A Real Hot Chocolate Is A Chocolat Chaud for the Heart

A Real Hot Chocolate Is A Chocolat Chaud for the Heart

Patience: Growing Virtue While Shrinking The Waist Line

"Patience is a virtue" - (author unknown)

In these times, we all want things instantly, as I work with others, I see this as a constant. There are many people who have become a success and most of the time that success did not come from an overnight, flighty whim.  Success comes from "established determination", the never ending drive to see something through to the very end. If I share my weight loss story with others who want to do the same, the VERY first thing I hear from them is "How long did it take you to lose the weight?" Time spent in something is always analyzed in a person's mind  more than anything else. As time has passed, I have become bolder in my answers, one example is answering their question with my own, "If I told you it took four years to shed the initial extra weight and it takes a lifetime to maintain it and that I still set small goals even now, would you run the other way in fear?" Maybe in that moment they would say no but there is a high chance that they would eventually. You may think I am being quite negative in that statement, but it is just reality. The reason of that is because most of us are programmed to do everything quickly and without much thought. We do this in the morning to rush to work, we do it while at work because we are usually on a deadline and our job security depends on it, we do it in our evening activities, time spent with our kids, and time spent to shop, run our households, etc. We are rushed and expect the same in our weight goals too. Have you noticed the rise in weight loss surgeries? Sometimes these surgeries are medically necessary but most of the time it's the quicker, faster, and easier way to get the results we desire. What happens most of the time with these patients? The weight COMES back on! BECAUSE they rush the process, get to the "oh I look great" phase and then have absolutely no idea how to maintain it. With natural weight loss over time the fact is that it is slower, more gradual, and takes a lot longer to get the desired look you want to achieve. All the while through that process, what can happen is a new found patience that grows along with a new emotional maturity and a renewed sense of worth. You learn about your body, what it needs, and what it doesn't need. How much it can take and what it will not be able to do. You learn because you have taken the time to do so. I know what to do, how to maintain and keep my weight down, it is not always easy but it is skills I have acquired over time. I continue to live healthy every day, not just some days, but every day. Does that mean I always eat correct, exact portions and never stray off my life plan? No, but my frame of mind never strays from what I know as truth when it comes to my lifestyle. I have been to the other side and brought myself back. It has been done and continues to be accomplished by much more patience and a lot less fries on the side.

Mustering Up The Motivation?!?

One of the questions I get asked a lot is, "How do I keep myself motivated?” the answer isn't always the same for each individual. I suggest a few things by asking a few questions and based on a person's response, I can usually offer something to get them started. Most people who have ignored their bodies for a long period of time have plenty of reasons to start motivating themselves such as: getting rid of excess weight, relieving stress, renewing depleted energy levels, and actually getting a better night's sleep. Those are great motivation starters and usually do keep someone going for a few weeks or months. What can you do when boredom sets in? I can offer suggestions for that as well:

Change up the routine every few weeks: Not only is it good for relieving boredom, but also its great for your body to get something new and different. Our bodies tend to get used to whatever we give it and this is also the culprit usually for plateauing.

Find a different reason for motivation: Focusing on one thing for a long period of time may become a bit tiring and perhaps that thing you are aiming for isn’t coming as quickly as you like. This is the time to re-shift, refocus, and reevaluate. You may ask yourself, "What has improved?", "What changes have I seen?", "What has my family, loved ones, and friends noticed or complimented me on?" Those are all great things that you can internalize as motivation. It’s about finding a new muse.

Getting a personal trainer or a workout partner: Accountability: it’s a good thing. A personal trainer can give you the proper tools and ideas to develop a great workout plan that is specific to you. Personal training may not be an option for some but finding a person who needs the same thing as you may be ideal. A workout partner can keep you accountable and may help you develop the competitive drive you need to attain your goals.

Last thing to remember is that patience is crucial. Reversing bad habits and losing excess weight does not occur overnight, remember you did not develop these problems overnight either. Things can always be changed and mind over matter truly does work.

FINALLY a before and after

Before: at my heaviest weight.

Currently: This is me now.

My journey has never been easy, its still an everyday challenge to remain consistent in eating healthy and making the choice to workout and do the things I am suppose to do to keep moving forward. I will never call it an after photo, its a constant effort and a true lifestyle change.

Start your New Years Resolution now!

Having kids, obligations, work, and stressing about finances is part of almost everyone's daily life. Let's consider the added stresses and temptations of the holiday season approaching, and we are way overwhelmed. Most people have the idea of beginning a "diet" and exercise routine in January, "As soon as the new year is here, I am getting in shape", we have all said that at some point in our life. For many of us, we have said it every year, over and over again, and before you know, it is March and you have yet to start.

What's wrong with beginning that resolution now?  Incorporating a few things in your life now can make the difference between success and failure in the New Year. If you are not participating in any exercise routine at all right now, the best thing to do is begin! You don't have to overwhelm yourself with a 5 day a week workout at this point, but what is extremely beneficial is -3 days a week -30 minutes a day- of some type of cardio workout. I can think of three ways, right off the top of my head, of why it’s a good idea: 1. it will help you deal with holiday stress 2. It prepares your body for that more intense routine you are planning. 3. YOU should be doing this anyway for general health.

The next way you could be starting the resolution early is through some calorie cutting, increasing water intake, and saving the "holiday temptations" for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day only. The time in between make healthier choices. I always say if you can maintain your weight during the holiday season that is success!

My Plate

myplate.gov

What will it take to move you?

Yeah, its been a while, my apologies, life happens.

I just have been thinking in all sincerity, what would it take to change your life? To motivate you? To reach that new level in your life, to take charge of your health?  A crisis is what is usually takes and unfortunately most of us do not ever learn from someone else's bad choices, we learn from our own. As I was in the middle of my cardio workout today, I took a moment and looked around. I saw quite a few people "struggling" and not to discredit their effort by any means, its just that I wonder, what life scare did they receive to take a serious step in reversing their underlining problem of failing health?

Mine came from the simple fact that I was in my thirties, giving myself insulin to live. I still live with the damage that diabetes was doing to me. I have irreversible nerve damage to my feet and it has never gotten any worse over time, but never any better. I can't imagine what would have happened to me if I didn't decide to take control, get some help, and change my outcome. 

What would be your breaking point? The inability to breathe? The minor joint pain? The overall lazy feeling you have, that just keeps you right there on the sofa? Your inability to create a minimum of 3 hours a week to devote to yourself so you can give more to your job, your family, and yourself? Don't wait until its too late and you become so immobile that not even a light workout is possible. So late that you are living only through medication, and doctor appointments. Change it before its too late. It is about thinking, planning, and then finally doing something about it.