Exercise

The following was posted by Brooke Castillo today. It speaks truths to me about my relationship with exercise.

How are you treating your exercise?

For some reason, I don't like to talk about exercise to my clients or in seminars. Maybe it is the revulsion in their faces, maybe it is the eye rolls, or maybe it is because I know they don't want to do it and I have my sales job cut out for me. Bottom line is that exercise is required and exercise is distasteful to many many people.

I think maybe the reason is that we mis-use exercise. Some of us use exercise the way others use people. We use it to get what we want. We use it to lose weight fast. We use it to punish ourselves. We use as proof that we are incapable of losing weight. If exercise were a friend of ours, or a person we knew, we could describe the way we treat it as downright rude.

We rarely ever spend time with it and when we do we complain the whole time. We get angry at it for not giving us what we want-namely pounds lost the minute we are finished. We say we are going to show up to see it and we don't. We make excuses as to why we can't spend time with it. We tell it that it is important and valuable and that we are committed and then we let it down time after time.

Think of exercise as the person in your life that is only there to help you. Exercise wants to give you health and vigor. Exercise is the person that wants to tell you the truth about where you are physically. Exercise is honorable, consistent, and true. Exercise is the loyal friend who is worth your time. It may not be exciting each time you spend time with it, but each time you do-you feel yourself getting stronger and stronger.

Sometimes I consider keeping people in my life by who I am when I am with them. If exercise were a person that I hung out with, I would know this is a person I want to keep in my life. Whenever I spend time with it I feel proud, capable, strong, and committed. I give myself the gift of exercise-not because of what I can take from it-but because I am a better person with it in my life. Weight loss or not.

Give yourself the gift of exercise. It is a relationship worth nurturing.

For more great motivational posts - see Why Can't I Lose Weight?

The Right Attitude

Do you have what it takes to reach your weight-loss goals? If you think it's just about diet and exercise, you're wrong. Exercise and a proper diet are crucial to any weight-loss and fitness program, but reaching any long term goal — especially one that requires major lifestyle change — means improving your attitude, too. You can have all the external support in the world, but if your self esteem is shot, you'll never have long-term success. Having the right attitude is so important. We all know how easily negative thoughts can lead to a lack of confidence, hopelessness, and depression. You've heard about self-fulfilling prophecy, right? Well, if you tell yourself that you'll always be overweight or unhappy, you'll probably end up overweight and unhappy. It's a tough lesson to learn, but it's true. Okay, so let's turn that scenario around. Tell yourself that you can get fit and you will be happy. It's that simple, I swear. You can master your own fate with positive thinking!

Jillian Michaels

Reality Check from Someone who's Lost 110lbs! (and keeping it off)

Look people. Losing fat ain’t easy. Let me say this again. Losing fat AIN’T easy. I routinely have people ask me what my secret is, how did I lose over 110lbs., and other various spins on the same questions. When I tell them I did it the old school way they lose all interest. Nobody wants to hear they might have to sweat and not be able to eat Skinny Cows twice a day. It suprised all of us to find how many people are looking for a magic bullet or they are looking for someone to tell them how simple it is. For 95% of us, losing fat is hard. It takes lots of work, saying no, making sacrifices, and learning a whole new way to live. That stuff is hard and never let anyone fool you.

[In order ] to lose the fat. You have to:

1. Eat healthy foods forever; not just when you are losing weight. Sure you’ll get a little wiggle room when you reach goal, but we eat just as healthy now as we did when we were losing. Personally, I only eat more of the good stuff and have an occassional splurge.

2. Exercise HARD. Sorry, but if you want to look good you have to work out like you mean it. Sure, beginners don’t go gung-ho and walking is a great way to get STARTED. In the end, though, you are making a committment to moving for the rest of your life. You gotta strength train and you gotta get off the couch. As we all say, leave it all in the gym.

3. Quit using your stress, family, friends, co-workers, the melting ice caps, and that kid from fourth grade who called you fat give you reason to continue in self-destructive behaviors. Get over yourself so you can start living the life you want. You’ll always have stress and struggle so just learn right now that eating a cheeseburger doesn’t pay your bills or make your kids behave.

