Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Coping with Criticism

By Beth Sumrell Ehrensberger, R.D., M.P.H.

When you're trying to lose weight, it seems like everything you do—from what you eat to how you work out—is the subject of scrutiny. And, of course, everyone has an opinion—your mother, your partner and even the supermarket clerk scanning your groceries. Your best defense against those inquiring minds and their inevitable criticism? Apply a positive spin on any uninvited comments. Read on to find out how to keep your cool.

The Criticism: "How's this diet any different from all the others you've failed on before?"
The Comeback: Even if you have been on countless diets, you know you're truly committed to achieving your best self through a healthier lifestyle. So take a deep breath, then think of how you'll use that doubting detractor to motivate you. In some circumstances, extending an invitation to help you succeed can be a good way to turn a critic into a cheerleader.

The Criticism: "I've never heard of a diet that allows chocolate. It seems like a fad to me."
The Comeback: Often times, the person making a comment like this isn't looking to be critical—they're just curious, especially if you've been able to slim down. If you think you can reason with them, explain why a diet that's practical and filled with portion-controlled amounts of all foods is healthy. But if you have a challenger on your hands, simply say, "I know, isn't it wonderful? I've lost weight and I feel great!"

The Criticism: "You're no fun anymore—I liked it better when we could split dessert."
The Comeback: The ultimate goal is to spend time together and have fun, so think of some non-food related activities that you and your companion would enjoy. Strike out and try something you've never done before, like dance lessons or an art class.

Give Thanks!

Ladies!

I do pray this post meets you in the midst of a delicately peaceful day!

I do apologize for my hiatus! God has truly kept me busy the last couple of weeks! I have “revived” W.H.E.W and let me tell you… our bible study on Friday night was AMAZING! We read about the Proverbs 31st woman, and God was indeed present in that place!

It is so important for us to get in tune with our spiritual selves. I know we spend a lot of time focused on the outside, but in order to have consistent outward strength, one must have a solid spiritual foundation!

God has blessed me so in the last couple of weeks. I could go on an on, but I won’t.

CRay’s Tip of the Day…
Give Thanks! We are all on the same journey to attain mental and physical euphoria, but it is important that we are grateful during that journey. Grateful to whom? I’m glad you asked… first and foremost God. It is with Him that you have gained enough strength to begin and endure the journey (regardless of what phase of it you are in). Second, a big thanks to anyone who has helped you on the way. Whether it was healthy eating and work out tips or a bit of encouragement when you needed it, it is important to show your support team how much you appreciate them.

Don’t take for granted a second of this journey of enlightenment. Each step you take propels you further into your destiny. You should spend each moment you can thanking all the factors that are making your descent easier!

I challenge each of you to take a moment and send a thank you note (email) to all of those that have aided you in some way along your journey. They will appreciate it greatly and it will lighten your heart!

In Peace and Struggle.
CRay

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

What is Making You Fat?

The bulk of the American population is overweight or obese—at last count, more than 66 percent of us fall into this category. And although a good majority of them are trying to peel off those extra pounds, many are making mistakes that can not only stall their weight-loss efforts, but can actually lead to weight gain. If you're trying to slim down, be sure you avoid these common traps:

You blame your weight problem on your love of food.
The fix: Emotions, such as stress, boredom, grief and even happiness, are often the cause of overeating. So if you want to lose weight, you not only have to pay attention to portions and calories, you also have to examine the major voids in your life—whether it's an unfulfilling job or a troubled relationship—that drive you to overeat.

You steer clear of fats.
The fix: Low-fat diets were all the rage years back, but we now know that small amounts of the right kinds of fat are actually good for your health and your weight-loss efforts. Unsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts and olive and canola oil, have been shown to lower cholesterol, help you feel satisfied, and may prevent overeating.

You avoid exercise because you don’t want to bulk up.
The fix: When you start to work out or increase your activity, the body tends to hold onto water, which can make it seem like you've gained a few pounds. But this water weight actually helps fuel your metabolism and allows your muscles to function properly. The erratic fluctuations in weight can be frustrating, so avoid the scale for at least the first month of a weight-loss plan.

