a practice to suit your needs.
Hands on Process.
Yoga teaching is, to a large degree, a hands-on process. A gentle guiding touch can definitely help you fine-tune your practice. Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. Yoga, Meditation, and other stress reducing wellness practices are critically important in today's world. By making these healing arts easily accessible, people will attain greater health, balance, and harmony in their lives.
Yoga for Kids.
Yoga for kids is an excellent way for a child to exercise and has many other benefits for a child's health. Not every type of yoga can be used as yoga for children though. Yoga is an ancient science of personal self -development that has evolved into an integrated lifestyle program. The practice of Hatha Yoga will release the physical tensions and stress so that you feel energized calm and peaceful.
This article is the original work of:
Mike Paul
Copyright C 2008
How to Get Rich Building a Lazy Downline.
http://www.nichesutra.com/lazydownline.pdf
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_D_Paul
Lose Weight - The Right Diet For You
Do a search for 'weight loss' or 'diet' on the Internet and you will be amazed by the amount of information that is available. Some plans force you to limit your calorie intake, some your carbohydrate intake, some your fat content. There is Weight Watchers, the Sonoma Diet, Nutri-System, diet pills, the Glycemic Index, liquid diets, the South Beach Diet, and the list goes on and on and on.
How do you determine what will work for you? The only weight loss plan that will work for you is the one that you feel the most comfortable following for a long-term commitment. One that does not have too many restrictions, contains a variety of foods you like to eat, and fits your lifestyle.
Before starting any kind of weight loss program, remember that dieting should never be about deprivation. If it is, you are defeated before you begin. With too many restrictions, you will feel dissatisfied and more inclined to cheat.
Where do you start? For some people, merely cutting back on the amount of food they normally eat is enough to lose weight. For most of us, however, this sort of diet does not work. We must not only limit our food intake but change the bad habits that put the weight on in the first place.
NEVER follow a diet that contains very few calories. This type of dieting produces quick weight loss, but the loss is from water and muscle, not fat. Excessively low calorie diets are very dangerous for the body, causing organs to shut down over time, resulting in eventual death.
Always avoid diet plans based on unrealistic expectations. You will not lose 20 pounds in one week no matter what you do. If a plan makes fantastic promises and sounds unrealistic and unhealthy, it probably is.
Your first priority should be to customize a diet plan that fits you. First rule of thumb, make sure you choose something you can live with, not for a week, but for life. Remember, you will not just be changing the way you eat but the behaviors that caused the weight gain to begin with.
Choose healthy foods, but also foods that you enjoy. Eat balanced meals incorporating a variety of foods throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism working at a steady pace. No matter what foods you are eating, eat in moderation. Never deprive yourself!
What are healthy foods? Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy foods, healthy oils, and drink lots of water. Eat high-sugar and white-flour foods in very small amounts, as they are very unhealthy for your body, but do not completely eliminate them. Take a good multi-vitamin every day.
To speed up your weight loss in a healthy way, try to incorporate some exercise into your daily routine. Exercise revs up your metabolism, increasing the rate of weight loss. Try taking a walk every day, even if it is only for a short while. Walking is a great way to release anxiety, tone up your body, and have more energy.
Losing weight does not have to be painful or difficult. It only requires dedication and the willingness to make some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Once you have made those changes, you will begin to feel better, look better, and be healthier.
Debra Gropp makes money on the Internet by doing everything from paid surveys to working for affiliate programs. Her articles pertain to the subjects she is most interested in, online income opportunities and diet, fitness, and health-related information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Gropp
How do you determine what will work for you? The only weight loss plan that will work for you is the one that you feel the most comfortable following for a long-term commitment. One that does not have too many restrictions, contains a variety of foods you like to eat, and fits your lifestyle.
Before starting any kind of weight loss program, remember that dieting should never be about deprivation. If it is, you are defeated before you begin. With too many restrictions, you will feel dissatisfied and more inclined to cheat.
Where do you start? For some people, merely cutting back on the amount of food they normally eat is enough to lose weight. For most of us, however, this sort of diet does not work. We must not only limit our food intake but change the bad habits that put the weight on in the first place.
NEVER follow a diet that contains very few calories. This type of dieting produces quick weight loss, but the loss is from water and muscle, not fat. Excessively low calorie diets are very dangerous for the body, causing organs to shut down over time, resulting in eventual death.
Always avoid diet plans based on unrealistic expectations. You will not lose 20 pounds in one week no matter what you do. If a plan makes fantastic promises and sounds unrealistic and unhealthy, it probably is.
