Healthy Weight

Surviving the Holidays – Eating Well

November 25, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

While the holidays offer the comforts of home and hearth there is also the opportunity to overindulge.

It is possible to survive and enjoy holiday celebrations without calling out the food police if you follow a few tips:

Plan ahead

Plan activities where food isn’t the primary focus.
Before attending a party have a snack to take the edge off hunger.
Offer to bring a healthy dish to pass.
Commit to balanced meals, adequate fluids, plenty of rest and regular exercise.

Take care of yourself

Don’t skip meals especially breakfast.Keep your regular exercise schedule.
Plan some quiet time into your day to mediate, journal or relax.
Set realistic goals. Delegate what you can or eliminate activities

Stay aware

Station yourself away from the buffet table so you make a conscious choice to eat.
Watch your alcohol intake for the sake of calories and commitment.
Pace yourself. Save your indulgences for one or two favorites.
Acknowledge stress and handle it in healthy ways.

Enjoy the holidays doing the things that matter most to you and savor a few treats as well as the company of family and friends. You will thrive not just survive.

Fitness From Within

August 16, 2008 by clutterbusting 2 Comments

Living life fully helps you realize that there is more to life than your weight, the number on the scale, your fitness level or your pant size.

Sometimes we focus on the outside stuff so much that we forget that we have to love ourselves enough to do what is best for us. Focusing inward on our beliefs, thought patterns and habits can be a catalyst for change. Learning self-acceptance is one of the first steps in self-care. Knowing and accepting that you are wonderful just because you are you can be the first step in clearing road blocks to a healthier and fit you. [Read more…] about Fitness From Within

Keep It Simple

August 9, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

I have written several posts about goal setting and developing action plans. I keep addressing the topic, because I know that “walking the talk” is tough…especially when we make everything else a priority over ourselves.

That is why I love the book “Simple Steps – 10 Weeks to Getting Control of Your Life” (New American Library 2003) by Lisa Lelas, Linda McClintock, and Beverly Zingarella. This book walks you through 40 steps developed by the trio of ladies that get implemented (compounded) over 10 weeks.

When I review this book it reminds me to keep my action plans simple so I don’t get overwhelmed. I have also worked with focusing my goals on the four areas that they suggest: health, weight, home and spirit. Broken down into achievable steps, you can’t help but be successful.

So what step can you take this week addressing health, weight, home or spirit? Don’t get overwhelmed…just do it!

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~Chinese Proverb

The Link Between Clutter and Weight Continued

April 26, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

Continuing with the theme of excess weight or body clutter… I recently read the book Body Clutter: love your body, love yourself (Fireside 2005) by authors Marla Cilley and Leanne Ely.

Are you cluttering your body with food? Many times we use food to comfort us instead of dealing with the pain or emotion we are experiencing.

All of us have foods that trigger some type of past experience for us. What food can’t you get enough of?

Emotional Food Choices

April 24, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

I keep coming back to the food and clutter connection…

One of the connections that I think is important is the emotional link to what, how and when you eat. Are you eating because you are hungry? Or are you eating because you are tired, sad, bored, stressed or happy? Try focusing on eating only when you feel hungry. A food journal can help you identify if you are eating because of emotional triggers or because of hunger. Keep a food journal for at least three days. Then review it for emotional triggers. You may be surprised at what you learn.