Exercising vs. Dieting part 2

Here's what else I believe about exercise vs dieting:

I believe that the human body is the only machine on the face of the earth that wears out and breaks down from not using it enough

I believe that much obesity and disease are a direct result of inactivity

I believe that much of the deterioration that happens as you age is a direct result of a sedentary lifestyle and a loss of muscle

I believe that cardiovascular exercise + weight training + a small calorie reduction is vastly superior for fat loss purposes than a calorie reduction alone, both in the short and long term

I believe that calorie restriction alone is a short-sighted and incomplete approach to a complex problem, and it requires a complete change in lifestyle habits to achieve better health, better body composition and results that last

I believe that everyone who is able-bodied should get some type of physical activity almost every single day

I believe that anyone who is healthy and physically able should get involved in weight training 3 days per week (up to 4 - 5 times per week for athletes and bodybuilders)

I believe that anyone healthy and physically able should do at least 3 days per week of vigorous cardiovascular exercise (jogging, brisk walking, treadmills, stairclimbers, ellipticals, aerobics classes, etc), and they may increase their exercise frequency, intensity and or duration if necessary, to accelerate fat loss

I believe that more people should stop taking their bodies for granted and start appreciating that those wheelchair-bound individuals I mentioned earlier would give anything to be able to run or ride a bike

It's tempting to keep looking for some kind of "no-sweat" secret, whether in the form of a special diet technique, a magic fat burning pill or whatever, but in the end, it always, comes back to this: You need a calorie deficit to lose weight... and it's better to burn more calories than to cut more calories. Exercise - including weight training and cardio training - should be a part of every weight management program and a part of your lifestyle. This is one of the ultimate secrets to fat loss and long term weight control:

Remember, don't starve the fat, "BURN THE FAT."

by Tom Venuto & http://www.burnthefat.com

Exercising vs. Dieting

Top 10 reasons why exercising ("burn"), not dieting ("starve"), is the superior method of losing body fat:

The most effective fat-burning programs in the world always contain two types of exercise - weight training and cardiovascular training. The reasons to include both could go on for pages, but here are the top 10:

1. Exercise increases your metabolism.
2. Exercise creates a caloric deficit without triggering starvation mode.
3. Exercise helps you sleep better and manage stress better.
4. Exercise (strength training) tells your body to keep the muscle. Dieting causes muscle loss.
5. Exercise increases bone density.
6. Exercise helps prevent diabetes, control blood sugar, and improve insulin sensitivity.
7. Exercise improves cardiovascular health.
8. Exercise improves mood, helps relieve depression and increases self esteem
9. Exercise increasese mobility and quality of life as you get older
10. Exercise helps you keep the weight off long term.

Thoughts from The THIN Commandments

"Water promotes weight loss. Most dieters do not drink enough water. To metabolize 1 gram of carbohydrate, for example, your body needs 3 grams of fluid. So drinking enough water can help keep your carbs from being stored as fat. [...] after two glasses of water, your system 'shifts into high gear and starts burning fat'. And German researchers found that people who consume two 240ml (8 fl. oz) glasses of water increased their rate of calorie burning by 30 er cent about 40 minutes later, and it stayed elevated for more than an hour. "

Exercise is very important to incorporate into your weight control regime. "But, exercise cannot compare to the exercise of good judgement with your food choices! [...] exercise gives you a crutial edge. That edge, however, might not be what people think it is. Exercises's greatest contributuin to a success at weight control - because it gives focus and structure. It encourages the right behaviors for dieters... not just the calorie burn."

Taken from The Thin Commandments by Dr Stephen Gullo.

P.S. In case you are curious about this book - you can read an excerpt at Amazon.com . I am very impressed with his advice, not just for losing weight but more importantly the strategies he offers for maintenance.

Focus on Positives not Negatives

Many of us have a tendency to look at our bad points, however once you start to accept yourself it will be easier to focus on the positive side more. To make it easier try writing a list of all the good things in what you've done or what you like about your physical self. Practice running these positives through your mind regularly, it may take time but its surprising what you can believe if it is said enough times - remember the past believe that you could look like the models if you obtain the right diet!

- if you don't reach a goal when you want, just focus on the fact that you will get there in time

- remember how far you've got not how far you need to go

- if you miss a workout one day don't worry just go back with more vigor to improve

- remind yourself that a worthwhile pay-off lies ahead in an improved you

- remember the exercise is improving your health and fitness and will help increase longevity

- remember exercise has many psychological benefits including renewed confidence and self esteem

- any type of action always drives motivation

Book Review

Among the many diet and weight loss books published each year, this is one that provides a realistic and effective program for changing your thinking about eating and dieting. Some of the book is about feelings, some of the book is about goal setting, some of the book is about self management and some of the book is about eating itself. While there are questions to write about, it is not just a book of self awareness exercises. The book explains a viewpoint that frees you from old habits of thinking related to food as well as your feelings about yourself. The process described helps you examine the deeper reasons it is hard to regulate yourself in any area of your life.