Your first priority should be to customize a diet plan that fits you. First rule of thumb, make sure you choose something you can live with, not for a week, but for life. Remember, you will not just be changing the way you eat but the behaviors that caused the weight gain to begin with.
Choose healthy foods, but also foods that you enjoy. Eat balanced meals incorporating a variety of foods throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism working at a steady pace. No matter what foods you are eating, eat in moderation. Never deprive yourself!
What are healthy foods? Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy foods, healthy oils, and drink lots of water. Eat high-sugar and white-flour foods in very small amounts, as they are very unhealthy for your body, but do not completely eliminate them. Take a good multi-vitamin every day.
To speed up your weight loss in a healthy way, try to incorporate some exercise into your daily routine. Exercise revs up your metabolism, increasing the rate of weight loss. Try taking a walk every day, even if it is only for a short while. Walking is a great way to release anxiety, tone up your body, and have more energy.
Losing weight does not have to be painful or difficult. It only requires dedication and the willingness to make some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Once you have made those changes, you will begin to feel better, look better, and be healthier.
Debra Gropp makes money on the Internet by doing everything from paid surveys to working for affiliate programs. Her articles pertain to the subjects she is most interested in, online income opportunities and diet, fitness, and health-related information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Gropp
3 Great Ways to Get in Shape
So you want to lose a few pounds but not sure which is the best way to do it, let's take a look at what I think are the best ways, if your lucky enough to have a local gym, great. Just jump on the treadmill and start walking, but the trick here is not on the flat, no, get it inclined up to around 15 degrees and let's get those calories burned. You will notice a massive difference in not only your overall fitness but in calories burned.
Believe it or not but if your like me and have children and have one of those trampolines in your garden for the kids, start using that for 15 - 20 mins a day. If your worried that the neighbours will see you just do it first thing in the morning before work, you will be surprised just how difficult and calorie burning trampolining is. Just messing about with the kids on it also will give you a good mini workout, so if early mornings aren't for you, just mix it in with your fun time with the kids, it really does work.
Another great way to lose weight is to start building a little muscle, believe it or not the more muscle you have the better your metabolism becomes, therefore more calories are burned. If you want to take this route, here are a few exercises that will help:
Squats - These are great for packing on the muscle, can be very tough in the beginning but stick with it and it will be well worth it in the end, just use light weights in the beginning and build up.
Push-ups - Yes good old fashioned push - ups if you do them close gripped these will work the arms and shoulders more, change to wide gripped and this will work the chest more.
Free Bar Bench Press - Really good for shoulder and chest building use with Barbell Flyes for a ultimate chest workout.
Barbell Flyes - Great to use finishing of after the Bench press, make sure you get a good stretch for total effect
So there you have it if you follow these ideas and tighten up on your calorie intake after around 3 week or so you will not only start to feel better, but will definitely be starting to look better. Remember it's all about lifestyle.
For more tips and information like this please check out Exercises for Losing Weight
Exercises for Losing Weight
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including a live link.
Copyright © 2008 James Davis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Davis
Believe it or not but if your like me and have children and have one of those trampolines in your garden for the kids, start using that for 15 - 20 mins a day. If your worried that the neighbours will see you just do it first thing in the morning before work, you will be surprised just how difficult and calorie burning trampolining is. Just messing about with the kids on it also will give you a good mini workout, so if early mornings aren't for you, just mix it in with your fun time with the kids, it really does work.
Another great way to lose weight is to start building a little muscle, believe it or not the more muscle you have the better your metabolism becomes, therefore more calories are burned. If you want to take this route, here are a few exercises that will help:
Squats - These are great for packing on the muscle, can be very tough in the beginning but stick with it and it will be well worth it in the end, just use light weights in the beginning and build up.
Push-ups - Yes good old fashioned push - ups if you do them close gripped these will work the arms and shoulders more, change to wide gripped and this will work the chest more.
Free Bar Bench Press - Really good for shoulder and chest building use with Barbell Flyes for a ultimate chest workout.
Barbell Flyes - Great to use finishing of after the Bench press, make sure you get a good stretch for total effect
So there you have it if you follow these ideas and tighten up on your calorie intake after around 3 week or so you will not only start to feel better, but will definitely be starting to look better. Remember it's all about lifestyle.
For more tips and information like this please check out Exercises for Losing Weight
Exercises for Losing Weight
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including a live link.
