You - A Diet - An Upcoming Event

So this year marks my _____ th High School reunion.  The wonderful world of FB has created an opportunity for our group of 280 graduates to catch up, talk about each other, marvel over changes in our lives-  jobs, transformations, kids, living in other states and countries.  However at Best it opens a HUGE window of opportunity for comparisons and the dreaded "Oh No I need to drop ____- lbs in _____ weeks!"

As the fitness enthusiast of the group and for those that don't know I was not the Athletic chick in high school. Some how the universe lined the stars and planets so, what was a part time job in College became a full time job after I tried the corporate world.  So let me say THANK YOU corporate America for freeing me from your holds and giving me an opportunity to do things I LOVE!

Being Fit, Fabulous, Fun and Motivating!  

Of course half of us are chatting on our FB page are looking at old pics and referring to ourselves in the past tense when it comes to what we have matured into these days.  My favorite comment so far has been from a friend I've known since elementary school and how she can't sit next to me at the reunion because I am too fit.  Too Fit!!!  Never and here is a little unknown history fact about us Fit People....we recognize we aren't 18 anymore too.  We have kids, health concerns, stress, etc!

But that isn't why I wanted you to read this blog.... I seriously want to address you and the Diet you are probably planning especially with Summer around the corner and you're feeling like you have to give it "One More Try."

Weight and Appearance are America's hottest obsession.  We are faced with daily reminders in Magazine Ads, Talk Shows, Reality TV and my favorite Late night infomercials, all based on size and body image.  We can instantly get online and find the latest celeb diet,  a book by some Dr telling you to do it his/her way or we create our own extremes.

Here is the problem with Diets.... They don't work!  Smile and admit it... Diets don't work!  Say it out loud Diets Don't Work!

WHY????

Because each person/body is DIFFERENT!   Each of us have different needs based on, age, sex, medical history and very important: LifeStyle.

Unfortunately with all that said despite what is going on in our lives and how much we are looking to loose, most folks are looking for the "quick fix!"  But it just doesn't work like that.  Think about it... if you are 50 lbs heavier then you were X years ago... you didn't get there over night.  So thinking you can drop 50 lbs in a few weeks time is impractical.   If you do a Crash Diet and drop alot of weight at once, guess what happens at the end... you burn!  And most people end up back where they started just as fast as they lost it or worse they go beyond.

We can discuss the epidemic of overweight people including children in America on another blog for now we will address what YOU can do to make Healthy Life/Eating Choices.

Step 1.  Take a Full 7 Days to keep a food / activity journal.

• Write down what time you wake up
• What time are you eating your first meal?
• What you are eating?
• How much?  If you have measurements
• What time is your next meal?
• How much?  If you have measurements
• What is your daily activity - i.e.  I sit at a Desk from 9-5 or I deliver boxes for  UPS from 9-5
• Are you doing something outside of work. 
• If you snack WRITE IT DOWN - What and How Much.  
• Include any info on Moods you may have been in
• What do you drink during the day?  3 Vente Startbucks Frappuccino's, 2 Shots of Tequila ETC. 

Step 2.  Don't look at the journal until you have completed 7 consecutive days of honest journaling. 

• Notice patterns - Do you seem to go to the vending machine everyday at 3pm? How many veggies are you taking in? 
• How many hours are between your meals? Including from dinner the night before to breakfast. 
• Are you skipping meals? 
• Are you the King or Queen of Take Out?
• Where are you eating? At your desk, in front of a computer or TV.

Step 3.  Write down the patterns you notice and see if you can start making small changes.

• Eat breakfast sooner in the day
• Start eating Fruit instead of Chips
• Cut back on Sugar 
• Go for a walk _ Its Summer, get outside take advantage of the extended day light hours
• STOP making excuses! 

Change starts with you!  You are the captain of your ship as well as the leader of your brigade... if you want to see change in yourself then you have to be the change.   If you need more help analyzing or figuring out ways to make adjustments reach out to a nutritionist or a local trainer.  You can also email me for more info.  

Getting over the hump is the hardest part but identifying habits is what can put you on the road to a healthy lifestyle.  Give your body a chance, it did go from where you were to where you are now....which means it can GO BACK there just the same. (in time)

Conscious eating and healthy lifestyle changes create positive results in body and mind.  You are worth the investment.  Now its up to you to Carpe Diem.  So remember:  

• Slow down
• Recognize and Regroup
• Nourish your Mind and Body

Until Next Time, 

Thanks for Reading and remember, 

Live, Love, Laugh and Have FUN! 