This book takes all the piece parts from all the diciplines-psychological, physical, and spiritual-and puts it together in a well organized program. Brooke doesn't just focus on diet, exercise, or emotional eating issues, but rather creates a integrated system, which can be applied to many life challenges. If you have finally come to realize that conquering a weight problem is not a simple or easy task, then this book will give you a concrete method to get your weight under control.

This program works. I know. If you use the tools you see a difference in all areas of your life. This has made a positive difference in many areas of my life. The work is hard, you will not regret "trying this on" If you ever wondered how everything in your life is connected to what you think and do this book will answer the questions in ways you never dreamed. This book is the cheapest way I know to access what you want and to know what it is you want. Do the work, your life will change for the better.

I have first hand experience with Brooke's program, having been her client for 4 months last year and having read the book. Brooke is more than a coach; she is an amazing, rockin', healing, intuitive wonder. She has her finger on the pulse of where its at with weight loss; where we have socially evolved to and if you do what she says, you will succeed, no ifs ands or buts. She will support you every step of the way. I was so pleased to read her book and see how she was able to really capture the program so precisely in the book. Its a wonderful tool, full of her bright energy and power, and it will serve its users well. The work is deep and simple and real. Brooke will take you to where you want to go! Good luck and blessings!

This book is available at Amazon.com

Blood Type O

Blood Type O is the oldest blood type in the world (evolved around 40,000 BC), and is traced back to CroMagnon man. People with Blood Type O have the hardiest digestive systems. They are the meat-eaters. Persons with Blood Type O need animal protein for good health, as well as vegetables and fruits. However, carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum, since the Blood Type O person cannot digest carbohydrates very well, especially wheat products containing gluten. This person will do well on a high animal protein, low carbohydrate diet; and, dairy products should be kept to a minimum. Persons with Blood Type O produce a lot of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs, and it is this great abundance of stomach acid that allows them to digest animal protein favorably. And, because their digestive systems already contain a lot of stomach acid, they should avoid drinking coffee, since coffee will cause them to produce even more stomach acid, and this tends to make them prone to peptic ulcers, especially if they are constantly under a great deal of stress. They should drink more green tea, instead of coffee. Persons with Blood Type O tend to have low thyroid and sluggish metabolisms; therefore, they should supply their diets with sea kelp and seafood to obtain natural iodine to stimulate their thyroids. The best exercises for these persons are the vigorous workouts like jogging, power walking, aerobics, weight training, etc. The harder they exercise, the better they will feel. Get the heart rate going, and sweat up a storm to burn calories, alleviate stress and eliminate depression!

Foods that encourage weight gain - Wheat gluten; corn; kidney beans; navy beans; lentils; cabbage; brussel sprouts; cauliflower; mustard greens; and, of course, sugar and white flour.

Foods that encourage weight loss - Sea kelp (iodine); Seafood: bluefish, cod, hake, halibut, herring, mackerel, pike, rainbow trout, red snapper, salmon, sardines, shad, snapper, sole, striped bass, sturgeon, swordfish, tilefish, white perch, whitefish, yellow perch, yellowtail; Red Meat: beef, buffalo, heart, lamb, liver, mutton, veal, venison; Vegetables: kale, spinach, broccoli.

Other foods to avoid

Meat: bacon; goose; ham; pork. Seafood: barracuda, catfish, caviar, conch, herring (pickled), lox (smoked salmon), octopus.
Cheeses & Dairy: American cheese, blue cheese, brie, buttermilk, Camembert, casein, cheddar cheese, colby, cottage cheese, cream cheese, edam, emmenthal, goat milk, gouda, gruyere, ice cream, Jarlsburg; kefir, Monterey Jack, munster, parmesan, provolone, Neufchatel, ricotta, skim or 2% milk, string cheese, Swiss cheese, whey, whole milk, yogurt, all varieties.
Oils: corn, cottonseed, peanut, safflower;
Nuts & Seeds: brazil nuts, cashew, litchi, peanuts, peanut butter, pistachios, poppy seeds.
Beans & Legumes: copper, kidney, navy, tamarind, lentils (domestic, green & red).
Cereals: cornflakes, cornmeal, cream of wheat, familia, farina, grape nuts, seven-grain, shredded wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ.
Grains & Pastas: bulgur wheat flour, couscous flour, durum wheat flour, gluten flour, graham flour, soba noodles, semolina pasta, spinach pasta, sprouted wheat flour, white flour, whole wheat flour.
Vegetables: avocado, cabbage (Chinese, red, white), cauliflower, white & yellow corn, eggplant, domestic & Shiitake mushrooms, mustard greens, olives (black, Greek, Spanish), potatoes (red & white), alfalfa sprouts, brussel sprouts;
Fruits: blackberries, coconuts, melon (cantaloupe & honeydew), oranges, plantains, rhubarb, strawberries, tangerines;
Juices: apple, apple cider, cabbage, orange.
Spices: capers, cinnamon, cornstarch, corn syrup, nutmeg, black & white pepper, vanilla, vinegar (apple cider, balsamic, red & white wine).
Condiments: ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles (kosher, dill, sweet & sweet pickle relish).
Herbal Teas: alfalfa, aloe, burdock, coltsfoot, corn silk, echinacea, gentian, goldenseal, red clover, rhubarb, Saint-John's Wort, senna, shepherd's purse, strawberry leaf, yellow dock.
Beverages: coffee (regular & decaf), distilled liquor, all sodas, black teas.

