Should Restaurants Be Held Accountable For Calorie Claims???

Should Restaurants Be Held Accountable for Calorie Claims???

Recently I heard that the calorie content of menu items, developed to entice and assist us in our struggle to move to a healthier lifestyle, were laden with fat and dramatically higher than advertised. Wanting to get my facts straight, I began to do some research and found the claims to be true.

An article by Isaac Wolf, Scripps Howard News Service, was found at Seattlepi.com. You can find the article here. I highly recommend you take a few minutes to read and evaluate his findings.

To say I was disappointed was putting it mildly. I felt angry and betrayed and was particularly interested in the comments and feedback of the Seattlepi.com readers and those from a recent Discussion Topic post on DailyStrength.

Here are some observations that have left me feeling dazed at the opinions of various subsets of those speaking out about this topic. Would DEFINITELY love to have your feedback left under the blog comments in hopes of better understanding the feelings of those of us this directly affects.

Observations

Seattlepi.com Readers - My analysis of the reader commentary is subjective and based on the 56 comments posted at the time of this writing. It is also based on my assumption that these readers would represent a cross-section of the general public with the same general range of body sizes found in today’s society.

*30% found that the consumers are responsible
*25% found the restaurants to be responsible
*16% found both consumers and restaurants should share in the responsibility
*29% made comments that could not easily be placed in the categories above

I was surprised and disheartened that more readers seemed to hold the consumers responsible for the calorie content than they did the various restaurants who actually prepared the food.

Would this be tolerated in any other industry?

Imagine this thought process applied to your local gardening center:

*You purchase lawn fertilizer (advertised to be a nutritional supplement to your yard like food is to our bodies)

*You apply it to your yard as recommended (like consumers select and consume food to nutritionally feed their bodies)

*The lawn fertilizer contains more chemicals than advertised (like the food containing higher calories and fat content than what is printed on the menu)

*The concentration of chemicals in the fertilizer burns your lawn (like the restaurant food hampers your weight loss or healthy eating progress) OR destroys your lawn (like the calories destroy our weight loss efforts and the additional fat clogs our arteries)

Probably the most disturbing comment I read was from cark1c who stated “I’m a cardiologist in private practice so your abhorrent lifestyle provides payments for my kids’ college, dentures, my boat payments etc.” and ended with “more money in my pocket. Keep those clogged arteries coming!”

DailyStrength.com Discussion Topic Readers - My analysis of the reader commentary is subjective and based on the 32 comments posted at the time of this writing. It is also based on my assumption that these readers would represent those dedicated to addressing their weight by making healthier choices or making a concerted effort towards weight reduction.

* 0% found that consumers should be responsible
* 25% found the restaurants to be responsible
* 19% found both consumers and restaurants should share in the responsibility
* 56% made comments that could not easily be placed in the categories above

I found it interesting that this group held the restaurants responsible in the same percentage as the general public and very closely represented the percentage of consumer and restaurant shared responsibility (2% difference). However, these readers did not blame themselves solely and, in fact, had lively and varying topics of discussion (56%) that either explained the difficulties of portion control, human error, or offered assistance in achieving successful weight loss and the transition to a healthier lifestyle.

Is it any wonder that we recommend these supportive, caring social networks as a component of successful weight loss?

SOUND OFF

Here are a few questions that have arisen. Please SOUND OFF! Click on the “comment” section below this article and provide your feedback. Let’s see what OUR opinion is on this subject!!!

-Should restaurants be held accountable for the calorie and fat content advertised on their menu?

-Should this be regulated?

* Seattlepi.com reported County, Restaurants Strike Deal on Menus – Nutrition data required only at largest chains (by Cherie Black, P-I Reporter)

* The Center of Science in the Public Interest reported that Judge Upholds NYC Law Requiring Calories on Menus & Menu Boards – Ruling Paves the Way for More Cities, States to Give Restaurant Diners Nutrition Information

-Do you hold yourself accountable for the calorie content when eating out, despite the menu labeling? If so, how can you do so without definitively knowing the exact ingredients or quantities used?

-Should chain restaurants, by their size and/or national presence, be held to a higher standard than your local mom and pop restaurant?

