Healthy B.P.M.

Nine out of every ten publications you pick up this time of year report on getting fit for the new year. Nine out of ten people that resolve to do so will be back to their old habits by Valentines Day. The diets, exercises and all the gizmos being touted are the same ones we hear about all year long. However, because January is the official start month of diets everything old sounds new again. This is the time of the year when we are gullible, bloated and have gained some extra pounds.

Now if you wish to shell out X amount of dollars for a product or plan, go ahead. If this is the time of year when you feel you’re going to make those all important changes, by all means have at it. Whatever you do just stick with it. Might I suggest though that you don’t lose yourself in all the hype. Overdoing it often leads to injury and frustration; which means sooner rather than later you’re back at square one. Gullible, bloated and with those extra pounds still there.

Think about this; you’ve got the rest of the year, the rest of your life to work on your wellness plan so slow it down. Trust me fitbuddies I know how frustrating it is to want those extra pounds gone. I entered the new year with a few extra myself. If you take it off fast it’s coming back fast, and will bring some friends.

Tackle one change a week. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear, but as long as you’re trying new things, try this one. For the first week add 10 more minutes of activity a day. What’s that going to help you ask? It will get you into the fitness frame of mind, help you to establish a routine, and most importantly prove that you can do it. If you’re already exercising those 10 minutes could be intervals; short bursts of activity where you’re working harder.

Once you’re used to the additional activity start with your diet. Not a diet plan, but what you eat and drink. If you add 1-2 glasses of water a day to your intake, your kidneys will work more efficiently. This in turn will keep your liver doing what it does best; metabolizing fat. How cool is that? Hey you’re on a roll now how about eating one more piece of fruit a day? Just look at how many healthy changes you’ve made.

Are you jumping on and off the scales checking your weight several times a day? Stop it already! If you feel you must check the numbers once a day, first thing in the morning is enough. Don’t let the scales rule you. Trek on over to the dollar store and get a tape measure, that is one of the best ways to determine what’s going on. Ladies if your waist measures 35 or over, it’s time for you to get serious. Guys, 40 is your magic number. Extra fat around your middle is not only unsightly, it’s unhealthy. That’s enough for now. Move, drink and eat.

This is hot off the presses from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation.

Dr. Alan Hirsch founder and director of the foundation assembled a group of 108 overweight volunteers who weighed between 130 and 348 pounds. On average they were 48 years old, weighed 197 pounds, and had a BMI (body mass index) of 31.

In previous studies Dr. Hirsch found that stimulating certain scent receptors in the nose could induce as much as a 2.1% reduction in body mass per month over a six-month period. The doctor and his team also believed that this type of weight reduction could be enhanced by using specially designed taste-packed crystals.

The volunteers were given two bottles of different-flavor crystals every month over the course of six months. They were to sprinkle the crystals on each daily meal, and to continue their normal eating and exercise programs.

By the end of the six months, 92 of the volunteers finished the study. They lost an average of 33.6 pounds, which averages out to a weight loss of 5.6 pounds a month.

In the end the doctor and his team determined that it’s possible that specific flavors may effect the satiety center and bring about weight loss. Hmm, flavored crystals to reduce the amount of food you eat while increasing satiety. I can only imagine that manufacturers are straining at the bit to come up with a revolutionary line of crystals. I’m quite sure that they have more than visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. Before long drug stores and grocers shelves will be lined with the likes of champagne and Grey Goose crystals. Or maybe buffalo wing and nacho flavored crystals. Those that have a hankering for sweets will delight in chocolate cheesecake and pecan pie flavored crystals. Sadly the broccoli and asparagus ones probably won’t be best sellers.

Have a wonderful, flavorful, and happy holiday. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.

There is so much info out there about weight loss and fitness and we tend to say that “we know what to do”. Not necessarily true, if you really knew what to do, wouldn’t you do it? Admit/surrender to the fact that you don’t know all there is to know about _______. If you did you wouldn’t be where you are now. Tune into the part of you that does have a clue and let it happen. Be open to new ideas and methods and by all means get out of your way. And with that knowledge comes the task of taking action. And this doesn’t just apply to diets, exercises and food combinations. It has more to do with what do I do with me? How do I apply all this info and make it work for me. That’s what we don’t know and what’s keeping us from making the changes.

