Monday, March 7, 2011

The Emotional Side of Working Within a Diet Plan

It's time to give yourself a pat on the back if you have been working on your weight loss goals.  I have come to realize, it takes so much from us both physically and emotionally to really work a diet plan.  Weight loss effort does demand a great deal from us.  While the goal of working within the framework of a diet is for the body to lose excess weight, I am absolutely convinced that mental preparation must be incorporated within the plan for an increased chance of success.  There are many diets out there; yet, I feel these plans miss the mark if they do not address the real emotional needs of the followers!

While on a diet, we are actually making big changes to our lifestyle.  Change can be a tricky thing; some of us embrace it, while some of us fear it.  Some of us may have not even attempted to make a lifestyle change before.  My theory, here, is that since we are working on changing our physical self, the mind and our emotions, or mental self must work on change too.

A big part of the emotional side of dieting has been (for me) overcoming certain issues of being overweight. 
Overweight people often lack self-confidence and suffer from low self-esteem.  I know that has been part of my battle when I was very overweight.  I know I'm not alone in this because many studies have shown that overweight people have much higher probability of lacking self-confidence or happiness because of  their weight.  I'd say I lead a good life; yet, I was not really happy nor healthy with my over abundance of excess self.

So, how do we work on the emotional side of any given diet plan?  Here are some points to consider:

-We need to become determined and focused on following a weight loss plan.  I feel setting goals is a great idea but be careful not to set unrealistic goals and take a good look at your reasons why you want to lose weight both physically and emotionally.

-It is essential to make a routine based upon your weight loss plan.  This includes planning the diet out, organizing your life to meet the needs of the diet plan, and finding ways to continually motivate yourself.

-Reach deep inside yourself to find that determination to succeed, mentally and emotionally in order to cultivate better confidence levels.  Do this by aligning with the plan, making the best choices and eliminating any sabotage by self or from others.

-Be in competition only with yourself.  Work on your plan at your own pace.  Your body is unique, don't compare other's results to your own.  You will however, feel great as you see your own results.

-From time to time, remind yourself of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  While on plan, notice how good you feel both physically and emotionally.  This increases the motivation for achieving your goals. I know there is a direct positive correlation to how well I'm doing on plan to how I'm feeling.

-Reduce stress of dieting by sticking to an exercise plan and utilizing the power of prayer or meditation.

-Seek out positive role models who are also trying to develop a healthy lifestyle and work with support groups who follow your plan too.

-Continually work on a positive attitude about weight loss, being on plan and your overall health.

Weight loss, dieting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and changing ourselves, inside and out, is a mental strategy as much as it is a physical one. Once we mentally conquer our body, we achieve even greater success over all.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Off the Diet Wagon? Not as Commited to Plan? It's Time to Recommit!

As of late, I have been listening to people who said they were on a diet plan; yet, they have fallen off the wagon.  Some folks have said they are "sort of" following their plan; yet, are not really paying attention to the nuts & bolts of the diet, or they are "cheating" a little too liberally. 

If you find yourself in any of these situations, then it's time to Recommit  Take the time to get back on track and get into your healthy lifestyle.  The following are a few points to consider when taking the leap of faith back into your health and well-being.

-Choose or go back to a diet plan that you feel works for you.  Review the plan again, plan it out, and organize yourself to meet the criteria of the diet.  This may include, knowing how to work the plan, writing a shopping list, organizing your kitchen and pantry to accommodate your re-start.

-Don't dwell on past mistakes.  Pick yourself up, don't be so hard on yourself and acknowledge the successes you have achieved.  Move it out from there.

-Get back into moving more and work out a good exercise plan of action.  Whether that be at home, outside or at the gym, be like Nike and Just Do It.

-Get it in your mindset to drink plenty of water and take your vitamins.  These should be part of your plan.

-Rally the troops.  Find a good support system either with family and friends or online.