-Are restaurants legally liable for their calorie claims; could it be considered as defrauding the public?

-Is it as simple as human error?

-Do you know the laws in your state or county?

-Helpful suggestions?

Suggestions for Dining Out Success

Here are a few things that may help you when eating out.

• Call ahead to discuss healthy options and how food is prepared

• Review the menu online and make a decision based on what you KNOW about food preparation and calorie content; i.e. grilled better than fried, plain better than breaded, etc.

• Order condiments on the side so you can control portion size

• Order a “to go” container to accompany your meal; divide it in half before you start eating and take the other half home for another meal

• Give yourself a free meal; know you will consume more calories than healthy and accept the consequences. You can adjust your home cooked meals before and after this to lessen the effect.

• Implement intuitive eating techniques by ordering any entrée you want, even the most decadent, and eating only 3-4 bites of each item. In this manner you satisfy your craving but exercise control by realizing the craving is satisfied with those few bites and any further eating is truly indulgence.

Hold true to your dream, stay steadfast in your determination and never, ever give up. YOU CAN DO THIS AND EXPERIENCE YOUR SUCCESS!

Sunshine wishes and much success.

Make Yourself a Priority!

Make Yourself a Priority!

In my early twenties, much to my chagrin, I found myself divorced. On a day-to-day basis, I had the awesome responsibility of raising my precious young daughter and I did my best to balance full-time employment, household chores, preparing meals and spending quality time with my child. Although her father saw her every other weekend, and diligently paid child support, I found myself feeling the need to over-compensate for having only one parent in the household.

My precious princess was soon enrolled in dance, Girl Scouts, school activities and softball. It wasn’t enough to merely support her in those activities, I then took on the duties of Girl Scout leader, chairman of the annual cookie sales and co-chaired two large camping events for the association. Dance lessons expanded to tap, ballet, jazz and toe and I became a regular chaperone on the class trips at school.

These activities are all worthwhile and I highly recommend them. However, as a single parent trying to work, maintain a household, support my daughter’s activities and also spend individual quality time with her, I found myself exhausted and failing. It was then that my mother gave me a sage piece of wisdom and said, “You can’t make anyone else happy if you are not happy.”

I found it necessary to scale back some activities and make some time for myself. I couldn’t make my daughter happy if I was tired and exhausted all the time. My little one could remain in her activities, but I did not need to chair the annual cookie sales nor did I need to lead the camping trips for the association. I did need to make some time to do some of the adult activities that I found rewarding, like attending a play or attending a social event with friends. (In hindsight, a wiser choice would have been to get involved in a regular exercise program.)

Those words have always remained true, although I sometimes need to be reminded of them.

This past week, a kind friend posted an entry on DailyStrength that very eloquently reminds us that we need to make ourselves a priority! Both stories are concise, to the point and give us pause to reflect on their meaning. With her permission, and her request to remain anonymous, we gratefully share her words with you.

Heard of the Golden Goose?

Imagine you have a golden goose that lays golden eggs.

What's more important? Is it the golden eggs or the golden goose?

If you don't look after the goose, what happens to the eggs?

You don't get any!

You can use today's tool to help determine which of your Life Priorities are golden eggs, and which priorities nurture the goose so it can keep giving you golden eggs.

Ideally, you need to order your priorities so the goose (that's you!) is higher than the golden eggs (what you produce).

For example, what's your most valuable financial asset? You might think it's your house, but it's not.

Your Most Valuable Financial Asset, let's say your house (a golden egg) is worth $300,000 and that you (the golden goose) earn $40,000 per year.

Looks like the house is worth more, huh?

But after 20 years, your house might be worth $400,000, but over that time you have earned $800,000.

So, your ability to earn is twice as valuable as your house.

Or the "golden goose" (you) is worth twice as much as your most valuable "golden egg."

In light of this, how high should "Health" be as a priority?

On an Airplane with your Child in Danger

Imagine …

If you're on a plane with your son or daughter, and the flight attendant is doing the pre-take off routine, what do they tell you to do if there is a loss of cabin pressure?

Do they tell you to put your child’s oxygen mask on first, or do they tell you to put your mask on and THEN help your child?

They tell you to put yours on first because, if you aren't in a conscious state, you can't help ANYONE.