Copyright © 2008 James Davis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Davis
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Quick Weight Loss Solutions-Fast Results-Weight Loss Made Easy with These Tricks
1. Get rid of 3-5 pounds of water retention within days
How? By drinking extra water. It's boring yeah, but here's the deal. You retain water because of the scarcity survival mindset your body has. Since you're retaining water, then that would most likely mean you don't drink enough water and your body sees that as water being scarce.
So the body being designed for your survival, it hoards water in your body for "survival". Well, water isn't scarce so in order to shed water weight from your body, you need to drink more of it.
Within days, you'll drop the excess water weight. Now understand this, this will only be water weight you're losing... NOT FAT. How much water should you drink? Well, each person is different so just drink MORE WATER and see what happens.
2. Use extra virgin coconut oil twice a day
Extra virgin coconut oil has healthy fats in it that are almost magical for weight loss. We, as Americans, use to use pure coconut oil all the time when cooking before World War 2. Since then, we've switched to unhealthy vegetable oils.
Anyway, if you want to lose around 5-8 pounds in a few weeks, take extra virgin coconut oil twice a day. Just 1 tablespoon each time. You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. Both work, but 100's of my clients reported back which one works WAY BETTER. Regardless, take the coconut oil twice a day.
This is weight loss made easy. These are 2 quick weight loss solutions THAT WORK... so do them!
If you're SICK and TIRED of getting the same old boring weight loss advice... you know, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink 8 glasses of water, jog, and blah blah blah", then...
Click http://www.weightlossguide4women.com to get your FREE EBOOK "How SPINNING Around Like a Child TRIPLES your Weight Loss". A strange, but true, way to LOSE 10 pounds in 2 weeks. I'm giving away this report today and tomorrow ONLY to anyone who visits my website! So get it before tomorrow night.
If you're truly serious about losing weight, then go to the link below to get your free report now. If you don't lose 10 pounds... I'd be QUITE surprised! http://www.weightlossguide4women.com
Jennifer Jolan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Jolan
How? By drinking extra water. It's boring yeah, but here's the deal. You retain water because of the scarcity survival mindset your body has. Since you're retaining water, then that would most likely mean you don't drink enough water and your body sees that as water being scarce.
So the body being designed for your survival, it hoards water in your body for "survival". Well, water isn't scarce so in order to shed water weight from your body, you need to drink more of it.
Within days, you'll drop the excess water weight. Now understand this, this will only be water weight you're losing... NOT FAT. How much water should you drink? Well, each person is different so just drink MORE WATER and see what happens.
2. Use extra virgin coconut oil twice a day
Extra virgin coconut oil has healthy fats in it that are almost magical for weight loss. We, as Americans, use to use pure coconut oil all the time when cooking before World War 2. Since then, we've switched to unhealthy vegetable oils.
Anyway, if you want to lose around 5-8 pounds in a few weeks, take extra virgin coconut oil twice a day. Just 1 tablespoon each time. You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. Both work, but 100's of my clients reported back which one works WAY BETTER. Regardless, take the coconut oil twice a day.
This is weight loss made easy. These are 2 quick weight loss solutions THAT WORK... so do them!
If you're SICK and TIRED of getting the same old boring weight loss advice... you know, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink 8 glasses of water, jog, and blah blah blah", then...
Click http://www.weightlossguide4women.com to get your FREE EBOOK "How SPINNING Around Like a Child TRIPLES your Weight Loss". A strange, but true, way to LOSE 10 pounds in 2 weeks. I'm giving away this report today and tomorrow ONLY to anyone who visits my website! So get it before tomorrow night.
If you're truly serious about losing weight, then go to the link below to get your free report now. If you don't lose 10 pounds... I'd be QUITE surprised! http://www.weightlossguide4women.com
Jennifer Jolan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Jolan
Create Motivation to Lose Weight by Developing Your Focus-Motivation 102
In Motivation 101 we looked at creating motivation to lose weight by building up your self confidence. Here, in Motivation 102, we will look at the second of three areas that make up developing unstoppable motivation - developing your focus, or finding out what you want for you.
When people are asked what they want to achieve with their health and fitness goals invariably they respond with one of three typical answers:
1. lose weight,
2. feel better, and/or
3. have more energy.
While these are all commendable they do nothing to truly motivate a person because they are too vague and general. They give your brain nothing to wraps itself around and get you fired up to start marching towards your goal. Take, for example, "lose weight" - it says nothing about how many pounds, or how your body might look when you do lose weight. Rather, what you have to do is be very specific as to what it is you would like to accomplish. You also need to define a goal that is achievable and not too far off in the future so as to lose its relevancy today. This will give your brain direction and a final destination. For example, "I will lose 15 lbs by March 1st, exactly two months from today." This is a fairly short-term goal that is not only achievable but specific as to number of pounds and date of completion.