Choose, don’t react. Eliminate wishful, worry and fear based thinking. Choice is a function of awareness. Stop living your life on autopilot. Example, become aware of the feeling of being overfull, of huffing and puffing when you climb the stairs, of your pants being too tight and the constricted feeling in your throat as you await the results of your latest physical. Tune in to those feelings the next time you ask for your order to be super-sized. Is that too “in your face?” Maybe that kind of shake up is what it takes to get you moving?

Stop asking why and start asking how? As long as you keep asking yourself questions, like why can’t I lose weight, you’ll keep getting answers to that question. Like, having seconds, skipping breakfast, opting not to workout. Instead ask yourself how you can fix and eat breakfast before you go to work? How can I squeeze in 15 minutes of exercise? What healthy foods can I eat that will fill me up and not out? Remember all that information that we talked about? Now’s the time to go to it and find the answers.

You have the option of choosing where you put your attention. If you continually focus on what you can’t eat, why you can’t workout, you’ll get more of the same. Do you go to a job that you hate? Ever notice how the more you think about how much you hate that job the more reasons you find to hate it? Sorry to keep bringing up old negative stuff, but I’m trying to show you how to get the results you want.

Imagine the combined action of walking/running on the treadmill, the free wheeling motion of a stationary bike and the up and down stepping of the stair climber. There’s more. Add upright bars that you push and pull for an upper body workout. What do you get? The elliptical. At first glance it looks like a harmless piece of equipment; don’t be fooled. The elliptical or cross trainer gives you a kick butt workout.

It’s a weight bearing exercise with no impact, just what the doctor ordered. If you’ve ever been bothered by knee or back problems, here’s your machine. When working the lower body, you’re moving forwards and backwards which means the quads and hamstrings are loving this workout. Two lower body workouts in one. It’s important to note that not all machines are dual action. Dual action refers to the linkage between the upper and lower body movements. But that’s where you can really maximize your workout and the number of calories burned. Reports claim that you can burn up to 720 calories per hour. Hats off to anyone that can stay on that long.

Elliptical machine, elliptical trainer, or ellipse, all the same. Elliptical refers to the oval path of motion that the machine moves in. Nordic Track popularized the cross country ski machine years ago and the public fell in love with it. Manufacturer’s added more features and improved the quality and the elliptical was born.

Before you Buy

As always, do your homework before you shell out your hard earned cash. Consumer Reports is a good place to start. Try it out first. If the store you’re considering purchasing it from scoffs at the idea, that’s your clue to move on to another retailer. Have you checked out cardiovascular machines online, or at a sporting goods store, or even watched those late night infomercials and heard the term “foot print” ? This refers to the amount of floor space taken up by a machine. An elliptical ‘s foot print is small. The average length is 4-7 feet. You may have champagne taste and a beer budget, but there are certain things to look for when you buy.

 You don’t want the machine to walk across the floor with you. Solid construction is a must.

Non skid pedals. The pedal surface should be textured to ensure a good grip.

Standard display. Heart rate, time, calories burned, speed.

Programs. Pre-installed programs will keep your routine from getting boring.

Resistance levels. Make sure controls are within easy reach.

Another option that is nice to have but not a necessity is an interactive program. This feature adjusts to your workout and either raises or lowers your intensity level to keep you working in your target heart rate zone.

Cardiovascular machines are an excellent choice for burning calories and adding variety to your program. It doesn’t matter which one you choose. Make sure that you’ll enjoy the workout and that it is one you will stick with. Remember to combine it with resistance training, and healthy eating. Take care and be well.

Do you have any idea how many celebrity weight loss sites there are? Tons; no pun intended. Why are we so interested in how they gain, lose, regain their weight? I’m not excluding myself, I’m a bit nosy about it as well. Clients ask if I’ve read how so and so lost weight after the baby, or for the new role. Or they’re looking for an easy out. That’s the nature of weight loss and one of the reasons why its such a challenge for some people. I’m going to do my best not to talk about Oprah. Here’s a few of their not so secret secrets.