This is an example when it is loving and compassionate to make you the number one priority and put yourself first.

Do you feel better now about making "Yourself" a priority in other areas of life, so you have something to give to the people and work you love?

Closing thoughts

We’d like to encourage each of you to examine the “Health” aspect of your lives and reach out and make the time to exercise and eat healthy, nutritional food. Take the time to consider your health and ask yourself, “What will you be able to do without it?”

Don’t forget, we BELIEVE in YOU!!!

Exploring Weight Loss Facts!

Exploring Weight Loss Facts

You must have tried it all, the diet programs that promise to melt away the fat, the magic pills that guarantee to tone your waistline, exercise plans that ensure delivering the perfect abs, only to find them to be false promises and weight loss scams!

Have you ever thought about the real reason why you are over-weight?

Ask yourself, ”When was the last time you heard a friend say that they were able to lose the weight and keep it off using a popular fad diet or some weight-loss drug?” Do you remember some of those, the grapefruit diet, the cabbage soup diet, and the starvation diet???

Let’s explore the real truth why we are heavy. Let’s dig into the world of weight loss and open our eyes to what we have tried, why we have failed, how to learn from our mistakes and how to stay focused and healthy.

DANGEROUS DRUGS-

Drugs have been around for centuries, but they were mainly used for remedies. In the modern world, they are a big booming business. Billions are made every year on weight loss drugs and supplements but obesity is spreading at an alarming rate worldwide.

So, while there are many, many drugs out there that promise to eradicate obesity and weight related issues, why is this deadly epidemic spreading like an uncontrollable wild fire?

The truth is right before our eyes. If we only looked closer it would have emerged sooner. Most manufacturers don't care about your well-being; instead, their eyes are on your money! As their bank accounts grow fatter, so does your waistline.

Temptation is the main weapon in their arsenal. We read the flashing ads, watch and listen to the media, and you are off to the drug store to purchase that magic pill that promises to melt away your fat! We are sometimes so desperate to lose weight; we wouldn't even hesitate to try poison! Even when Ephedra was found to be detrimental to a person’s health and removed from store shelves, there were those still trying to find a source so they could continue taking it.

Always take your time and validate those skinny testimonials that are cleverly designed to manipulate you. Be real and think straight. Validate the authenticity of a product, get on the Internet and the world will be at your fingertips!

Always make sure you research and re-research before you purchase. Remember an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure; it is your life that is at stake!

DIETS THAT ONLY MAKE YOU STARVE YOURSELF TO DEATH-

We like to shine like those slim celebrities and our wants get the better of us. While no one can ever blame you for your desires, at what cost are we going to achieve our dream shape?

We hear and read the devastating effects of starvation diets, yet we fail to learn. Why are we not receptive? Why don't we think?

There are so many diets out there from A-Z. But a staggering ninety percent of them fail
They fail so badly that we despise them and take an oath not to try to diet again in our lifetime. But, as a new day dawns we make the same mistakes again. We become addicted and starve our self in the hope it will shed those pounds away. Once we get off our diet, the weight comes right back, many times with the added bonus of a few more pounds! We feel heavier than ever and feel sick to our stomachs.

The bottom line is diets don't work! Yes, they can help you lose weight in the short term but in the long run, it is your lifestyle and discipline that comes to the rescue.

Keep in touch with the media and strive to increase your knowledge. Research new developments in the health industry and keep your information up to date as it can directly affect the decisions you make regarding your health.

DIETS THAT THEY KNOW YOU CAN'T STICK TO-

Just because your good friend recommended it, don't try everything! It may suit your friend's lifestyle and her body type but does it suit yours?

Always ask these questions:

Will it suit my lifestyle?
Can I afford it?
Does it truly stand for what it promises?
What are the benefits?
Is it healthy?

Keep asking questions!

Don't rush into anything; take your time and do the necessary calculations. Choose the right diet and stick to it, it will help you lose some extra pounds. Again, please remember that “diets” cannot last for a lifetime; it's only a temporary cure for your hick-up!

UNNATURAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN PUT YOUR HEALTH FOREVER AT RISK-

We live in a world of pollution and impurities. The fruits and vegetables we consume may no longer provide the vital nutrition our bodies so badly need. Sometimes we may not be getting sufficient nutrition from our food, which can leave our energy levels depleted. It is always advisable to take natural vitamin and mineral supplements to make you feel at your best. But don't take it just because a diet guru recommends it or because everyone is taking it! Most so-called diet gurus and fitness experts are either only interested in selling something to you, or just plain don't know what they're really talking about. A few questions you may consider is whether or not they are receiving a commission on the sale, whether they are taking the product themselves, and don’t forget to do your research on the product, the company and the nutritional values.

Normally herbal supplements are considered a good source of nourishment, but don't be fooled by the brand name “herbal”. The name herbal no longer stands for what it says. Marketers use this name to cleverly disguise their products for increased sales. Always read the label, study a bit about the nutritional content and then decide whether it's good for you or not. Pass your knowledge on to your children so they know what is good and what is bad from the tender age.

ANYTHING THAT WORKS UNNATURALLY AGAINST YOUR BODY

Do you question whether a particular diet or supplement is beneficial and yet they seem irresistibly inviting? If you think it can be unhealthy or do your body harm, then turn your back at it! Some diets, pills or supplements can work unnaturally against your body and your desired feeling of well-being may fade.

Always know that the purpose of trying a diet or food plan is to make you feel better and healthier. Don't stray away from your goals for a minute or you may find yourself in an unwelcome position.

STAYING FOCUSED AND CONNECTED

It is imperative to stay connected with the world out there if you are to make the best, brightest and correct choice for your health. Be an anxious learner. It is you who has to make the right decision about your health. Stay tuned-in to the facts and in time you will learn how to stay on top of the game and melt away the fat forever!

Too Old To Lose Weight?

Too Old To Lose Weight?

Weight loss has become a serious issue in our community and it affects people of all ages and both sexes, from teenagers to the elderly. Today, even societies children are getting obese at an alarming rate. As many people are becoming aware of the physical damage and serious health issues excess weight can cause, many people are looking to change their lifestyle. They are reevaluating their choices, taking stock of their situation and electing healthy eating and exercise to change their lifestyle and reach their goals.

What do you do if you are aging and your metabolism is slowing you down?

What steps can you take when your muscles ache and your bones creak?

What can you do when your uncooperative limbs make exercising more difficult?

So, here is the million-dollar question! “Do You Think You Are Too Old To Lose Weight? "
Slower metabolism, bad knees, buzzing lifestyle, fewer active friends, less free time, (saggy bosoms …loll) ... it all conspires to make you want to take a nap instead of getting out there and moving. However, with the right determination and the correct guidance, you will be able to lose weight and stay fit. The best thing you can do is to work with weights and implement cardio -- circuit training -- so that you get your metabolism going again. Swimming and bicycling are also great alternatives with summer approaching and much easier on those creaking and/or ailing joints. Having said that, you should always consult your physician before undertaking any exercise program.

You may hit a plateau every now and then. I know how it feels! It is a very difficult time when you are putting in the effort and lifestyle changes to lose weight and the pounds seem to stay glued and don’t budge! The fear of losing this battle slowly creeps in with the daily disappointments of the scales not moving.

I have been disappointed several times in my life, not only with weight related issues but personal issues as well. There came a time when I told myself, "THIS IS THE END OF THE ROAD AND I GIVE UP!” Funny thing about life, it doesn't give up on you so easily; it teases you with its magical twists and turns! People are brought into your path that encourage you and stimulate your thought processes, if you are open-minded enough to be truly reflective and examine the meaning of the words they share.

Life is much easier if we know how to fight these obstacles! Just remember this,there is a warrior that lives within each of us and the urge to battle on is stirred in your mind every time you feel defeated! We don't like to be defeated and we don’t accept defeat, do we? Cowards do that and we are not one of those! That's why one of my favorite quotes is “Never Say Die!"

Whenever you start losing confidence in yourself, that is a stepping-stone to failure. NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF OR YOUR DREAMS! Keep chasing them and the triumph of the battles will follow you; the pounds will melt!