Taj 

Photo: Courtesy of my High School Yearbook

Day 12 of New Year New You

Ok here we go with Day 12!  I was talking to a friend about the blog and she said WOW I'm already 12 days behind.  Do I have time to catch up on things?  YES you do!

Following this challenge isn't hard at all so if you are reading this for the first time jump in and enjoy the ride.  We have 19 more days to go!

My Day 11: Made a donation to Susan G Komen, helped a new employee at Crunch, did my best to have no carbs...but Lunch got me. I was in a RUSH to an afternoon meeting, pizza was close and fast.  But Breakfast and Dinner were Carb Free.

Time for Day 12:

Fitness:
Lets go for a walk!  On your way to work, get off the train 1 stop before yours and walk the rest of the way in.  If you are at work reading this, get off the train 1 stop before yours going home and walk the rest of the way.

Take the Stairs ALL DAY!  No Elevators.  Ok unless you work on the 80th floor. HOWEVER take at least 5 flights, then jump on the elevator.

Driving to work- Park at the farthest end of the parking lot and walk to work and yes no elevator for you too.  If you're running errands after work do the same thing park away from the door and walk.


Food:
Since you went Carb free yesterday, today pick up some Power Carbs such as beans.  Beans are loaded with complex carbohydrates – the nutrient that provides energy to the muscles and brain. Just one cup of beans can provide 15 percent of the carbohydrates needed daily and up to 12 grams of fiber.  Plus, beans have the best type of carbohydrate for maximum energy.

 Some well know choices are:

• Lentils
• Black
• Red
• Garbanzo (Chickpeas)

Self Growth: 

Its time for a little L - O - V -E pampering! 

Schedule a massage, manicure and/or pedicure or a hair appoint for this weekend!  This weekend is our half way point of the New Year New You Challenge.  Why not reward yourself with some pampering.  

Here's a Spa deal that might me worth your time and money!  

OR

This Mani/Pedi deal

Take advantage of these great deals, treat yourself and enjoy. PS if you didn't GIVE yesterday... you can make it up by buying a voucher for a friend and sharing the LOVE! 

Enjoy!

Until Tomorrow,

Taj

photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinlang/3382565021/sizes/s/in/photostream/

Day 2

Hopefully we are all off to a good start!

My Day 1:  I finished 64 ounces of water, took a 45 min walk - had lunch - 45 min walk back. Couldn't throw anything away since I am not at home.

How about you?  Leave a comment here or on the Face Book Page.

Did you get your journal?  FYI iPhones, iPads and Droids work also.  Use your journal to jot down what you did the day before like my entry above and track your progress

Time for Day 2:

Fitness: 
I'm sure many of you are off today.... So take advantage of it, go for a walk outside (weather permitting)  if you have a pedometer put it on and enjoy the city.  Your task: take 2,000 steps = 1 mile If you are feeling motivated keep going.  Let me know tomorrow how far you walked!

Of course you can also jump on a treadmill to complete this task as well.  BUT why not get out into your neighborhood or maybe explore another one.

Just FYI an average of 100 calories are burned per mile while walking. Remember you, your pace, terrain, level of hydration and sex (male vs female) will cause results to vary. But don't get caught up in the calorie burn... Just get moving!

Food:

Here is a nice recipe you can try today or anytime:

Cooling Cucumber Salad

8 oz organic brown rice penne pasta

1/2 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar

1/2 tsp sea salt 

1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

2 tbsp sesame oil

6 small or 4 large cucumbers slices on diagonal into 1/4 inch thickness

1 large organic carrot grated or chopped 

1/2 red onion peeled and sliced into half moons (optional)

Bring a pot of water to boil season with salt (separate from above salt or use olive oil)

Cook pasta until al dente

While pasta is cooking, whisk together vinegar, salt and pepper then and sesame oil

Toss veggies into the bowl with dressing

Drain pasta and add tot he bowl with veggies and dressing

Toss well and serve (adjust seasoning as needed) 

Don't have time to make the salad, stop by Chopped, Souper Salad, Whole Foods or even McDonald's for the garden salad.  Using Vinegar and Oil is better then Ranch and Blue Cheese.  

Self Growth:
Write down 1 thing you'd like to learn to do this year.  Put it somewhere you can see DAILY like on the computer, the fridge, the dash board of your car, in the bathroom etc.

Before you get overwhelmed remember we are approaching things one day at a time and you can always double up if you miss a day here or there. The challenge is all about approaching things from a different perspective.

Until Tomorrow!

Taj

photo:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindejesus/4880728619/sizes/s/in/photostream/