With a clearly defined goal, the brain fires up your motivation with the help of the Reticular Activating System, or RAS. The RAS is that part of the brain connected from the spinal cord all the way up to the mid-brain. In a nutshell, it is where all outside stimulants (such as everything we see, hear, touch, smell, taste) converge with all your internal thoughts and feelings. The clearer the picture of your goal in your mind the better able the RAS can retrieve those things happening on the outside of you for use towards that goal. Let me give you a common example: let's say that you were in the market for a new car and that all you knew was that you wanted a new car, any car, as long as it was new. If you went searching, and you didn't know something specific about what you wanted in a new car, I'd bet good money that you would spin your wheels for a pretty long time trying to find a new car.
But, let's say that you knew you wanted a blue Nissan 350Z. I'd again bet good money that if this car dominated your thoughts you would start to see blue 350Zs on the road; you would start picking up conversations about this car, and/or start noticing the commercials for this car; and, you would start researching this particular car, all the while motivating you to want this car even more. What's happening here is that your RAS is working to get you closer to your getting that particular car - your increased research for this car will increase your desires for this car, which, in turn, increases your motivation to research to find this particular car. And, here again I'd bet good money that you would ultimately get this car - the exact car that's been dominating your thoughts since day one. This is how your brain attaches itself to a clearly defined goal and motivates you to get it.
In addition to having a clear vision of what you want, what turbo-charges a person's motivation is: THE POWER OF WHY. The REASON behind your wanting to embrace a lifestyle of health and fitness is your motivation boost, period. When you have a strong enough reason to achieve something and you keep this at the forefront of your mind you'll be able to stir those emotions necessary to move you to action AND keep you in action until you achieve your goal. Plain and simple, this is how anyone who's ever been able to achieve anything in his or her life was able to do it. Once you have your reason for wanting to go forward, you create a plan, take it step-by-step, focus on your progress along the way to build confidence, and never ever lose sight of, or faith in, your reason.
The best example I can give is of the person who is told by her doctor that she only has six months to live unless she starts exercising to lose weight. Pretty strong reason behind the motivation, huh? Maybe that's not applicable to you; so, find a strong, personal reason - maybe, it's too fit into your wedding dress; slip on an old pair of jeans; become what you were told you could never do; whatever it is, this reason resonates within you and is the original impetus for your wanting to get started in the first place. It's in there, so take the time now to find it. Whatever you do, don't start until you have this reason firmly in your grasp - better to do this now and create unstoppable motivation than to run the risk of having to start over again.
Good luck! And thanks for reading this. Develop your Power2B whatever you choose to be.
Sincerely,
Gary
Please visit http://www.Power2BFitness.com and develop your Power2B whatever you choose to be. Power2B is Orange County's premier lifestyle management - personal training specialist that creates permanent change to your body.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Yodokawa
When people are asked what they want to achieve with their health and fitness goals invariably they respond with one of three typical answers:
1. lose weight,
2. feel better, and/or
3. have more energy.
While these are all commendable they do nothing to truly motivate a person because they are too vague and general. They give your brain nothing to wraps itself around and get you fired up to start marching towards your goal. Take, for example, "lose weight" - it says nothing about how many pounds, or how your body might look when you do lose weight. Rather, what you have to do is be very specific as to what it is you would like to accomplish. You also need to define a goal that is achievable and not too far off in the future so as to lose its relevancy today. This will give your brain direction and a final destination. For example, "I will lose 15 lbs by March 1st, exactly two months from today." This is a fairly short-term goal that is not only achievable but specific as to number of pounds and date of completion.
With a clearly defined goal, the brain fires up your motivation with the help of the Reticular Activating System, or RAS. The RAS is that part of the brain connected from the spinal cord all the way up to the mid-brain. In a nutshell, it is where all outside stimulants (such as everything we see, hear, touch, smell, taste) converge with all your internal thoughts and feelings. The clearer the picture of your goal in your mind the better able the RAS can retrieve those things happening on the outside of you for use towards that goal. Let me give you a common example: let's say that you were in the market for a new car and that all you knew was that you wanted a new car, any car, as long as it was new. If you went searching, and you didn't know something specific about what you wanted in a new car, I'd bet good money that you would spin your wheels for a pretty long time trying to find a new car.