• Rhiana dances to keep tight and toned.
• Jessica Simpson is a devotee of Harley Pasternak’s 5 Factor Fitness diet.
• Beyonce swears by the Master Cleanse.
• Jennifer Anniston is still in the Zone.

Our new Secretary of State’s hubby trimmed down with the South Beach Diet.

Then there’s this piece of news:

The Daily Mail, and New York Magazine’s The Cut, reported this week, the fashionable set is turning to the medical community’s method of treating poorly nourished alcoholics, hooking themselves up to a multi-vitamin IV drip called a banana bag, to lose weight-the irrational thought process is that you will eat less and get only the needed nutrients. Not surprisingly, doctors say that “eating” through an IV-translation, avoiding the digestive process entirely-is a horrible idea.

That’s as extreme as drinking 10 cups of laxative teas a day, or spending upwards of $3000.00 for supplements to cleanse. It’s aint worth it people. Food is meant to be enjoyed, eating is not punishment. Where is the common sense? I say let’s have a scavenger hunt to see if it can be found. First stop, celebrity dressing rooms. Next up health food stores. Rounding the bend let’s look under the magazine racks. Not there either? How about the bookstore, never mind that one, it’s got to be on the internet. Hello, common sense weight loss, where are you? Still can’t find it? It’s in the last place you’d ever look, inside you. Trust me it’s there, take a peek.

Back by popular demand!! Not really; I just thought is was time to refresh your memory on how to make the most of what you have to get fit. Especially this time of year.

We have so many modern conveniences that make our lives easier and us lazier. Don’t get me wrong I love all my do-dads and gadgets, but I also know a decent workout when I see one. Go back to some of the old fashioned methods of house cleaning for a bit to burn some extra calories. Don’t worry you’ll still have your remote.

Put the fancy high tech mops down and go back to the old way of mopping the kitchen floor. That way you can tone your inner and outer thighs while drying the floor. Get two hand size towels and place one under each foot. Slide about 12 inches to the right and then to the left all around your floor until it’s dry. Hey don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Wash dishes by hand? Perish the thought! While you’re washing, do a set of 8 squats. The do another set of 8 with an alternating lateral leg lift. Oh my, clean dishes and tight buns!

One more for the dishwashing set; don’t stack all the plates and then carry them to the cabinet, take- one-plate-at-a-time. Take more steps, burn more calories.

When you come in from the grocery store, bring in one bag at a time. You’ll be racking up the steps on that pedometer in no time.

Make multiple trips to and from your washer and dryer instead of over loading the basket.

Do 2 sets of 10 rear leg lifts on each side every time you brush your teeth. Pearly whites and thin thighs, aint life grand!

The word balance is thrown around a lot these days; try this one on for size. When putting on your tennis shoes, stand (yes stand) and balance on one leg. This isn’t the piece of cake that you might think it will be, but your core will love you.

Push comes to shove you can walk. Walk inside your house if necessary. If you have a basement or live in an apartment complex, climbing the stairs is a wonderful workout. Starting slowly by just walking in place during commercials is a great beginning.

Turn on the radio or CD player and dance. You’re not auditioning for Dancing with the Stars so don’t worry if there’s not as much glide in your stride as you’d like. You can also rent workouts on VHS/DVD’s from the library for as little as $1.00 a week.

Play with your kids. Let them direct you in play, they’ll get a kick out of leading you and it’s a wonderful chance to spend time together. Now that we’ve gotten over the excuses about time, money and equipment, what on earth are you waiting for?

Everyone knows that the key to a healthy body is diet and exercise. Many people obsessively work out every day to keep in tip top shape. So, if we’re so concerned with exercising our bodies, why do we often neglect to exercise our minds? Our brains are just like our muscles: use it or lose it. If we don’t do daily activities to help keep our brain in top order, we lose important skills; particularly the skill of remembering. So if you want to remember your mother’s phone number, your grocery list, or where you left your keys; start exercising your brain.

So, how exactly do you exercise your brain? There’s no brain gym you can get a membership to with “memory classes”, but there are things you can do on your own. Here are some things you can try to keep your neurons limber.