You stop snacking.
The fix:
Many people confuse "snack" with "treat." A treat is a small splurge that helps you avoid feelings of deprivation, whereas a snack is a nutritious bite that keeps your hunger in check between meals. Ideally, snacks should be about 200 calories and offer a mix of lean protein and good carbs as well as a little healthy fat. Start with a snack a day (two if you're very active) to see if that helps manage your appetite.


The was in Bob Green's Newsletter. Great food for thought!

God's Love,
CRay

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Amazing Quick Lunch Suggestions...

Eat Right!
Discover Quick Lunch Ideas

By. Denise Austin


When you're on the go during the day, you can still have a healthy lunch! Here are some quick (and tasty!) options for brown bag and store-bought lunches. And if you don't have time to make a complete lunch at home, bring some of the ingredients with you and purchase the rest during the day. It's simple!

Here are five lunches to bring from home, and five to buy, if you're on the go:

Bring:

Leftover soup, hummus, and cut-up veggies
Cooked chicken breast on whole-grain bread, and low-fat cottage cheese
Hard-boiled eggs, and berries or other fruit
Peanut butter and jelly on whole-grain bread, cheese slices, and grapes
Lean turkey wrap, a few tortilla chips, and salsa

Buy:

Side salad with balsamic dressing and soy chips
Miso or vegetable soup and a whole fruit
Grilled chicken salad and a 100-calorie snack pack
Small tuna salad on greens or spinach, and fruit-flavored yogurt
Sashimi or sushi and fruit salad
Keep this lunch list nearby so you always have some healthful, on-the-fly ideas!


I just had to share these lunch ideas with each of you.

Be Blessed.
CRay

Monday, March 16, 2009

Wellness for ALL!

Ladies!

Greetings! May this day be filled with God’s Love and Prosperity!

I must say… life is getting back to normal for me. I dropped the initial pounds I gained during my fast and I feel great! I am beginning to eat regularly again (I needed to take a break from the meal plan after 6 months). I am going to jump back on it in a couple of weeks. As for now, I am just eating the proper foods and working out.

I feel good in my clothes and I can feel my body reaping the rewards of my goodness to it! God is MARVELOUS!

How is everyone coming along in their process to shed the pounds? I would like to hear from you… comment to this post, or email me directly at
awhewthing@yahoo.com.

I spent the weekend working and hanging out with my son. While doing this, I came to the realization, that I have been spending too much time simply worried about me. Life is all about balance ladies! Make sure that you are still dedicating time to your family, but most importantly, you are not neglecting yourself.

The wellness journey that you are on includes the ENTIRE family. You shouldn’t be the only one working out and eating right. Encourage the rest of you family to do the same. You can do this by creating fun (healthy) dishes that the whole family will enjoy. If they have and issue with eating healthy, don’t enlighten them on the ingredients, until after they have enjoyed the meal. You can also plan a fun outing that will get each family member moving! Bowling, laser tag, camping, or simply a day at the park will do.

Let’s not for get the importance of being spiritually grounded… take the whole family to church (get the children involved in activities that compliment their developmental stage). Aid your family in understanding the purpose of prayer and the ideal that there is a being greater than us all.

For those reading this post that are not Christians... get your family in touch with your particular spiritual belief. It is not my task to persuade non-Christians on my beliefs; I am here to encourage each of you to get spiritually grounded. Our lives here on earth are short and it is extremely important that we spend our days here, being the best humans possible, and this goal can and will not be achieved if we don’t recognize our Creator.

I don’t have any particular “tip of the day”, but what I will say, is … START LIVING TODAY!

We are not promised tomorrow, so it would be a HUGE shame to waste today!

In Peace and Struggle.
CRay

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Step away from the Scale!

Good Morning Ladies!!!!!!!!

I do pray that all of you are having a MARVELOUS day!