from Run The Planet

It's Not An Option (INO)

To use INO you have to define the rules of your new life. How often do you want to exercise? What are you trying to do with your diet? Once you have some kind of a plan, INO can help you follow it. Where you get your "rules" is up to you.

step 1: To start list the rules you eat by now. You might not think that you have any, but there are distinct patterns to the way you eat and the way you behave that are probably not working for you. e.g "I always have to have a snack at 3pm." "I never eat vegetables." Write out at least 15 statements that begin with the words " I always" or "I never". Bear in mind that different rules can emerge in different situations (at work, at leisure, in social activities, with friends, with family, and so on)

step 2: Tap your inner database for things that worked for you from previous diet programs - like knowing that R&B music makes exercise bearable for you, for example. Lisa suggests looking at 5 other weightloss programs that you've tried in the past and write at least three things about each that worked for you, and three things about each program that didn't work.

step 3: Take your 15 rules (things that work for you) and choose two diet related rules to tackle. Use your rules from step 1 to rewrite those rules. For instance, "I always have a piece of fruit or a small bag of pretzels at 3pm" Every time you chose these new rules over your old ones you are further reinforcing the new rules. Give yourself 6 weeks to get those two rules down, then add another. Allow yourself time to get comfortable living by these new rules and use INO to keep you honest.

step 4: In addition to the two diet related rules you need to come up with one exercise related rule. For instance, shoot for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week. Take baby steps especially if exercise is not something you like doing. The point is to start establishing exercise as a habit, to commit to some sort of a schedule and, with the help on INO, make it permanent.

No matter how tough it is, stick it out for six weeks. But bear these three things in mind using INO: 1. Is the rule I'm trying to follow realistic? 2. Am I sick? 3. Am I obsessed in any way? Don't set rules that risk your job, hurt friends, family or even yourself, or force you to shirk from responsibilities. Think of INO as encouraging words from a coach, not a judgmental command from a drill sergeant. It is meant to build you up, not tear you down. Respect every little bit of progress you make. You deserve it!

from "Secrets of a Former Fat Girl: How to Lose Two, Four (or More!) Dress Sizes--And Find Yourself Along the Way " by Lisa Delaney. Also see: http://www.formerfatgirl.com/

Starting Afresh

Melodie, an amazing lady on one forum I'm active on, had an interesting post this morning which got me thinking. Like me, she is heading into her 4th week on Kimkins and she is "dreading the week that will inevitably appear with no progress." She has challenged us all to start afresh with Kimkins, pretend that we are newbies again all full of excitement and sticking tightly to the rules.

She wrote, "On Monday (best day of the week to start new things) I'm going to pretend that I've just heard of Kimkins. I'm going to reread some of the success stories as if I've just read them for the first time. I'm going to go to the grocery store as if I'm preparing for this new diet. I'm going to forget that I've lost nearly 10 lbs. and think about my new weight as if it is my starting weight. I'm going to follow the rules in the same way I did the first week, and I'm going to try to forget the little things I've done off program that so far I've been able to get away with. I'm going to repeat the exact behavior that got me my first 5 lbs, and I'm going to fill myself up with hope once again. So Short Girls if you're stuggling, and even if you're not, make this Monday a whole new beginning with a renewed mindset about what you can do."

What a wonderful idea! I agree with the feelings of slacking that have started to set in especially this past week. I did a quick refresher with the Kimkins Diet Food List.