.-Take time to reflect on all the benefits of recommitting to your plan, staying on track and why you want to follow a healthy lifestyle.

-Look over and set your goals again.  That can be from how much weight you desire to lose, to having a better doctor and lab report, to fitting into that outfit for an important event happening in your future plans!

We all have slip ups from time to time.  That is just human nature.  But as easily as it is to fall off the wagon, it can be just as easy to recommit to get back on plan.  Get into that mindset and you're there, back in the saddle again!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Get Your Heart Pumpin' For St Valentine's Day!

I went to the gym today to do my cardio workout.  I noticed there were less people there today, mid-Feb, then were there the first of the year.  Pretty typical, right?  You know the drill:  New Year's resolution to get in shape then, falling off the going to the gym wagon.  This observation reminded me to blog about  finding the motivation to get back into or even to start an exercise routine.  A good exercise rule of thumb is 30 mins of cardio, 5 times a week.

Since it's St Valentine's Day, and we should all be lovin' on ourselves,  I thought I would discuss the emotional benefits of exercising.  Of course we all know exercising makes us healthier on a physical level; however, sometimes even that is not enough of a motivational factor to get people moving.  My point as aforementioned:  less people at the gym!  So, let's look at why we would want to motivate ourselves to exercise from an emotional viewpoint.

Exercising on a regular schedule has been shown to oxygenate the brain and increase levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin.  Serotonin regulates mood, therefore, physical activity has been shown to decrease depression and make us feel good.

When we commit to exercising on a regular basis, whether that means going to the gym, or doing something we enjoy that gets us moving, we have more self-confidence, less stress, and higher self-esteem than those who don’t put regular physical activity in their lives.  With this increased self-confidence, that, makes our professional, personal, and social lives better.

Exercise calms our mind and helps us feel less stressed with ourselves and others, at work, in our social lives and at home.

When we exercise, that activity gives us time to gain perspective about our life.  It gives us time to reflect and think about things. A wonderful emotional benefit of exercise is that we work off tension, which helps us think more clearly about our life situations.

Exercise helps us feel better about ourselves. We begin to look and feel healthier, which leads to a better life.

I know when I exercise, I feel happier and actually, I feel proud of myself for accomplishing something that is good for me.  Exercise also helps me stay on plan; I don't want to undo all the healthy doings!!!  We are more optimistic and happy as people who do exercise than people who lead sedentary lifestyles.


The emotional benefits of exercise keeps us motivated to live a healthy lifestyle.   Exercise is more than just working out, it can benefit our mind, body, and soul.  Get moving, you'll love yourself  for that and Happy St. Valentine's Day!
Lynn

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Score Points for Yourself by Staying on Plan For The Big Game!!

The Super Bowl has almost become an American holiday.  Game day is all about football, family, friends, and food!  Oh yes, and the commercials.  Since the traditional fare and snacks at Super Bowl parties are not the best, healthy food choices, this may be a temptation when it comes to sitting down and watching the game..  We may not realize what we are eating in front of the television, we may be tempted to stick to traditional party junk foods, or there may not be the best food choices available at the party. When a get-together like the Super Bowl combines these scenarios, it can go badly for someone trying to stay on plan.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track, make or bring these healthy options when there is so much less than healthy party food around.  Hey at least you will feel good about yourself  by staying on your diet, even if your team is not doing as well!!

Instead of traditional Chips & Dip, have veggies cut up and whip up a low-fat homemade dip.

Instead of Buffalo wings or strips which are usually breaded & fried, have a healthier alternative such as  marinated buffalo chicken, grilled and cut into bite-sized pieces with celery, make a buffalo chicken salad, or cut into chicken strips.  Wings are ok , but have more fat and watch the breading or sweet sauces.

Instead of ordering pizza or having a lot of pasta, have a lower fat chili or healthy casserole

Instead of drinking beers and mixed drinks, have a drink if you like, but instead drink plenty of water, and make that sparkling or seltzer with lemon or lime for a change.

