Spring is in the Air - Shed those Unwanted Pounds!

It's hard to believe, but we are already 1 week into spring and well on our way to warmer weather!  Of course we all know what this means ... no more big bulky coats, sweaters and layers.  Lighter materials, softer colours and the opportunity to wear a bathing suit for another season.  Did you notice that I said "opportunity"?  This is my new way of looking at it!  Afterall when you've worked hard to get into shape by watching what you eat, exercising and changing your "self talk", you definetly deserve the "opportunity" to show it off by wearing a brand new, figure flattering bathsuit.

Now please don't feel bad if you're not quite there yet.  Starting today is not too late.  The best thing you can do for yourself is admit you gained a few extra pounds over the winter and start doing something about it now.  It's a great time to get outdoors and start walking or hiking.  If you like more action, then you could lace up your rollerblades or hop on your bike.   The main idea is to get moving again.  Get your heart rate up and work up a sweat.  20 minutes is all it takes to keep your heart healthy and shed those unwanted pounds!

FIT FOR LIFE

Living a healthy life is truly an on going process where we take new found knowledge, apply it to our everyday lives, decide whether it works or not and then keep it or toss it aside and move on to the next tidbit.  Each one of us are individuals, with a completely different make-up than the women next to us.  We cannot expect to conform to a strict set of rules made by one person for millions of others. What we can do is pick and choose what fits into our lifestyle and create our own outline of how we can incorporate healthy living and being fit for life.

Have you ever been on a diet?  Silly question right?  We all have at some time or another and for various reasons.  I remember when I was 21 years old, I had put on about 10 pounds and was asked to be a bridesmaid in a friends wedding.  My friend choose a mermaid style dress and I had about 1 month to drop the added weight.  Fortunately for me I was introduced to a book called "Fit For Life", by Harvey Diamond that literally changed my life for the good.  I decided to do a 28 day cleanse and embark on my new life.  I lost 12 pounds, felt better than I had in years and looked great in the mermaid dress.  But most importantly I learned some very valuable nuggets of truth that changed the way I combined, cooked and ate food.

Let's face it, diets don't work!  The reason they don't work is because they are temporary.  Most are unrealistic and unhealthy.   Proper nutrition, physical fitness, well being of your mind, body, soul & spirit, adequate rest and healthy relationships are all key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being fit for life.

Where Does The Time Go?

Why is there always so much to do and so little time to fit it all in?  As women and especially as mothers, there always seems to be a ton of things that we never get to at the end of the day.  Is it because we are so disorganized and lack time management skills?  In defence of mothers everywhere, I would most definetly say that the later is not the case.  Our problem is that we take on too much.  We try to be "supermoms" doing everything in the course of a day like grocery shoping, cleaning the house, washing the clothes, walking the dog, polishing the silverware, painting the spare bedroom, closing the deal, driving the kids to dance lessons, hockey practise and helping with the homework, making dinner, bathing the kids, playing with the kids, putting the kids to bed, working out, re-organizing the messy closet, having alone time with the husband etc., etc. etc. --- Does this sound familiar? 

There is a very profound lesson to be learned from this example.  Do you realize that when you are tired, overworked and rundown you are no good to anyone including yourself?  Women have this idea that if they are not taking care of everyone that they are not a good mother and wife.  I'm here to tell you that if you will begin to take care of yourself first, you will have so much more to give to everyone else.  You will feel better, you will look better and you will perform better.   Recognizing that you need time for yourself is the first step to healthy living.

Mom, There's No Better Time than the Present to Start Living Healthy

Today can be the first day of the rest of your life! There are no deadlines and there are no rules that state, "you have to get healthy by March 31, 2010"! The first step is to recognize you need to make some changes. Remember, no one else cares more about you, than you! Even though your husband and children love you, they cannot make you healthy. It's all up to you! That maybe a hard pill to swallow, but it can also be very empowering. Start by looking at the positive in every situation and you will gain strength and momentum to begin the process to living healthy!