Was just reading an article on Oprah's website by her fitness trainer Bob Greene.
The article is about how to keep weight off, but I think it's relevant for a lot more areas of life.
Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off
Studies say about 80 percent of people who have lost weight gain it all back. Fitness expert Bob Greene says your weight management might not be the problem—it could be how you manage life in general. "It's really about the psychology," he says. "What are the barriers that stand in your way?"
Bob says five crucial steps can help you maintain your weight and your life:
1. Have a clear vision of what you want. "Picture your life the way you want it," Bob says. "You could even be the most motivated person on the planet. If you don't have a vision for yourself, your motivation will take you somewhere away from the vision that you want for your life."
Also, make sure your vision is realistic. "If you're 5'4" and you want to be 6'1", have a different vision," he says. "In your heart, you need to know that you can achieve it."
2. Convince yourself that you are deserving. Bob says it's critical to break down this barrier. "[People] feel unworthy because that was reinforced growing up by either an unsupportive adult or authority figure,” Bob says. “You're reconfirming [that] by sabotaging your own efforts.”
3. Identify the biggest barriers holding you back. Bob says there's a big difference between a barrier and an excuse. "I've heard every excuse imaginable—except a good one," he says. "A barrier is more of an issue."
"We all have a natural aversion to discomfort and pain, and that's the irony on both exercise and diet. You don't want to give up. There's some discomfort giving up your favorite foods," he says. "If you're doing exercise right, you have a level of discomfort to get results. And we are wired to avoid discomfort and seek pleasure."
4. Break through the barriers. Bob says the only way to break through a barrier is to identify what's holding you back. "You have barriers for a reason. They're coping mechanisms in many cases," he says. "So many people think getting on the treadmill or turning down your favorite foods is the hard part. That's the easy part. It's these issues and barriers of unworthiness—or being in a toxic relationship is a top one."
Breaking through takes courage, but the benefits could last a lifetime. "I've never seen anyone successful long term that couldn't make at least one or more tough decisions," he says.
5. Put yourself first. "Another way to say that is, 'Get the support you need,'" he says. "It's getting the people in your life on board."
Bob says parents struggle with this the most and too many use their children as an excuse not to make themselves a priority. "What parent would [tell her child], 'Don't take care of yourself?' That's the message your kids are learning," he says. "Putting yourself first is not selfish. It's a way to become a more profound role model for children and those in your life."
Day 8! So Much Better Than Before :)
The last time I did this cleanse, day 8 was my worst day. I was almost climbing the walls out of hunger, frustration and irritation. The thing that was most annoying was that people told me that after the third or fourth day you wouldn't feel hungry anymore. That you would be so refreshed and energised. Yeah right. Day 8 was horrible! And the whole time I was hungry. Or so I thought...
What I've truly learned this time round is that I wasn't hungry beyond day 2. Obviously, you will have moments when you get hungry - just like you do when you're eating normally. In those moments though, drinking the juice takes the physical hunger away. You just keep drinking the juice. So while on this fast, I have been hungry, it dissipates upon drinking more. As I keep reiterating - the real hunger I was feeling was a mental and emotional one. That part doesn't go away. But that's where I feel really good about myself this time round. I haven't really let it bother me much. I have my moments, and trust me, I can't wait to eat again! But I can do this. And although I wouldn't want to, I could do this for longer. That's the biggest difference this time round. That's what is making this 'easier'. My mind is right.
As an update, I have finally seen, in a tangible way, that I have lost weight! My jeans are now gaping at the waist. Funny how it wasn't that noticeable all these days and then almost overnight it hit.
This definitely makes me feel good.
I'm in the home straight now! Only two days to go!!
What I've truly learned this time round is that I wasn't hungry beyond day 2. Obviously, you will have moments when you get hungry - just like you do when you're eating normally. In those moments though, drinking the juice takes the physical hunger away. You just keep drinking the juice. So while on this fast, I have been hungry, it dissipates upon drinking more. As I keep reiterating - the real hunger I was feeling was a mental and emotional one. That part doesn't go away. But that's where I feel really good about myself this time round. I haven't really let it bother me much. I have my moments, and trust me, I can't wait to eat again! But I can do this. And although I wouldn't want to, I could do this for longer. That's the biggest difference this time round. That's what is making this 'easier'. My mind is right.
As an update, I have finally seen, in a tangible way, that I have lost weight! My jeans are now gaping at the waist. Funny how it wasn't that noticeable all these days and then almost overnight it hit.