Super Bowl Sunday is not just about the game, it is about the party food too.  Pass on the high fat snacks and take-out food like pizza and fried wings. Regardless of who wins the game, you’ll score points for yourself by staying on plan and making healthy choices.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Stick to Your Weight Loss Plan Even with a Busy Schedule

I'm a busy person.  You probably are too.  You know the drill:  work, home, family, social life, hobbies, interests, etc, keep all of us pretty busy.  Today's blog is to talk about how to stay on plan even when we are very busy people.  I know I may sound like a broken record, but the common denominator is to plan, plan plan everything you need to do in order to stay on your diet. 

Shopping:  I plan out my grocery shopping every week and schedule a once a week trip to the store.  I know my plan so well, that I just go about the store and get what I need for the week.  But the important thing is to plan this out.  Since I have the attitude that my diet plan is my job, it is just a part of my job requirement.  Consider developing a master shopping list to use and then, add things you might need for a new recipe or some new product.

Cooking:  On my day off, I set myself up for the week.  I cook things I need and freeze them if necessary.  I wash and cut up any vegetables, fruits and organize snacks I need for the work week.  The thing is to have your food in the house and readily accessible.

Going out to eat:  A lot of people are busy and go out to eat quite a bit.  When you know you are going out to eat, go online and look at the menu ahead of time.  This way, you may pick your food out in advance and  have a plan ahead of time.  This reduces the chance of ordering something that is off the diet.  This also helps to plan for substitutions if  needed.
Order food grilled, roasted, baked or steamed, with dressings or sauces on the side.  Order salads with no tortilla chips or croutons and with salad dressings always on the side.  Since I follow a lower carb diet, I order extra veggies or a salad in the place of a starchy side.  Also, ask for a box at the beginning of the meal and put half of the entree inside to take home ahead of time.
If you must order from a fast food place, make the best attempt to order a healthier food choice.

Exercise:  to get my exercise in, I have to plan it out.  I like to go to the gym because I like the professional machines and free weights there.  If your schedule prohibits you from getting to the gym or if you do not like to go to a gym, have a plan to work out at home.  There are many dvd's to put on and got music?  Dance around the house for your exercise.  You can plan to get outside too, for a walk, jog, a bike ride, or a hobby or activity that makes you move.  Endless possibilities, but try to make them fun!!

A little extra planning, scheduling meal preparations, exercise and making your diet a lifestyle instead of a short term weight loss effort is key to your long term dieting success.  Preparation and planning are essential to successfully meet your weight loss goals. By preparing as much as possible ahead of time you will never even miss less than excellent habits and choices, as you go about your busy life!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Develop a Mindset for Dieting Success

There are  many diet programs available which are all designed for weight loss; yet, it is my belief one must dig deep inside and find inspiration when undertaking, and then continuing to follow a diet plan. What is that mysterious factor that ensures people will be successful when beginning and staying on a diet?

I have come to realize a big part of diet success is as much in our head as our body. It is the cultivation of  a mindset that is an important deciding factor for anyone to succeed. With the proper mindset, anyone can be successful, especially during the initial phase of a program.

Success is contingent upon our thinking, or our mindset, when deciding to stick with a diet. It is my theory, when we can get our mind to be determined about success, then the body follows!

Here are some suggestions for developing a diet success mindset.  I have used these points to foster my own personal dieting success.

-Always align your thinking with the positive, what you can have or do, instead of thoughts of restriction, resistance, or lack.

-Watch your associations with food by making new, healthier associations with your choices.  One example is to make a healthy change by using your mind to associate a burger with a salad, instead of a burger and fries.  Do this automatically and on a continual basis.

-Have an open mind to change. If you have not done so already, make the commitment to start a diet plan.  Sign up at the gym, or do some kind of exercise you have not done before.  And, make it fun!

-Always think in terms of self-confidence and worth as opposed to self doubt and fears.  A great mantra is,  I Can Do It.  be in this mindset all the time!!