Open a newspaper. Sure, reading the paper might expand your knowledge, but if you really want to get your brain in shape, turn to the crossword puzzle. You can also try solving other puzzles that require using your language skills. These help you remember things by making you regularly access simple memories (i.e. certain words)

Try the latest puzzle craze. Go to a book store, go online, or look in the paper; you’re likely to find Sudoku puzzles. These are number puzzles that are becoming increasingly popular. They help exercise your brain’s deductive reasoning skills. Plus, they’re fun and incredibly addictive.

Learn something new. You’ve probably heard people say that learning something new pushes old information out of your brain. This is not only wrong, it’s just plain silly. The capacity of your brain is only determined by how much you want to put in it. Try learning a new skill or how to play a musical instrument. Learning a skill and continue to use it will keep your memory accessing skills limber.

Books, games and services. While there aren’t actually gyms you can go to, there are ways to get exercises specifically designed to improve memory. You can find these in book stores, online, and even in video game stores.

While it’s great to exercise your brain cells, don’t skip out on your trips to the gym. Keeping your body in good physical shape will help keep your brain healthy too. While cardio is the best work out to keep you healthy, you can still keep your memory if you can’t perform a strenuous workout. Even a simple walk for an hour a day can help prevent or slow memory loss. So get up and go as much as you can to keep your brain going.

Most people don’t worry about memory loss until they start to notice it slipping away, but the best time to start is while your mind is still sharp. You may not be able to bring your memory back, but you can keep it from fading. Regularly working your mind has even been shown to ward off Alzheimer’s. So if you want to keep your mind sharp, be sure to eat right, get enough rest, and exercise regularly.

I wandered on to this site yesterday http://www.dietblogtalk.com. Here they review diets, supplements and other weight loss products. Nothing new about this I know, sites like this are all over the place. What struck me was the high ratings that most of the products received. A few really stood out.

Flex Belt - Rapid Stomach Toning Medical Technology. 200 to 11 viewers were impressed with it. This is what it said:

This is a one of a kind product that really stands out from anything else. It is an electronic belt that you wear around your stomach, and it flexes your stomach muscles for you. The results are 100% positive. They did a clinical study with a couple thousand participants, and 100% of the people said that the belt worked for them. Through almost all word-of-mouth marketing, The Flex Belt now has sold millions of units, and they are growing fast. People really like this product because it is safe, never hurts your back like sit-ups may, and you may use it just about anywhere. People use The Flex Belt while walking, running, working, reading, watching TV, doing house chores, and so much more. This is a not a gimmick - it works.

Are you kidding me? I’ve been called out before about my opinion on gizmos, potions, teas and the like. However, a belt that tones your abs? I had to find out how much this wonder belt would set you back so I went to the site. Naturally there’s a celebrity testimonial; from Jerry Rice. You think the Flex Belt helped him mambo into the finals on Dancing with the Stars? The manufacturer promises that you’ll see results in 4 weeks, it’s been cleared by the FDA and if you’re not satisfied you’ve got 60 days to get your money back. The next step is to shell out $199.99 for that six-pack. I am so not convinced and have much better things to spend $200.00 on.

On the same diet log.com site there’s also a link to the diet awards.com. In a turn around move this group will pay you $1000.00 if you try one of the sponsored products and send in your before and after photos. You’ll never guess what one of the products is. Come on, guess. Yepper, the Flex Belt. Along with Weight Watchers, Nuphedrine, Slim 10, Hoddia p57, Miracle Slim Wrap (don’t even get me started on that one), Miracle Burn, the Cleanse Patch, and Hoodia Bites, amongst others. A Hoodia Bite?

Your photos had to be in a bathing suit. You must have taken and/or used the product(s) for at least 60 days, and all pictures must have the person’s face and body in the photo. Please be advised that once your photo is accepted and you receive your cash your photo will be used on their site. Hmm what other site might it appear on?

Remember the plight of Ms. Winfrey; quick fixes don’t work. However, if any of you brave souls decide to try any of this please let me know. Please prove me wrong.

Oprah is in the news about her weight again. It’s not like the world hadn’t noticed that the Queen of talk’s lost pounds had found her.

