Well I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and enjoyed the family gatherings – because often there are more than one. We all tend to be like grazing animals and we are continuously eating and drinking during this period. With this in mind, I thought I would just give you a few suggestions , if you feel you should shift those extra pounds.
Most of us are either eating for weight loss or to maintain good health. Often we do not find weight loss easy but you must remember it is the long term dietary changes and exercise that will help. Here are a few tips that when combined with your exercise program are sure to get you results.
* Eat three meals a day. Do not skip a meal and think you will lose the weight. Regular meals and healthy snacks help boost your metabolism and this will help with your weight loss.
* Reduce your total fats – particularly saturated fats. Food that are lower in saturated fats are generally lower in calories. See if you can cut out or limit any fried foods. Forget cakes and cookies. Buy lean cuts of meat and insure you do not eat the skin off the chicken.
* Choose your snacks wisely. If you are a person who enjoys a snack, have a piece of fruit, a low fat yoghurt or some crackers topped with a low fat topping.
* Eat plenty of vegetables – 5 per day. Vegetables are low in calories and are filling. Try steaming them – be sure not to fry them. You could make a stir fry or you may prefer a salad.
* Choose foods that have a low GI – these foods are more filling and will help with your weight loss. Low GI foods include oats, multigrain bread, most fruits, low fat milk and yoghurt and legumes. Try to include one serve of a low GI food in each meal.
* Regular exercise is essential to help lose weight. For weight loss to occur, you must burn more calories than you eat.
I hope these tips will help you and keep you on track and allow you to maintain good health.
Well what Santa’s list did you get put on – is it the naughty list or the nice list? I hope you all made the nice list. But Christmas is all about sharing with friends and family.
Why can’t we do this all year round – why do we only sometimes get with friends and family at this particular time of year? Some people send cards to everyone on their Christmas card list but make no contact with these people throughout the year. This seems strange but true. In the coming year of 2010, can we change some of this behavior and contact friends and family more?
A simple phone call to your loved ones is sometimes more precious than any gift you could buy. In 2010, spend time doing one small random act of kindness every day for anyone. You will find that you will get a benefit too – a positive and uplifting feeling. By giving you are also receiving. It is the beautiful act of helping people, when they least expect it, that can give you that special feeling. Both parties experience the joy and imagine if everyone did this – how positive we could make the world. We could start a movement and change the way that some people act and think. Positive acts produce positive thoughts and reduce our stress and tension levels. Give it some thought.
Well, as I said, it is nearly Christmas, hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy holiday. Enjoy, and I hope 2010 is all that you want it to be.
Today was a day to pamper myself and I went to have a Shiatsu. In case you do not know – let me tell you what Shiatsu is.
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage using the meridian system of the body. Shiatsu when translated into English is Shi – finger and atsu means pressure. It is a traditional hands on massage yet the therapist may also use thumbs, elbows,forearms, knees and feet.
The session usually begins with the practitioner ascertaining a diagnosis. This can be done through pulses, examining the tongue, facial examination and obtaining a hara diagnosis.The hara is the stomach area.
The aim of the practitioner is to re-balance the flow of Ki along the meridians. The practitioner feels along the meridian and either tonifies or sedates the Ki as necessary. If the Ki is excessive – it is known as Jitsu and if it is deficient it is Kyo.
Throughout the treatment the practitioner will use pressure, rubbing and stretching techniques. These techniques are applied firmly and deeply to obtain the results required. Shiatsu helps relieve stress and it can also be used to help with back pain, headaches, stiff necks,stiff joins and reduced mobility.
During the session, the client remains fully clothed and usually lies on a futon on the floor. This is the traditional way but this treatment has been modified in the west and sometimes it is more like a massage carried out using a massage table.
The treatment usually last one hour but there are tremendous health benefits in having regular treatments. I try for one every four to five weeks.
Why don’t you see if you can find a practitioner in your area and let me know what you think?
Traditionally, the first response for Americans to any type of medical problem is conventional medicine. There is, however, another option. Alternative medicine is sometimes considered the oldest medicine in the world. We know that the Chinese, Indians and Tibetans have been practicing medicine for thousand of years.
Alternative medicine envelops the concept of seeking out alternative ways to deal with any of today’s health issues. This type of medicine looks beyond taking medication and looks at the body as a whole.
People look to use alternative medicine for two main reasons. The first is because of the idea that taking medications can potentially lead to unhealthy results such as dependencies and side effects. The second is because of the natural curiosity of man to find better methods to heal.