-Make it your mindset that your diet is your lifestyle and let people know this is the new you.

My mystery for success is that I finally found a diet plan that works for me.   I want to keep on going with this plan because it makes my life better on a physical, emotional and personal level.   What is your mystery?  What have you found (beyond the obvious, for health, appearance) that really makes you commit to a plan?  What are the deep reasons that keep you on track?  I do want to know!!  Share with me your thoughts on your success mindset in the comment section here!  Thanks. Lynn

Friday, January 7, 2011

8 Habits to Develop for Successful Weight Loss

"First we make our habits, then our habits make us"
- Charles C. Noble

Since being on my diet plan for the past 15 months, I have noticed that I have developed healthier habits in my life because of this plan.  I think that following a weight loss plan of one's choice is a great undertaking; however, there is more to consider than just going on a diet.  Behaviourally speaking, when you do something over & over again, that thing becomes habitual.  It is beneficial to cultivate healthy habits when you want to lose weight.  Today's blog has a focus on developing eight healthy habits that will go hand and hand with your weight loss goals and plans.

1.  Variety:  I have found that I tend to eat the same thing for breakfast every morning.  I don't mind that, but I feel it is a better habit to add variety to your menu.  I have started to do this more and now it is becoming something I do all the time.  One new thing I tried is jicama, a root like vegetable that has taken the place of potatoes for me.  I'm also looking at new recipes in cookbooks to make sure I add more variety into my diet.

2.  Food Log: I'll tell ya, I really don't like to do a food log, or food diary.  I have gotten into the habit of writing everything I eat down and at what time I eat.  Since I am on a plan where timing of foods is important, a food log keeps me on track.  I also add water and vitamins taken and if I exercised to the log.  To see this down on paper helps me to see how I am doing.

3.  Planning:  I cannot tell you how important it is to get into the mindset of planning.  Weekly menus, grocery shopping, a time schedule and having what you need on hand is crucial to staying on plan.  Also, plan to have a mindset of what you are to do if you find yourself going out to dinner, at a party or are traveling.  Fostering good habits of planning will save you from sabotaging you and your diet.

4.  Substitutions  I am on a lower carb diet.  I make food substitutions all the time.  I make them at home, at restaurants and events.  For example, I have sauteed spinach instead of pasta at Italian restaurants.  I automatically say no rice, bread, potatoes, etc (may I have extra vegetables instead?) when dining out!  This has become a second nature habit!!!  This habit comes easily to me because I have been on this particular plan for such a long time now.  I'll be truthful; I never had this kind of control in the past.  I see now as I developed these habits, it just comes so naturally.

5.  Healthy choices:  I make the choice to exercise, to stay on my plan, to use truvia (sweetener) instead of sugar.  I make my own salad dressings.  I choose leaner meats and cheese than those higher in fat.  I choose to live a healthy lifestyle because I know how good it feels to live this way.

6.  Patience:  Believe me, I'm not on any lose weight quick plan.  I have developed the habit of patience to stay the course, slowly winning this race!  I used patience to figure out this weight loss plan.  I follow it religiously and can see and feel the results. 

7.  Exercise:  I have learned that I need to exercise to lose weight.  I make myself do it.  It has become my "force of habit" to exercise more than I ever have in my life.  I'll let you in a secret....I really don't love to exercise!  But Nike tells me to "Just Do It"  So I do what Nike says!!!

8.  Long Term Lifestyle:  I fully believe the diet plan I follow is my long term lifestyle for the rest of my life.  I guess I said "I do" because I'm fully committed to my plan and I habitually do not waiver.  I have made it my habit to follow the plan without cheating nor going off track.  And, I do take this one step at a time, one day at a time.

It is my hope you can recognize the importance of developing good habits for your weight loss journey and begin to implement them in your daily life.  I know the importance of changing bad habits into a good, healthy way of  life changed my life and I know the same can happen for you.