This definitely makes me feel good.
I'm in the home straight now! Only two days to go!!
Day 7! Finishing Line
Had a good day today. Mental cravings are stronger than ever though. Saw a Red Lobster advert and my mouth was watering! I never crave Red Lobster!
My partner in crime had a very hard day today. She soldiered through it though.
Been thinking more and more about what I want to eat when I finish. How I'm going to wean myself off the cleanse and enter back into the real world of chewing.
I'm thinking on the first day I will ease myself in with orange juice and other fruit and vegetable juices, as they recommend. But on the second day I'm gonna have to reintroduce more than they suggest. I'm boarding a long haul flight that day so I need my strength!
So good to dream about the end!
Finishing line is in sight!
My partner in crime had a very hard day today. She soldiered through it though.
Been thinking more and more about what I want to eat when I finish. How I'm going to wean myself off the cleanse and enter back into the real world of chewing.
I'm thinking on the first day I will ease myself in with orange juice and other fruit and vegetable juices, as they recommend. But on the second day I'm gonna have to reintroduce more than they suggest. I'm boarding a long haul flight that day so I need my strength!
So good to dream about the end!
Finishing line is in sight!
Day 6! Over The Hump
Over halfway!!!
Feeling very good. Sunday morning, I'm usually a walking zombie, but yesterday I was awake and clear headed. Not bad on 3 hours of sleep!
I have more energy. I feel clearer. That's the best word I can think of. If that's even a word!
Was beginning to think that I wasn't really losing any weight but I've been told by people very close to me, that I have. And that my skin looks great!
I feel like I'm doing really well on this. I mean, don't get me wrong - I could murder some chicken and mashed potatoes! In fact, that's what I've been fantasizing about the most! I can't wait to eat again! But I'm over half way and the time is definitely passing. Can't wait for Saturday!
Feeling very good. Sunday morning, I'm usually a walking zombie, but yesterday I was awake and clear headed. Not bad on 3 hours of sleep!
I have more energy. I feel clearer. That's the best word I can think of. If that's even a word!
Was beginning to think that I wasn't really losing any weight but I've been told by people very close to me, that I have. And that my skin looks great!
I feel like I'm doing really well on this. I mean, don't get me wrong - I could murder some chicken and mashed potatoes! In fact, that's what I've been fantasizing about the most! I can't wait to eat again! But I'm over half way and the time is definitely passing. Can't wait for Saturday!
Day 5!
I was in the city today.
It was torture.
Walking around any of Manhattan's food districts is not recommended while you are on a fast. I was working during the day which was fine. Drank all of my juice by 5pm. I guess not drinking enough the day before had it's consequences. I'm ok in the daytime. I remain busy and I don't think about food. It's the evenings which get me. And I can't be at home for them.
Being at home, we tend to distract ourselves by doing something like watching a movie. That's all good and well, but my natural, habitual, instinct is to eat something when I do that. It's an urge that I find almost impossible to dissipate. Which is why I made sure that I would be busy each and every night that I was fasting. This is probably the complete opposite approach to most people who would more likely choose to rest. But my day ended early today. And I found myself on the streets of Manhattan walking past restaurants and wanting nothing more than to go home, pop a dvd on, and EAT SOMETHING!! So...I decided to reward myself on (almost) 5 days done. I bought a whole bunch of girlie supplies and chose to spoil myself.
For the first time in years I decided to have a soak in the tub. Armed with epsom salts (to drag out even more impurities), lavender oil and candles, I made myself the most heavenly bath ever. I was so relaxed and felt amazing. It gave me time to just be in the moment with nothing else to distract me. It was bliss. I crawled into bed afterwards feeling so wonderfully relaxed. And it got me through the night. In the loveliest, loveliest way! :)
It was torture.
Walking around any of Manhattan's food districts is not recommended while you are on a fast. I was working during the day which was fine. Drank all of my juice by 5pm. I guess not drinking enough the day before had it's consequences. I'm ok in the daytime. I remain busy and I don't think about food. It's the evenings which get me. And I can't be at home for them.
