Monday, February 14, 2011

Self Esteem

Self Esteem-

Do you have someone in your life that puts you down?  I'm referring to someone close to you:  a husband, wife, sister, brother, friend.  You know, those shaded comments that are meant to have an edge that cuts in to you.  The statements that sound o.k. until you start to scratch the surface.  Or maybe they just come right out an say something they know will hurt you anyway.  An example:  "wow, that sweater sure makes your arms look big." Oh, and I love this one "are you sure you should be eating that?".  What about "Should YOU be having seconds?"

Biting comments like these are meant to tear you down, make no mistake.  These are comments from people who don't have a lot of self esteem themselves, and it makes them feel better to cut you down.  Don't let them.  Ignore those comments.  We're not perfect, not one of us.  Keep trying, keep working out, keep eating healthy.  Comments like this can derail you.  They can make you feel so bad that you start questioning yourself.  They create doubt.  Maybe they even make you feel so bad you binge eat.

Remember:  You are love-able and capable.  You can succeed, even if you've failed before.  Do not let yourself be derailed.  Hold on tight to your personal goals.

Have a great week!
Melissa

Friday, February 4, 2011

Are you Ready for the Summer?


Are you ready to wear your swimsuit this summer?  Oh yeah, and spring break is right around the corner!  Have you shed those extra holiday pounds?    Maybe you’ve been holding on to extra pounds for years.  It’s time to get serious about getting in shape.   Let’s light a fire in your metabolism to help you shed what you don’t need.

Many people think that strength training will bulk them up, but it’s actually the secret to burning more calories and losing weight faster.  Muscle speeds up your metabolism because it’s active tissue.  It requires more calories just to exist.  So when you build some lean muscle, you are helping to build your metabolism as well.  And the best news?  Muscle burns more calories, even when you are at rest.  When you lose weight without doing any strength training, you’re likely to be losing that crucial muscle, along with the fat.  In the end, you slow your metabolism even more.

That brings us to the next item on the agenda:  your diet.  What are you eating?  I’ll bet you’re eating white bread, muffins, an occasional cookie…maybe a sandwich? Maybe you’re off to McDonald’s on those nights when you don’t have a lot of time? So much of the infamous American diet is calorie laden and sugary, and in some instances, not really food at all.   In the words of Michael Pollen:  1- What should I eat? (Eat food) 2 - What kind of food should I eat? (Mostly plants) and 3 - How should I eat? (Not too much).  Simplify your diet by getting rid of what you don’t need—processed food and sugary treats.  And fill your diet with what you do need—fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and fresh water.