Most medical practitioners support alternative therapies and know that the patient’s healing is often as a result of these sessions.
Alternative medicine encompasses many different therapies, such as hypnosis, color therapy, yoga, reiki, meditation, herbal remedies, vitamin therapy, and many more.Some therapies are based on eastern philosophies while others are more western.
In Eastern medicine, a person who is well and has good health is said to be a “in harmony” – free of any distressing symptoms and expresses mental, physical and spiritual balance.
The main focus of alternative medicine is that life is a combination of parts that includes more than the treatment of disease. There is a definite focus on living life well, happily, and with purpose. It is believed that this is an essential part of healthy living.
If you feel comfortable with alternative therapies, you should evaluate and explore the many different components of alternative medicine, and how it can help you. Consider using the ideas captured here next time you feel ill to begin feeling better naturally. Never abandon any medical treatment you are receiving but some therapies could compliment your present treatment.
Some practitioners of alternative therapies could easily help provide Health through Healing Hands and alleviate many of your problems caused through the stressful lifestyle too many of us lead.
Well just like all of you – things go wrong at times. My computer crashed and I was like a fish out of water without it. I felt completely lost and almost cut off from all of my contacts. It had to be totally rebuilt and I had to use a computer belonging to someone else, just to make sure that I kept in touch but I didn’t have all my addresses, did I?
In today’s world, we seem to have lost the human touch. It is the age of technology. I rarely make many phone calls these days, except for the trusty cell. I am emailing or texting – I know it is a great way to stay in touch but it still is nice to hear someones voice and physically meet with them. We are often too busy to catch up with friends and family. Do you know that socializing has many health benefits?
It provides us with mental stimulation and often in this social situation we laugh and enjoy ourselves – thereby elevating our vibrations and we find that our thought patterns are very positive. Laughter is truly one of the best medicines – it releases endorphins in the brain and gives us that happy feeling. You will find that the extended family is one of the happiest and parents and grandparents live to a greater age than those who live alone.
Especially at this time of year, please make the effort to contact friends, family and loved ones and get together. If there has been a rift or problem – try healing it and stay in touch. Your good health depends upon you not harboring any ill feelings and releasing any negative thoughts you are thinking about anything or anyone. Just try it and pretend that these negative thoughts are 50 pound bags of sand on your shoulders. Release the thoughts and throw off the weight that has kept you down. This is all part of life’s journey and you will realize how much better you feel.
Although you can see that the glass is half-empty, you chose to see it in a positive way. It is still half-full, anyway. The absence of half of the volume of water didn’t even bother you. What mattered was that it still contains water. If this is how you answered the question and how you justified your answer, then you have a positive way of thinking. Positive thinking is a way of looking at the brighter side of life. Everything is good, beautiful, and light. There are no worries, problems, or fears. In short, all you see and believe in is, well, positive.
I guess that’s already the most suitable word in describing this way of thinking, which is why it is the term being used. This kind of thinking is very powerful in that if you think that you are going to pass an exam, you are going to pass; if you think that you’ll get noticed by your crush, you’ll get noticed; if you think you will get promoted at work, then you’ll get promoted. This is how powerful the mind is, particularly positive mind. Even the famous Clint Eastwood believes in this general truth that he quoted, “If you think it’s going to rain, it will.”
So, how does the power of positive thinking work? How can it create reality? Do we only have to think of positive things and then will it happen right away? That positive thinking really is powerful may be somehow hard to believe at first, that’s why we may ask certain questions like those above. Because the mind is working on the information you send it, positive thinking leads to positive reality. This is how it works. Yes, we do have to really think of positive things. But it doesn’t stop there. Remember the ever-famous cliché “Do your best and God will do the rest”? You know, it’s true. Aside from believing in and having faith in something we want to happen, we have to do something about it. You can’t ace an exam just by sitting on the couch and watching TV days before taking it, can you?
Well another year is coming to a close and for some of us, there is so much left to do. But this year I am going to break the trend and not run around and try and figure out what everyone wants for Christmas – I am going to do something as simple as baking each of my family a gift wrapped container of my special cookies and slip in a small gift card for each.
Now, that might not sound much to you, in this commercialized world but I know they would appreciate that more than an expensive gift.The true meaning of Christmas has been lost for so many. It annoys me when I see some write “Christmas” as “Xmas”. Hold on – it is the birthday of Christ so why not put “Christ” back into “Christmas” – not only in the word but in your hearts as well.