But, let's say that you knew you wanted a blue Nissan 350Z. I'd again bet good money that if this car dominated your thoughts you would start to see blue 350Zs on the road; you would start picking up conversations about this car, and/or start noticing the commercials for this car; and, you would start researching this particular car, all the while motivating you to want this car even more. What's happening here is that your RAS is working to get you closer to your getting that particular car - your increased research for this car will increase your desires for this car, which, in turn, increases your motivation to research to find this particular car. And, here again I'd bet good money that you would ultimately get this car - the exact car that's been dominating your thoughts since day one. This is how your brain attaches itself to a clearly defined goal and motivates you to get it.
In addition to having a clear vision of what you want, what turbo-charges a person's motivation is: THE POWER OF WHY. The REASON behind your wanting to embrace a lifestyle of health and fitness is your motivation boost, period. When you have a strong enough reason to achieve something and you keep this at the forefront of your mind you'll be able to stir those emotions necessary to move you to action AND keep you in action until you achieve your goal. Plain and simple, this is how anyone who's ever been able to achieve anything in his or her life was able to do it. Once you have your reason for wanting to go forward, you create a plan, take it step-by-step, focus on your progress along the way to build confidence, and never ever lose sight of, or faith in, your reason.
The best example I can give is of the person who is told by her doctor that she only has six months to live unless she starts exercising to lose weight. Pretty strong reason behind the motivation, huh? Maybe that's not applicable to you; so, find a strong, personal reason - maybe, it's too fit into your wedding dress; slip on an old pair of jeans; become what you were told you could never do; whatever it is, this reason resonates within you and is the original impetus for your wanting to get started in the first place. It's in there, so take the time now to find it. Whatever you do, don't start until you have this reason firmly in your grasp - better to do this now and create unstoppable motivation than to run the risk of having to start over again.
Good luck! And thanks for reading this. Develop your Power2B whatever you choose to be.
Sincerely,
Gary
Please visit http://www.Power2BFitness.com and develop your Power2B whatever you choose to be. Power2B is Orange County's premier lifestyle management - personal training specialist that creates permanent change to your body.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Yodokawa
Monday, July 28, 2008
How to Lighten up Your Excess Weight
For many of you struggling with food and weight issues, you may be identifying your entire self-worth according to some number on the scale. This is both unfortunate and unproductive since one of the biggest lessons I learned in managing to shed my own unwanted pounds AND keep them off, was that the end results are so much more meaningful than just the number on the scale. The number is just that, a number. It has no meaning except for the meaning you yourself attach to it.
When you lose your excess weight, you will not only be physically lighter according to the number on the scale, you will also feel lighter mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Carrying around lots of extra weight is a burden in more ways than one. It weighs you down physically in that it adds extra pressure on your joints and you can't move around as easily as you'd like. It also increases a long list of weight-related health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleeping disorders, breathing disorders, arthritis, some forms of cancer and more. This can impede on your ability to enjoy your favourite activities to the fullest such as gardening or playing with your grandchildren. The problem is that you get so used to functioning with your excess weight that you don't even know how much better, easier and fulfilling these activities can be without all the excess weight. How can you know if you've never experienced it? Or maybe you've experienced it in the past, but it's been so long that you don't even remember.
A great example is a client I had who at her heaviest weight decided to join a running group. It was extremely difficult for her to keep up and I remember her telling me how her husband would laugh at how she'd come home with her face beet red. She had trouble breathing, all her joints would hurt and it was just too difficult. After a short while, she decided to give it up. However, in working with her we decided that while she was changing her eating habits, she would also gradually increase her activity levels and maintain a more active lifestyle. Over time she lost more than 60 pounds and decided to re-join her running group. From eating properly and being more physically active over many months, all of a sudden she was not only able to keep up with the group, but lead the way. The confidence and reassurance that this gave her was astounding and just motivated her that much more to continue on with her healthy eating and positive living habits. Her weight loss allowed her to "lighten up" on so many more levels than just the scale. Freeing herself of all that excess weight allowed her to experience greater joy and light in her life. The dark cloud of her excess weight had lifted for good.