Once again I would like to congratulate JP on reaching her goal weight. This dear little Lady Bug has lost a total of 34 pounds since last year! This is truly AWESOME. Her next plan of action is to get toned up! Get it Girl!

As for little ‘ole me, I have plateau”ed” at 140. I am just getting off of my cycle and I did get off of the meal plan slightly. I put on a bit of muscle as well. Nevertheless, I am sticking to my “guns” and I am going to shed the last 10 pounds. I can do this…

I have recently learned the importance of loving where you are while consistently seeking to do better. I am in love with my 140 size 7 body. It is awesome! Would I like to be 130 and a size 5? Sure, but I am basking in the moment and adoring who I am. I am taking my life one day at a time and positive results are going to be inevitable.

I completely know my problem. I am a snacker and I love sweets. I will get anything sweet and munch on it. I attempt to have healthy (sweet) snacks, like yogurt covered pretzels, rice cakes or trail mix. The issue is I go overboard, eating 3 or 4 servings at one setting. I have also noticed that I do not get as full as I use to. I think my body is still in fast mode attempting to devour everything before I can’t eat again (I am cutting my eating off at 8pm nowadays).

This is all a learning process for me, but I am staying encourage because I know that God is about to do a mighty work in my life!

CRay’s Tip of the Day…
Get off of the Scale! During your weight loss journey, stop relying on the scale for validation (believe me, I am taking my own advice). During the weight loss process (especially if you are lifting weights) while you are indeed burning fat, you are also building muscle. It is a complete lie that muscle weighs more than fat! A pound of muscle is a pound of muscle and a pound of fat is a pound of fat. The different is mass. Muscle takes up less mass than fat. The two are equivalent to jam and jelly!

I challenge each of you to get your “dream” pair of jeans (in your dream size) and try them on once every other week. You will notice the difference (normally it is in inches) and it makes much more sense then relying on a silly old number!

In Peace and Struggle.
CRay

Monday, March 9, 2009

JP's Panty Vigil!

My dear JP sent me this to be posted... check it out!


I'm having a vigil....that's right..a PANTY vigil...Goodbye big girl draws (drawers)..Hasta Luego...juicy booty briefs...hello old friend...Sisqo..is that u?? I missed my 'thong-th-thong...thong..thongs and teeny-weeny bikini's. Today...as I did laundry...I came to grips..that the big girl panties had to go...yes they are comfortable..Yes..they are a little bit baggy...but IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE.

I have a little confession...I ought to have stock in Victoria's Secret...back in my skinny days...ALL I bought was Vickie's...matching EVERYTHING..and goo-gabs of it. Then...as time progressed....all of the smalls were placed in an oversized bag...to be stashed in the back of my closet..as I would probably never see these again...
The same thing happened with the mediums....Hello old friend....the mediums are back..we had a party today..Yay!!! If I get to crack open the 'small' bag....somebody slap me...BEFORE my ego goes through the roof!!! I'M SORRY..DID U SAY SOMETHING!?


~JP~











This is JP in March of '08 (on the right)












Here is JP this March '09 (in the yellow shirt)- 34 pounds lighter!



God is AWESOME!


Please feel free to share your good news with us as well!


CRay

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Are you Well?

Ladies!

I do hope that this message reaches each of you in the midst of a blessed day!

This week has been AMAZING so far for me! I must admit, I am getting back into the groove of eating regularly and working out vigorously. I haven’t weighed myself in nearly a week! That is amazing for me… I weigh myself at least once a day. I am starting to focus more on my wellness and less on a number on the scale.

I have begun to educate myself more on healthy nutrition. With this, I came upon an AWESOME site, www.calorieking.com this site allows you to know the calorie content in all foods! You just type in the name of the food in the search box, and BAM, there it is! I have tried not to become a meticulous calorie counter, but this site does help.

I have also started to keep a food, workout and thought journal. It has really aided me in attaining my fitness and wellness goals. When I write down a goal or expectation of myself, I am more likely to achieve it. Truly amazing! I hold myself more accountable for eating better, drinking more water and getting more sleep (at least 9 hours). This last week has really helped because I am beginning to achieve all of the things that I have sought so hard to accomplish.