“I’m mad at myself,” Winfrey writes in an article provided early to The Associated Press by Harpo Productions. “I’m embarrassed,” she writes. “I can’t believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I’m still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, `How did I let this happen again?”‘

I applaud her for talking about it. I also really hope that once she focuses on her health, losing weight will be easier for her. She better than anyone knows that restrictive diets don’t work. With all her wealth and experts at her beck and call, she still has to do the work.

We all remember Oprah wheeling out the wagon load of fat that represented the pounds she lost. Girlfriend was donned in her size 10 Calvin Klein jeans, and she looked so happy and proud of herself. This is what she said about that segment:

“I had literally starved myself for four months - not a morsel of food,” Winfrey recalled in 2005. “Two hours after that show, I started eating to celebrate - of course, within two days those jeans no longer fit!”

When you’ve had a lifetime of weight issues the pressure to get and remain “skinny” often drives you to the chips and chocolate. Add the stress of being in front of millions of people watching you like a hawk, and disaster is in the making. Fitness/wellness from the inside out should be the ultimate goal. If you want to lose weight to get into the cute jeans or for the reunion, what happens afterwards? Is that enough to keep you inspired forever? Optimal health is the cornerstone of any weight loss and fitness plan. When you take care of the inside the outside will fall in line. Trust me.

Hat’s off to you Oprah for being honest with yourself and your viewers.

Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear. That’s a pretty popular saying and most of us have said or heard it. What does that tell you? It really hits home when the seeing and hearing come from you about you. Of course you don’t set out to tell yourself things that aren’t true, about you but what you say makes a difference. Let me break it down a bit more. What you believe about you makes a difference. This applies to everyone, however fellow baby boomers let’s chat for a spell.

How often have you talked yourself out of something because you felt you were “too old”? Things like hobbies, career choices, and recreational activities. Then there is the all too prevalent belief that with middle age comes automatic weight gain. That’s a bunch of rubbish! The middle age spread is a myth perpetuated and kept alive by some who choose not to do anything but let grass grow up around them.

It is true that as we age our metabolism slows down. Accordingly it’s in our best interest to adjust our dietary intake and our activity. Not as simple as that I know, but within your reach. Then there’s the assumed, built in fatigue factor. If you say to yourself, “I’m so tired” there will arise in you a weariness to support that belief. And I’m not saying you’re not supposed to get or be tired. However, if that’s your constant train of thought that’s what shows up. Sometimes we get so caught up in the never ending quest for the fountain of youth that we overlook the beauty and wisdom of experience. Another thing to look at is the responsibility of society to honor aging. Seniors are often overlooked despite their talents and experience for someone younger.

Maybe it’s time we start to believe in ourselves so that the rest of the population will follow suit. Who says that you’re ready for the rocking chair instead of rocking out? You don’t have to flaunt your six-pack but you can definitely have one. And when it comes to eating that healthy meal at your favorite restaurant, use that senior citizen discount and enjoy yourself.

We are in full holiday mode right about now. Yes the economy stinks and most of us are cutting back; on shopping. What we’re not cutting back on is food. We’ve given up so much already, vacations, new shoes, premium channels, regular light bulbs; I could go on. However, this is the holiday season and some things must remain the same. For instance, eggnog (with rum), cookies and lots of them. Then there’s chocolate cake, and dense rich fudge. Oh and how could I forget; lunch with the girls after the wee bit of shopping that you’re doing.Our appetites and accordingly our waistlines are often dictated by the calendar. You wouldn’t believe how many people automatically assume that they’re going to gain weight this time of year and just have at it. What a defeatist attitude! Research shows that we gain on average about seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years. On the other end of the spectrum is a group of die-hard gym rats who prepare for the feeding frenzy by working out like crazy and cutting out carbs, fats, and eating miniscule amounts of protein. Both extremes make no sense. Here comes that word again,

Balance.