Being at home, we tend to distract ourselves by doing something like watching a movie. That's all good and well, but my natural, habitual, instinct is to eat something when I do that. It's an urge that I find almost impossible to dissipate. Which is why I made sure that I would be busy each and every night that I was fasting. This is probably the complete opposite approach to most people who would more likely choose to rest. But my day ended early today. And I found myself on the streets of Manhattan walking past restaurants and wanting nothing more than to go home, pop a dvd on, and EAT SOMETHING!! So...I decided to reward myself on (almost) 5 days done. I bought a whole bunch of girlie supplies and chose to spoil myself.
For the first time in years I decided to have a soak in the tub. Armed with epsom salts (to drag out even more impurities), lavender oil and candles, I made myself the most heavenly bath ever. I was so relaxed and felt amazing. It gave me time to just be in the moment with nothing else to distract me. It was bliss. I crawled into bed afterwards feeling so wonderfully relaxed. And it got me through the night. In the loveliest, loveliest way! :)
Day 4! Decision And Discipline
Day 4 has been the easiest day so far. I wasn't hungry at all. I paced myself on my juice and I was good. In fact, I didn't even drink all of my juice.
I'm surprised with myself this time round. It was torture the last two times I did/tried the master cleanse. I put it down to mental strength. I don't have a huge appetite and I don't eat a lot (relatively!). I'm more of a grazer. Shame I don't graze on much green stuff! I tend to chew down on chocolate, cake and french fries when I want a treat. And I 'treat' myself way too often!
So my eating habits are definitely more psychological and emotional. So the tricky part for me was never going to be the physical ordeal, it was the mental one. Every day on this fast, the good, the bad and even the great, I am still thinking about food. A lot. Cravings are supposed to disappear on this fast. I thought that was a load of rubbish, but I know realise that mine don't go anywhere because mine are a mental thing.
Which makes me see how much I've grown in the last few years since I last attempted this. A combination of life's trials and tribulations along with a lot of reading (Eckhart Tolle being the most prominent), my mind is a tool I can use. I'm no longer a slave to it. I can be in the moment now. I can focus on the task at hand. And this gives me the knowledge that I needed oh so much lately - that I have the discipline to make a decision and follow through with it. It may not sound like much, but it is. We use the words decision and decide so loosely. We say we have decided to do something - work out 3 times a week, or we decide to eat healthily from now on. But those 'decisions' fall apart within a week or two. The reason is because we didn't commit to the word we were using.
decision: a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration
A conclusion. The final word. I made the decision to go on this fast after a lot of deliberating and procrastinating. I knew that once I began, that was it. I knew I would see it through, health-willing. There was no get out clause for me. There was no notion of it being too hard. I decided to take each moment of weakness as it came and ride it out. This too shall pass. And it did. And they do.
I've talked about decisions before. Now I see I have the discipline to make more.
I'm surprised with myself this time round. It was torture the last two times I did/tried the master cleanse. I put it down to mental strength. I don't have a huge appetite and I don't eat a lot (relatively!). I'm more of a grazer. Shame I don't graze on much green stuff! I tend to chew down on chocolate, cake and french fries when I want a treat. And I 'treat' myself way too often!
So my eating habits are definitely more psychological and emotional. So the tricky part for me was never going to be the physical ordeal, it was the mental one. Every day on this fast, the good, the bad and even the great, I am still thinking about food. A lot. Cravings are supposed to disappear on this fast. I thought that was a load of rubbish, but I know realise that mine don't go anywhere because mine are a mental thing.
Which makes me see how much I've grown in the last few years since I last attempted this. A combination of life's trials and tribulations along with a lot of reading (Eckhart Tolle being the most prominent), my mind is a tool I can use. I'm no longer a slave to it. I can be in the moment now. I can focus on the task at hand. And this gives me the knowledge that I needed oh so much lately - that I have the discipline to make a decision and follow through with it. It may not sound like much, but it is. We use the words decision and decide so loosely. We say we have decided to do something - work out 3 times a week, or we decide to eat healthily from now on. But those 'decisions' fall apart within a week or two. The reason is because we didn't commit to the word we were using.
decision: a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration
A conclusion. The final word. I made the decision to go on this fast after a lot of deliberating and procrastinating. I knew that once I began, that was it. I knew I would see it through, health-willing. There was no get out clause for me. There was no notion of it being too hard. I decided to take each moment of weakness as it came and ride it out. This too shall pass. And it did. And they do.
I've talked about decisions before. Now I see I have the discipline to make more.
Day 3! Shake It Like A Salt Shaker!!