I am worried less about my future, I am making the most of RIGHT NOW!

Are you?

Glory Be to GOD! Hallelujah!

CRay’s Tip of the Day…
Focus on your OVERALL Wellness! I have noticed recently that I spend so much time worried bout weight; I had lost focus on my overall wellness. Wellness is the act of being healthy in body and mind, which ultimately prevents illness and aids in achieving a more fulfilling and joyful life!

Wellness includes everything from eating right, to taking your vitamins, to meditating, to exercising to drinking more water to being kind to people to giving of your time and so on.

What I want each of you to understand, is this journey is not only about looking good, it is about enjoying your life right were you are and living every day to the fullest while ensuring you are in the best health possible in mind, body and spirit!

Be well ya’ll!

In Peace and Struggle.
CRay

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Get your Zen On!

Before I head out to Yoga this evening, I just want to let each of you know how important it is to get your ZEN on!

Each of us must take time and honor ourselves with relaxation and focus. Yoga is the perfect way to do this. Yoga accomplishes many things at once. First and foremost it enables you to relax your mind and secondly if enables you to strengthen your body! Yoga is perfect after a long day at the office, or with the kiddos. Take an hour to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Contrary to popular belief, all yoga instructors do not carry the religion part into the practice. I am a devout Christian and I enjoy the class just as much as a Buddhist would. Yoga is simply based on techniques that aid in synching the mind and body. We all could benefit from this.

I challenge each of you to try this relaxation technique. Your body (and soul) will thank you!

In Peace and Struggle.
CRay

Monday, March 2, 2009

Don't Give Up!

Ladies!

I hope this day meets you in the midst of peace, bliss and tranquility!

Before I start, I would like to congratulate JP on her weight loss. She is sitting at a comfortable 134 (10 pound loss since September) and in the wonderful size of 6! Get it girl!

I do apologize for not posting in a week. Last week was the final week of my fast! God is good. The fast definitely got me grounded spiritually. I must admit, I did get a tad relaxed physically. My workouts were not as intense (I was fatigued from not eating all day) and after 6pm I consumed double the amount of calories that I would have in a typical day. I am saying all this to say… I have gained 5 pounds. Yes ladies… I am the one in need of encouragement!

I have begun the meal plan again along with a journal of my exercise, food intake and random thoughts. I know that the weight will again fly off, it’s just a tad discouraging right now. As most of you know, I weigh myself everyday. It’s sad but true! I have committed to only weighing myself once this week (Saturday). Hopefully I can shed at least a couple of pounds by then. I have also started back with my yoga classes (which went straight out of the window when my fast began, because the classes were during my “feeding” time). These old but new peps in my step should lead me back down the path of weight loss.

I know most of you are thinking… “it’s only 5 pounds, get over it”. I will not! First it’s “just” 5 pounds, next thing you know its 25… I can’t and won’t risk it! Not to mention, I need my body in tip top shape to compete this summer!

CRay’s Tip of the Day…
Never Give Up! I know (please believe me) that it is hard at times to stay consistent with eating right and working out. Know that the only important factors in that are consistency and never giving up. As the song states “we fall down, but we get up”, Donnie McKlurkin could not have stated it better.

Life will knock us down some times, but it is important that we get back up and truly strive for the greatness that He has predestined in our lives. So what your eating has been horrible for two weeks… today is a new day! Haven’t worked out in a month? Today is a new day. It is never too late to start over and get it right.

Make a commitment today to accomplish your goals and hold yourself to it on a daily basis. Instead of worrying everyday about those twenty pounds that you want to lose, make a list of daily steps that will aid you in losing those pounds and hold yourself accountable to those individual steps… did you drink those 8 glasses of water you promised yourself, did you take that kickboxing class that you promised yourself, did you resist the beef and settle for grilled fish instead? That is were it starts… change your mindset and you can and will accomplish your goals!

In Peace and Struggle.
CRay