Have you been avoiding having your photo taken?

Have you been avoiding having your photo taken?

We may not have to worry about the paparazzi photographing us before we are ready, but we may have gotten into the habit of avoiding photos or situations if we don't feel we look our best.

Instead sometimes we might even have "frenemies" who deliberately take a bad photo of us to try to show us up or put us down.  Whether it was meant to be a bad shot or not it can be a blessing in disguise if it becomes our "wake up call" to finally take action and begin to change to a healthier life.

So a "bad" photo can contribute to us seeing the need for new eating habits and more exercise so we start to look and feel better.  Doing it for yourself is the most important motivation regardless of what others think.

Cheers

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

See my first 10 posts for how I lost weight gradually and safely.

Begin exercise slowly

Don't start too fast like Olly on his obstacle course

Begin any exercise slowly and learn to pace yourself, especially if you are not used to that activity or any activity at all.  It will mean you are much more likely to enjoy it and keep it up on a regular basis so it will make a difference to your health.  Too many people get carried away like Olly and throw themselves into an activity, only to get hurt, disorientated or give up.

Consult a doctor before starting any new exercise routine if any of the following apply to you -

• you have a medical condition
• are having any pain
• never exercised before
• are over 45

You can always increase the amount of time, effort and speed you do any exercises once you get used to it.  It's important to make a start and find activities that work for you.

Olly looked very hardy and enjoyed his time on and off the obstacle course from what I saw.

We don't have to do things perfectly, but we should try get into the routine of doing some activity each day for health, fitness, fun and general well being.

Cheers

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Food Craving Control tips and twirl a squirrel champ

Food Craving Control Tips - avoid the above

1.  Stop for a moment.

2.  Get away from the food. (take several deep breaths)

3.  Do something else now:

• go for a walk
• call someone (or text)
• listen to music
• meditate
• surf the net
• read
• write
• laugh (watch a show or video as above)
• dance
• take a shower
• go for a drive
• do a crossword
• play a game (not as above)
• draw
• think of goal reminders
• play or read affirmations

In about 15 minutes the craving will be long gone and you will have saved yourself from making an unhealthy choice.  You will be closer to your goal.  Of course you can add your own ideas to the above list.

Cheers

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Lighten up and lose some weight

Lighten Up and lose some weight for mind, body and soul

There are so many benefits to letting go of excess weight.  Here are just a few to think about -

Benefits for your mind

• no more guilt over food
• no more focusing on your weight
• not worrying what people think
• more confidence

Benefits for your body

• feeling lighter physically
• able to do more of the things you enjoy
• more energy to burn
• healthier and less strain on your joints

Benefits for your soul

• freedom to be yourself
• focusing on your purpose
• putting energy into what matters
• letting go of other clutter in your life

You can make your own list.  Whatever inspires you to see that you are worth it.  Whatever motivates you.  It could be playing a sport or playing with your kids.  Just making a start to eat healthier, move more and have more energy.  Doing more actually gives you more energy once you get going.

Check out my first 10 posts to see how I did it.

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

What upcoming event will motivate you to lose weight?

What upcoming event will motivate you to lose weight?

Here are a few events people sometimes find are a reason to get the weight off -

• school reunions
• family reunions
• celebrations
• looking for work
• looking for a partner
• weddings

Once I read how women's weight can go up and down during the events in her lifetime -

• during courting average loss 2kg
• in a relationship gains 4.5kg
• for wedding loses 3.6kg
• having kids gains 6.5kg
• after kids loses 4.7kg

It is good to have something to motivate you to make healthier choices and lose some weight if you need to.  However it was better for me to do it at my own pace for health reasons without the added stress of one particular event coming up.  By the way I did go to a couple of reunions which is always interesting to say the least.

Was there an event coming up that motivated you to lose weight? 

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Counting calories, fat and sugar help

Counting calories, fat and sugar

It is important to have at least a reasonable idea of the calories, fat and sugar content of food.  You don't need to count every calorie which would be both tedious and boring.  However educating yourself will help you to make healthier choices and keep your weight under control.

For example I found out that an average muffin is about as fattening as have a piece of cake.

Having no more than 30 grams of fat per day or in any food is ideal.

Some of the ways you can find out the most important contents of food as far as weight management and nutritional value are -

• Having a small reference book like the long standing one above by Allan Borushek
• Checking the food label contents per 100g on packaged food you buy
• Googling the food item for a breakdown of the contents
• Checking menus and restaurant websites

The more you know the easier it will be to make an informed decision.  Remember to watch for the hidden calories in flavoured drinks.

Good luck

Any queries let me know.

Barb

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Dealing with opposition to weight loss

Dealing with opposition to weight loss

There are many ways you will be confronted with opposition on your weight loss journey.  I was surprised and a bit confused when I first saw this sign outside a café and then on the internet.  It does get your attention using humour to try to get you to their way of thinking so you'll spend more.

However you look at it people will try to play on your fears or tempt you in to do what they want.  The problem is you want to lose weight and be healthier so this doesn't fit in with your goals.

Some of the people and things you will have to learn to deal with include -

• Friends
• Family
• Co-workers
• Groups
• Parties
• Lunches
• Dinners
• Advertising
• Shopping
• Yourself

Ways to put opposition to you changing to healthier habits in it's place include -

• putting yourself first
• planning ahead
• having alternatives
• choosing the healthiest option
• eating beforehand
• being honest about your goals
• saying you have to for health reasons
• saying you have had enough for now
• politely declining their offer
• choosing a different café or restaurant
• making your own choices
• avoiding trigger foods and situations
• resting if you are feeling tired or stressed
• focus on enjoying other things besides food
• keeping away from the food table
• reminding yourself of your goals

It takes a bit of practise but it is surely worth it to be firm with yourself and others and stay focused on getting in shape and healthy.  The alternative is more guilt, self loathing or ill health.  So learn to have your "treats" if and when you choose to at special times now and then.  Don't please others too often at your own expense.

Cheers

Barb

p.s.  If the people around you won't accept the new you and continue to try to undermine you, you may have to see less of them or get rid of them from your life.  Also it's better to be a good example when you can, rather than try to convert others who may not be ready yet.

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS