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Archive for diet

Play the Movie

Nine Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life by Dr. Henry Cloud, is a book I highly recommend.

One of those 9 things you should do is “Play the Movie.”

This has to do with thinking about the consequences of your choices and how they will play out in the near or distant future.

Think about what this would mean for making healthy eating choices and staying committed to exercise…

Do you have certain “triggers” that lead you down unhealthy paths?  (This applies to many areas of life, but I’m focusing on food-related triggers).

Maybe you come home late at night, you’re tired, you had a stressful day, and the last thing you feel like doing is cooking.  You think, “I deserve a treat” or “I’ll do better tomorrow.”

So, you grab a not-so-healthy snack, which then leads you to eat more unhealthy foods, which feeds your emotions but not really your spirit – you begin to feel guilty, or frustrated, or angry at yourself for making a bad food choice, especially since you know better…. and you know you’ll never reach your goals this way.

And so the story goes….

What if, as you walked through the door, you “played the movie?”  What if you played out this scenario in your mind so that you were armed and ready to make a different choice – because you already know how the plot will play out if you don’t?

I find this a very effective principle:  Play the Movie.  Identify the triggers that lead you down roads you want to avoid – whether they’re food-related or something else.

Empower yourself to change the storyline!  You CAN change when you become more aware.  :)

3 New Year’s Lessons Passed on from Peru

While traveling in Peru over the holidays, I learned three important lessons that can help anyone stick to their New Year’s Resolutions long after most people have called it quits (which is right about now).

1.  Simplicity is sweet.  Chauaytire village, high up in the Andes mountains, is a village that basically survives on the art of weaving.  They live a very simple life, not having a clue of what an iPod or the Internet is.  And they are HAPPY.  Think about how you can simplify your schedule.  A less busy routine reduces your stress, giving you the chance to enjoy life, focus on your health, and spend quality time with your family.

2.  Pay attention to what you put in your mouth.  Your diet and eating habits can become huge obstacles to reaching your fitness or weight loss goals in 2011.  I planned to do a four day trek to Machu Picchu, and almost didn’t make it because of what I ate (which was guinea pig).  That led to a stomach infection, terrible shivers, 102 degree fever, and a horrible body ache.  You may not be eating strange foods, but eating too much or too little can really hinder you from accomplishing your goals.  Make it your goal to be fully aware of what you’re eating.

3.  Remain passionate about your goal, no matter how steep the climb feels to reaching it, and no matter what obstacles you may face.  Your desire to reach your goal must be stronger than the obstacles!  The trek to Machu Picchu was no small feat.  It was 4 days of hiking, for many hours, up and down huge stone “steps.”  The sense of accomplishment when I reached my destination was indescribable and well worth the sacrifice!  So, envision your goal, stay determined to overcome hurdles, and don’t let anything quench your passion.

Most people fail at accomplishing their New Year’s Resolutions.  Remember these three lessons all year and become one of the few who finish 2011 with a sense of pride and accomplishment.