Too much excess weight can impact your level of self-confidence and make you more self-conscious in your appearance which can weigh you down mentally, emotionally and spiritually. All this to say is that if your weight is getting you down and you want to get your weight down instead, then know that it will help you to lighten up in more ways than one as well. Yes, you will be lighter according to the scale, but you will also walk taller, feel proud of your accomplishments, increase your self-confidence, boost your energy and have a greater sense of control over your eating, your lifestyle and your own quality of life. Just like the lady I described, your new found confidence will propel you to try new things, challenge yourself and take more risks than you ever would have dreamed before. You will lighten up in your life both personally and professionally reaching outside of your comfort zone that your excess weight can so easily keep you trapped in. When you learn to "lighten up" on all levels, your whole outlook on life will change. It is a powerful transformation that can happen for you too, one bite at a time.
Roslyn Franken is the author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living, a self-help book inspired by the author's own experiences as a cancer survivor who has also overcome her own food, weight and lifestyle issues.
Roslyn now helps others lighten up the excess weight weighing down their lives, whether on their hips, in their hearts, or between their ears, for a life of greater health and happiness. She offers a personalized counseling program and professional speaking services. She counsels clients by telephone and email across North America who are ready to build a healthy and positive lifestyle maintainable for a lifetime.
Roslyn also inspires and motivates corporate and community group audiences toward the practices of healthy eating and positive living through her professional speaking services.
To purchase The A List book and for more information on Roslyn Franken's personalized counseling and professional speaking services please visit Roslyn online at http://www.roslynfranken.com Be sure to get your FREE 6 Secrets for Less Stress when you visit her site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roslyn_Franken
When you lose your excess weight, you will not only be physically lighter according to the number on the scale, you will also feel lighter mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Carrying around lots of extra weight is a burden in more ways than one. It weighs you down physically in that it adds extra pressure on your joints and you can't move around as easily as you'd like. It also increases a long list of weight-related health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, sleeping disorders, breathing disorders, arthritis, some forms of cancer and more. This can impede on your ability to enjoy your favourite activities to the fullest such as gardening or playing with your grandchildren. The problem is that you get so used to functioning with your excess weight that you don't even know how much better, easier and fulfilling these activities can be without all the excess weight. How can you know if you've never experienced it? Or maybe you've experienced it in the past, but it's been so long that you don't even remember.
A great example is a client I had who at her heaviest weight decided to join a running group. It was extremely difficult for her to keep up and I remember her telling me how her husband would laugh at how she'd come home with her face beet red. She had trouble breathing, all her joints would hurt and it was just too difficult. After a short while, she decided to give it up. However, in working with her we decided that while she was changing her eating habits, she would also gradually increase her activity levels and maintain a more active lifestyle. Over time she lost more than 60 pounds and decided to re-join her running group. From eating properly and being more physically active over many months, all of a sudden she was not only able to keep up with the group, but lead the way. The confidence and reassurance that this gave her was astounding and just motivated her that much more to continue on with her healthy eating and positive living habits. Her weight loss allowed her to "lighten up" on so many more levels than just the scale. Freeing herself of all that excess weight allowed her to experience greater joy and light in her life. The dark cloud of her excess weight had lifted for good.
Too much excess weight can impact your level of self-confidence and make you more self-conscious in your appearance which can weigh you down mentally, emotionally and spiritually. All this to say is that if your weight is getting you down and you want to get your weight down instead, then know that it will help you to lighten up in more ways than one as well. Yes, you will be lighter according to the scale, but you will also walk taller, feel proud of your accomplishments, increase your self-confidence, boost your energy and have a greater sense of control over your eating, your lifestyle and your own quality of life. Just like the lady I described, your new found confidence will propel you to try new things, challenge yourself and take more risks than you ever would have dreamed before. You will lighten up in your life both personally and professionally reaching outside of your comfort zone that your excess weight can so easily keep you trapped in. When you learn to "lighten up" on all levels, your whole outlook on life will change. It is a powerful transformation that can happen for you too, one bite at a time.
Roslyn Franken is the author of The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living, a self-help book inspired by the author's own experiences as a cancer survivor who has also overcome her own food, weight and lifestyle issues.
Roslyn now helps others lighten up the excess weight weighing down their lives, whether on their hips, in their hearts, or between their ears, for a life of greater health and happiness. She offers a personalized counseling program and professional speaking services. She counsels clients by telephone and email across North America who are ready to build a healthy and positive lifestyle maintainable for a lifetime.
Roslyn also inspires and motivates corporate and community group audiences toward the practices of healthy eating and positive living through her professional speaking services.
To purchase The A List book and for more information on Roslyn Franken's personalized counseling and professional speaking services please visit Roslyn online at http://www.roslynfranken.com Be sure to get your FREE 6 Secrets for Less Stress when you visit her site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roslyn_Franken
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