Now if you’re in the first devil may care group, listen up. You don’t have to eat everything in sight to enjoy the holiday. No one is going to mind if you don’t eat everything on the buffet. Slow your roll and think about how healthy you’ll be at the beginning of the year. You won’t have to make all those resolutions that will be broken by Valentines Day. Gym rats, who are you trying to impress? If you’re as savvy about nutrition as you think you are, you know how quickly those extra pounds will come back. One of the cardinal rules of weight loss states that the less you eat the more your metabolism stalls. Last year I took a walk on the wild side and was in the latter group. The day after Thanksgiving was my batten down the hatches day. By the time Christmas Eve rolled around I had lost and additional 15lbs. Woo-hoo, chocolate truffle cake here I come! With four out of five kids at home it was my motherly duty to prepare all their favorites. I also renewed my membership in the clean plate club. Ever faithful to my fitness program, I worked out intensely, but those workouts were no match for the onslaught of all things sweet, fried and chocolate. My favorite jeans felt a bit snugger but I figured it was just my imagination…until.

Until I got up the nerve to get on the scales December 29^th. Clutch the pearls; I had gained 13 lbs in 6 days!! Let’s do the math, 3500 calories = 1 pound. That means that over the course of 6 day’s I took in 45,500 extra calories!! Does the word glutton come to mind? I packed away lots of food but not that much. What happened was that my metabolism had the last word. I thought that I was smarter, but as usual it showed me. Sanity and moderation re-entered my life and I went back to doing things the right way.

It feels so good to be in full holiday mode and still enjoy the food and festivities. As passionate as I am abut fitness, I don’t choose to work out hours at a time, everyday. This year all the kids and most of my grandkids will be home, and I am going to pull out all the stops. However, because I want to enjoy many more healthy holidays with them; I know my limits.

What do India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt have in common? Cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices. The bark of the tree is dried and rolled into sticks, also called quills. The sticks are popular but we use mostly this spice ground into a powder.

The flavor and aroma of cinnamon comes from a compound in the essential oil called cinnamonaldehyde. Don’t let the name alarm you, I know at first blush anything ending in “aldehyde” gives one cause for concern, but it’s OK. Cinnamon is typically used in baking, and some hot drinks, but if you really want to take a walk on the wild side, sprinkle a bit on your veggies. Hey don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Aside from it’s versatility in cooking there’s are additional health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, Cassia cinnamon is used for colds, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods. It’s also believed to improve energy, vitality, and circulation and be particularly useful for people who tend to feel hot in their upper body but have cold feet. Preliminary lab and animal studies have found that cinnamon may have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s active against Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections and Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers.

<p>Recent studies have found that cinnamon may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar. The results of a study from 2003 in Pakistan showed that people with Type 2 diabetes. showed lower levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol after 40 days with levels continuing to drop for 20 days after that.

The study was made up of 60 people with Type 2 diabetes who were divided into 6 groups of 10. Three groups received cinnamon in the form of capsules totaling 1, 3 or 6 grams of cinnamon a day. The other three groups received placebo capsules. The capsules were taken three times a day, after meals. All three levels of cinnamon showed results, leading researchers to believe that as little as 1 gram a day of cinnamon may benefit people who have Type 2.

Did you know that you could buy cinnamon capsules? I didn’t until recently. My question is, are they as effective as the real thing? Manufacturers typically add fillers and sometimes preservatives to extend the shelf life of supplements. If you decide to include cinnamon in your healthy eating plan, opt for the real stuff. A can or jar is more economical and I would say healthier than buying pills. Of course discuss it with your doctor if you have any questions. At any rate a little bit of cinnamon will add a bit more zip to your doo-dah.

How many excuses do you have for not working out and eating healthy? Of course there are the standards of time and money, but what else? What have you done or said to yourself to convince you that this is not the time for you to get with the program? Here’s something else that happens. All the while you’re talking yourself out of making significant changes, you’re sure you know everything you need to know about how to do it. It is one thing to know a principle and another thing to try it.

Suppose for an instant that Sir Isaac Newton dismissed the idea of gravity. Or if Thomas Edison kept putting off his experiments with the law of electricity. Had Shakespeare not put pen to paper, think of the void that we’d have in the literary world. Of course losing weight for you won’t be the greatest discovery in the world, but it will be one of the greatest in your world. Having one less thing to worry about just may free you to go on and accomplish bigger and better things. At the least you’ll have more stamina to do what you do on a daily basis.

