Are you fighting a cold? Feeling a bit under the weather? Wait, I don’t mean a physical cold.
I’m wondering if you might have an emotional cold.
With this type of cold, you will probably struggle with feeling a little moody, discouraged and slightly depressed. [Read more…]
In my book, 100 Days of Weight Loss, the lesson for Day 1 says, “Your past does not affect your future.”
When you get discouraged and assume your intentions will fail, remind yourself of this great promise. [Read more…]
Think back to times when you’ve been the most successful with weight loss.
If you had a plan or system that worked before, it will most likely work again. [Read more…]
On January 2nd, you started your weight-loss plan. At first, things went great, and maybe you are still doing well.
But just in case you’re having a hard time, I’m sharing a few ideas to help you get back on track. [Read more…]
Set a goal of doing extreme self-care every day between now and the first of January.
Seek ways to feel calm, peaceful and even nurtured during this challenging season.
Sip a cup of tea while sitting in your formal dining room or in a cozy chair by the fireplace.
Listen to quiet jazz or classical music to soothe your spirit.
Take deep breaths, write in your journal, enjoy a warm bath with a candle nearby. Even a battery-operated candle can help nurture your spirit.
Self-care is up to you, not those around you. So each day, do something that demonstrates extreme self-care. You’ll be glad you did!
Instead of getting hooked by holiday foods, focus on the people around you.
Work on connecting by asking questions and listening to their stories. Show caring and love without judgement or criticism.
To add to your ability to connect, pay special attention to eye colors. To do this, you’ll need to make a extra effort to look into people’s eyes.
They will be amazed at how present you are in the conversations.
Once you start eating small foods such as chips, M&M’s® and nuts, it’s so easy to keep reaching for a few more.
To fix this, use a fork or spoon to eat anything that’s a “hand-held food.”
You’ll still get to appreciate the tastes but you’ll eat a lot less than if you keep grabbing a handful of those foods.
If you don’t drink alcohol, you can skip this tip.
But remember, alcohol adds calories as well as making you not care about how much you eat.
To manage parties or family gatherings, drink a large glass of water before you start sipping on a glass of wine, beer or other alcoholic beverage.
Sometimes, you’re actually thirsty and the water helps you slow down and make your drink last a lot longer.
You might also plan to drink a glass of water before reaching for a second drink or a refill on your wine.
You don’t have to do it all.
Look for ways to cut out some of the usual rituals or activities that wear you out.
Make two types of cookies instead of ten.
Buy fewer gifts, and explain that you are working on having a simpler, more meaningful holiday season.
Evaluate every invitation to see if it’s important or not. Sometimes, you can skip a lunch or other gathering and not really miss much.
Be selective about which concerts or programs to attend. At our home, we try to never do two big evening events in a row. It really helps us not get so exhausted and we appreciate the ones we go to a lot more.
A few weeks ago, I made brownies for a women’s meeting. I carefully cut off the edges along the side of the pan, then cut the brownies into small squares.
But while I was doing this, I ate one of the edge pieces, then another, and a few more. [Read more…]