My thoughts:

Keep It Lean & Mean on Plan (KLMOP)
Eggs - limit yolks
Chicken & Turkey - white meat only, eat this more often
Fish - eat this more often
Beef, Lamb, Pork - special occasions only
Ham, Canadian Bacon, Bacon, Sausages etc - special occasions only 'cos these all contain beef & pork

Vegetables
I'm not a vegetable eater, but if I do eat some I think I'm more likely to eat broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, pepper & tomato rather than the rabbit food list (1) so I will have these sparingly, like every second day or as garnishes.

Extras
Low carb protein shakes - I will limit to one per day
Part skim string cheese (limit 1 per day) - I do not like string cheese. I will add Light Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese Bites (1 serving = 5 pieces 35 calories, 2g fat, 1g carb, 3g protein) or use a little grated parmesan cheese (1T has 21 calories, 1g fat, 0g carb, 2g protein) if needed to perk up eggs
Dannon Carb & Sugar Control yogurt (3 carb brand, limit 1 per day) & Sugar free gelatin (limit 4 oz per day, no whipped topping) & Homemade or purchased sugar free popsicle - since I really could care less about these things (right now) I will save these for extra special occasions.


Also - here's a thought on the Daily weighing issue. Firstly I think we are all agreed that food needs to be weighed. According to a Duke University pro quoted in WW magazine 7/10/2007 issue - "We've found that when you stop weighing yourself, it's an early indicator that you're starting to slip." So maybe daily or regular weighing oneself is good - if it keeps us on track! As long as we accept that our weight might fluctuate by a few pounds every so often. If all of a sudden the scales just up more than 3 lbs - then that should set off the alarm bells. I'm still against weighing more than once each day. But if you really have to do it more often, don't beat yourself up over the fluctuations. I'm sure the scale finds it all very amusing, and probably jumps up a pound or two just to see your reaction!

Exercise - I am thinking that I need to do something NOW so that I can start firming up the lose skin. I think I've read somewhere that every cell in my body replaces itself in three months. That means skin cells too. So in my opinion, I should not get stretched loose skin if I firm up my muscles while I am losing fat.


Focus + Planning = Control --> SUCCESS
Weight control is not about willpower.
It is the decision and commitment to manage calories and carbohydrates.
It can be as simple as mind over matter.
Just do it, for life, and enjoy health, happiness and THIN!

Why does being overweight make us wait?

Something that I've been meaning to do for years, but used my weight as an excuse not to do anything at all, is to get certified as a personal trainer. OK yes I'm sure you see my reasoning why. I mean who'd go to a personal trainer who was 100 lbs overwight. Indeed! But I have the books and everything. I am just sitting here making excuses. It's not that I'm not interested. I'm capable of studying. I can find the time if I really try, and I know I'll benefit from what I learn myself ... but ...

Ultimately my dream is to specialize in exercise for special needs teenagers/children because there is nothing for these children to do when they reach this age. They are taught to eat convience foods rather than how to prepare a nutritious meal. And there is little emphasis on getting exercise. I have really been thinking about this more and more this past week. I need to get motivated. And stop making excuses.

Are we all the same, putting off things "until the weight drops off" or "until I look better in a bikini"??? - what are we putting off, and why? I know this post is sounding very Carrie Bradshaw, but "Why does being overweight make us wait?"

Another 1/2 pound closer to my Mini Goal

I was very surprised to see another 1/2 pound drop on the scales this morning. Taking my total to 17 lbs lost at the start of day# 12 (today). I was feeling a little munchy right before bed last night (wanna bet if that's not TOM about to start!?!) so I nibbled on a cold cooked hamburger patty and drank 2 large glasses of water. I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if I'd gained a little or stayed the same. So there I was naked, doing a happy dance in my bathroom - OK so NOT a good image right now ! LOL

I know I'd be extremely happy if I could lose 1/2 pound each and every day. But obviously 1 pound per day would be nicer. I am kind of thinking that by doing Kimkins I am getting a little spoilt. I mean there are other weightloss programs out there where people get excited to lose 1/2 pound per week. And that's with a huge amount of exercise.

Just in case you are wondering, I am not currently "exercising" - at least not in a formal way. But I am running around daily after my two special needs children, as well as spring cleaning my house because of impending visitors. I have decided that I am going to lose more weight (maybe down to 140-150), then incorporate a little cardio (kickboxing) and lots of muscle building weight lifting (follow a Joyce Vedral program - I like her, she's a shorty like me) into my daily routine. I am hoping I'll avoid too much lose saggy baggy elephant skin, especially around the bits that will show when I wear a bikini next summer!

Bring It On!