How many of you are preparing for your venture into wellness by sponging up as much fitness and nutritional info that you can find? I’m all for reading and boning up on the subject, but sooner or later you’ve got to make a move. I’m also one of the biggest proponents of the Law of Attraction and trust me there is a tie in here. Positive thinking is a part of the Law of Attraction and it’s surely better than dwelling in the negative. However, you can’t just think happy thoughts and expect all the stuff you’ve ever wanted to show up in your living room. Some action is required to set these things in motion. Positive thinking helps you to focus and be aware of what’s available to you to get what you’re after. Likewise immersing yourself in wellness knowledge educates you so that you’ll know what you’re doing, but you’ve got to apply what you’ve learned. The chicken crossed the road to get to the other side, you have to cross the line of procrastination to set foot into wellness, and it’s not coming by osmosis.

Don’t know if you’ve noticed that when I get on a kick about something it takes a while to shake it. So here I am back on my soapbox about processed foods. While cleaning my freezer I was about to throw out a package of hot dog buns that were long past usefulness and decided to check the label; again. Just in case you’re wondering I don’t eat hot dogs or hot dog buns. My husband said hands off my hot dogs and buns, so there they are, or were. Check out all the stuff in hot dog buns that we can’t easily pronounce, let alone know what they are.

What’s in a Hot Dog Bun

Enriched Bleached Flour [Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid], Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Yeast. Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following. Vegetable Oil (Soybean And/Or Cottonseed Oils), Salt, Wheat Gluten, Yeast Nutrients (May Contain One Or More Of The Following: Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Ammonium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate Ammonium Chloride), Cornstarch, Dough Conditioners (May Contain One Or More Of The Following: Mono-And Diglycerides, Ethoxylated Mono- And Diglycerides, Sodium And Calcium Stearoyl-2 Lactylate, Batem, Calcium Peroxide, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide, Enzymes) Dicalcium Phosphate, Diammonium Phosphate, Wheat Starch, Distilled Vinegar, Soy Lecithin, Calcium Propionate (Preservative), Soy Flour, Sesame Seeds.

By now you know where I’m going with this, so I don’t have to say anymore

Ho Ho Ho Fitbuddies,Have you taken pen to paper yet to craft your New Years Resolutions? Are you thinking about starting a wellness plan in January? Well what’s so special about January? I guess as Monday is the official start day of most “diets”, January is the official start month. I still want to know why. If you’re really serious you wouldn’t wait. Oh, I forgot the holidays are here and that means parties and food and lots of time with the family. Which means food and stress and more food to help with the stress. Most people genuinely want to be fit and healthy and have good intentions in the beginning. All that genuine intention falls by the wayside as real life reminds us that we have deadlines, budgets, kids, and significant others. The afore mentioned real world occurrences don’t just pop up on Monday’s in January, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. So what ever shall you do?

Get and stay committed. When the urge to be well all the time is as strong as the urge to breathe, you’ll know you’re in it to win it. That doesn’t mean you won’t pay homage to Ben & Jerry’s from time to time. It means you’ll be better equipped to handle those times. Falling off the wagon won’t be the end of the world, and it won’t be hard to get back on. This all goes back to the reasons why you want to be fit and healthy. If you’re doing it because someone else said you should, it’s likely you won’t stick to your plan. It’s also likely that if you do it for someone else, when that someone else ticks you off, you’ll reach for the goodies. How best to teach them a lesson by binging; that’ll fix em.

Get serious and get real about your health. Pity parties and the calendar shouldn’t dictate when you take charge of your wellness. Changing your life at the behest of someone else shouldn’t either. Make the changes for you, aren’t you the most important person in your life? You don’t have to overhaul your whole lifestyle at once, that will make you crazy. Change one thing at a time and make it simple. Try getting up to change the channel Or, look for the remote yourself instead of having your kids find it. Drink one more glass of water a day and eat one more piece of fruit. The next week start exercising, 10-15 minutes at a time. Add two minutes a day until you’re up to 30; then add another day. By that time you can start eating more veggies and decreasing the amount of sugar you eat. Go to the library and take out some books on fitness and nutrition. I know you can surf the net and find gobs of info, but sometimes there’s nothing like holding a real book in your hand. It’s also taking the time and making the effort to do something different for you. Start a chain reaction of good things happening to you by you. You are more in control than you realize. Stick with it. You’ve stuck with the unhealthy stuff, give the good stuff a try.