Day 3 went well. I wasn't really hungry and paced myself on the juice throughout the day. I had a moment in the night when I was tired and irritable but aside from that I was good. I've noticed that my jeans are getting looser! Kept having to pull them up yesterday! That was definitely a good boost to get on my third day. Motivation to keep going was elevated.
I began the day with the salt water flush. This involves drinking a liter of warm water with two tablespoons of salt in it - the salt shake. I know this may seem like nothing to some people, but to me, it's an exercise in uber-tolerance.
During the previous times I have fasted I have thrown up at least three times trying to do the salt water flush. The taste of the salt is almost unbearable to me. But as with everything this time round, I have found that easier too. I've been drinking it through a straw which definitely helps. It works for me way better than the alternative which is a herbal laxative tea. That used to have me in knots feeling like I was about to die. A definite no-no this time round! You're supposed to eliminate every day on this cleanse so it feels good to know that with the salt flush you are literally doing that - flushing out your system. And in one go. With my schedule that's a must.
I'm actually half way through day 4 right now and I have to say that it's been a really easy day so far. Never thought I'd be saying that on this fast!
Day 2!
So day 2 is now over. As expected, the early part of the day was fine. Evening and night - not so much! I was hungry today. Not just as a psychological or emotional need, but actually physical hunger. I was downing my lemonade like noone's business!
Felt a bit out of it and had a mild headache too. From days 2 - 4 they say you'll feel worse as you're eliminating toxins from your body. So I guess that it's working!
My Brooklyn partner in crime has been roped into the fast too so now I have company. Having her onboard makes all the difference. Anytime it gets tough I have a sponsor! :)
So....day 2 is over. Thankfully. Definitely better than the first time round.
Probably going to begin day 3 with a salt water flush.
I'll report on that tomorrow.
Day 3, here we go!
Felt a bit out of it and had a mild headache too. From days 2 - 4 they say you'll feel worse as you're eliminating toxins from your body. So I guess that it's working!
My Brooklyn partner in crime has been roped into the fast too so now I have company. Having her onboard makes all the difference. Anytime it gets tough I have a sponsor! :)
So....day 2 is over. Thankfully. Definitely better than the first time round.
Probably going to begin day 3 with a salt water flush.
I'll report on that tomorrow.
Day 3, here we go!
Day 1!
My fast got delayed for a bit. Combination of illness and a few other factors. All the more reason to follow through with it. Which I have! I am writing to you at the end of Day 1!
Today wasn't bad at all actually. And considering I work around food (really good food!) that was no mean feat.
It probably sounds like day 1 shouldn't be that tough to get through, but as I said before, I'm a foodie. And as I learned the first time round - most of it is a mental thing.
The fast that I am doing is the 'master cleanse' lemonade diet, made famous recently by Beyonce Knowles. For those of you who are unfamiliar, it basically consists of drinking a lemonade containing maple syrup, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and of course water, for a minimum of ten days. Doesn't sound so bad, except that you can drink ONLY that for ten days. No food. No food at all. There is a delightful (!) laxative tea you have to take as well as a salt water flush you can do (not for the feint at heart, or at stomach). The only respite you get is peppermint tea every so often. And as I'm not a fan, that doesn't really mean much to me. It's a rigid diet.
But once I started researching more on it, I realised that you could use different herbal teas and that there were also different modern versions of the cleanse - a 5 day one, the 10 day one, a 15 day one and also a 'relaxed version' where you can eat a meal a day.
I'm still doing the ten day rigid diet but knowing that I can break it up with different flavoured herbals teas makes all the difference. Doesn't sound like much I know, but believe me, once you have done the full on master cleanse before for a full ten days, the idea of a different taste in your mouth is like heaven!
Mind over matter. Goals in sight.
Day 2 here i come!
One To Remember Always
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Buddha
I think we rarely give ourselves the love and affection we deserve.
The area where I lack that the most is honouring my body. I fill it with junk and I don't exercise enough. I purposefully didn't make new years resolutions this year - mainly because they rarely last. I also fell back from this blog and most other things. I took a break from my goals as well. But now, with Spring just around the corner, I want, and need, a new start.
And I'm beginning that with a bang.
I can be quite an all or nothing girl, so to get me started on honouring my 'temple', I'm doing a ten day fast. I've done it before and told myself never again. It was the hardest thing. I'm definitely a foodie! But I have to say I felt so good afterwards. So I'm going for it again.
Now how does the saying go...never say never? Here we go again!