The day is for a family get together and the exchange of gifts – but it is also a holy day in all Christian religions. Some unfortunately have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas – so as we get closer to the day, remember the true significance of the day. In these difficult economic times, don’t go over board and be paying off the cards well into the coming year. Gather the family together now and come up with a strategy. Another idea I like, is to get the family together put all the names in a hat/container and just drawn out one name in secret. Then you only have to think about buying one present instead of a whole lot.
If you are having a large group for a meal, get each person to bring something. Some people prefer to cook while others are happy just to buy what is necessary. Write a list what you need, agree what each one is going to do or bring and, and write their name beside what they are bringing. This is just like goal setting really. You know what has to be done and in what order and in what time frame. I will remind you again – you have one month!
What ever strategy you agree on – enjoy your family time together.
We said we would talk about all things regarding health . Today we would like to talk about exercise. Exercise is not only for those who want to lose weight but also to maintain a healthy body.
We would like to consider what exercise could be the most beneficial for you and that you would do and like. If you have never exercised, it would be a good idea to consult with your doctor to get their opinion. Just start slowly and you can increase the intensity of the exercise as you develop or increase your fitness levels.
What exercise do we recommend? This is a small list and maybe you can get some ideas.
Walking – the cheapest and easiest
Golf
Playing with the kids – they are energetic and you need to move
Take the dog for a walk
Join a gym – see if you can get a visitors one day pass to try first
Yoga
Pilates
Tai Chi
Tennis
Swimming
Aerobics
Dancing
This list could go on and on but you think about what you want. All we want you to do is to stay motivated and lose weight and regain your fitness, while you are enjoying yourself. Remember a healthy diet is also necessary
I prefer myself, to combine a flexibility discipline and a weight bearing exercise.I actually do weights and yoga. The reason for this is that recent studies have proven that weight bearing exercises improve bone density. This will lower the risk of osteoporosis.
The motto should be “just do it” and watch the results you are getting. Someone recently joined our yoga group and within 6 months, her body shape has totally changed and she has lost weight. She is ecstatic – and why shouldn’t she be.
I tell you more in the next blog – have a great day!
Got up this morning to a perfect day, that is how I see it. I am an early riser because I find the morning to be the best part of the day. We went down to the beach to have a walk and the weather was perfect. Have you every just looked at how nature provides for us such beauty? In our busy lives, we often do not take the time to appreciate the things that are all around us.
To watch the sun rise over the water, to hear and see the birds and just to smell the blossoms and the smell the air around us. There are so many beautiful things and they are all for free. We can be uplifted just by going for a walk and admiring the world around us.
Do you ever go for a walk and look at the world this way? Or are you always walking at such a pace and your thoughts are flying around in your head and you are stressed? Take the time to appreciate the beauty in nature that is all around you. Listen to the baby giggling and smile to yourself because you are at peace in this very moment.Watch the puppy playing in the park – just take the time for you. Times like this will elevate your vibrations and your positive thoughts will help you face the day.
I have a busy day planned but I could not afford not to start the day in this way. I know if things go a little pear shaped today, I will take a deep breath and thank God for all that he has provided. Every problem we face is like a coin – flip it over and see what is on the other side. There is always a solution to every problem.
Enjoy your day!
Today, how is your journey going? Are you starting to achieve some of your goals?
Do you need some help? Are you using affirmations and visualization? One affirmation that you must repeat over and over every morning “Every day and in every way – I am getting better and better.” Your have planted the seeds of success in your mind but remember – the road to success is a journey and you have hopefully written down your goals and you can see yourself making progress along the way. If not, review what you have written and ask yourself why. If there have to be some changes made – make them and continue on. It may help you to keep a daily journal. This will help keep you on track. Your positive thoughts will produce positive results.
Whatever it is you want to achieve – you must develop a strong “mind set” that no one or anything will stop you from believing and achieving. You must believe in YOURSELF!
When you start achieving even the smallest goal that you want to achieve – you will be proud of yourself, and you should be. It may be losing weight or doing some course but when you reach the first goal, congratulate yourself – look forward to the next level. Look after yourself. Always make sure that you eat well balanced meals and try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. A fit and healthy body will help you through your challenges and just enjoy the journey. You will succeed – it is all about your thoughts and your attitude.