Although I don't qualify to give you any expert or medical advice, I start my day with renewed strength and new hope by saying, "Today Is the Day I Take the Sword to My Weight Loss!” With each pound you lose victory will fall at your feet! Set small goals for yourself and be realistic about them. DailyStrength has an amazing tool where you can set your weight loss goal and track your progress. Be realistic about your goals! Perhaps set your goal at a pound a week. As you make healthy food choices and institute that exercise program, the weight will start tumbling down as the weeks fly by!

If you become moody and stressed during this whole delicate process, I would suggest bringing some excitement into your life! Do something entertaining and enjoyable! Develop a routine and take some time to relax. Take up reading, sewing or anything you can do indoors. If you can go outside, then the possibilities of driving the depression monster away are endless! Count your calories and keep a track of what you eat; journaling is very important to your success. Check with your physician as to the appropriate calorie level as each person differs depending on their age, their activity level, etc. Personally, I stayed between 1,300 and 1,500. Others who are more active require more calories and need to stay between 1600-2000.

Sometimes people slip but that's natural! Give yourself a hug and shrug off any negative thoughts and keep moving forward. When you feel like moving, go for a brisk walk or do a light work out at home and when you are ready to breathe the air of the gym, get going!

YOU are going to be fine and do wonderfully. We BELIEVE In YOU and you can be the next great weight loss success!

Now What Did You Say? Too Old To Lose Weight? Think Again! You are much younger than that!

Need an Exercise Buddy? Try Losing Weight with Your Pet!

Need an Exercise Buddy? Try Losing Weight With Your Pet!

Do you feel the stress or the depression of having to lose a lot of weight slowly creeping up your nerves? Well then ... it's your body saying you need to go have a workout and get some sweat on your t-shirt!

I know sometimes you feel reluctant to leave the comfort of your home for many reasons. For some people, it is their domain and for others their command center! While the TV room, the computer that goes online and the video games can keep you entertained, it can also be as if you are under house arrest for such a long time, the word "exercise" becomes a distant memory in your vocabulary.

But, somewhere in your mind, in a silent corner of your brain, you can sometimes hear a faint voice crying ... "You need to get some exercise .." This may happen several times before you really feel the urge to go work out! But, as soon as the thought appears, I hear you say, "If only I had a friend to exercise with me, I would definitely go out ..." Don't worry, I am not eavesdropping on your complaints or reading your mind! I know that because it was my excuse, and that of many others, to continue to hide behind the walls and hope all these pounds will melt away without a bead of sweat!

Eliminate the excuse - "If I only had a friend, an exercise buddy, it would not be so boring!"

I know a friend to go out jogging would be a great proposition! But not all of our friends have the time for a walk.So what do we do? Do we continue the same way for the rest of our life?No, of course not!

I thought I wanted to get out and change my life, the way I looked and the way I felt about myself. I knew that unless I was willing to try new experiences and commit myself to exercise, I would always feel as if I was failing and not living up to my potential. The determination and the urge to become successful made me innovative.

I found a friend who, although he could not talk, was every bit a companion and just as real as a person! If the absence of an exercise buddy is the only thing stopping you, then it's time to stop the excuses and look around your house. Maybe you forgot the fact that you have always had a dear friend around you, who needs some real exercise as much as you do! By now, you must know whom I am talking about! Yes, of course, it is your pet!

For me, pets have been always been fascinating! As an animal lover, I admire and adore them.They will never say no to you and they will never back away. They are lively, energetic and ever ready! Well, the thought of your pet being an exercise buddy may be amusing to you, but try taking a walk with your pet and see your spirits rise!

Don't be afraid to go out and feel that winter chill or the mid summer sun on your face! In taking these little steps and implementing these new innovations, you are going to change that bit of laziness within us to a person of action!

Exercise, pet and innovative? I know what you are thinking! I hear you say "Are you crazy? lol..
I Know. I am with you mate!

Why do I stress exercise so much? Well, if you are to lose weight, exercise plays a great part in that goal and could be the major deciding factor in your journey to success! There are countless reasons why exercise is good; here are some you will want to explore a little further.


Stress - it will fly out the window!

Depression - well,it too will exit out another window!

Active - you will feel a spring in your feet.

Composed - you will feel your mind thinking clearly and making decisions will become easier and more concise.

Concentration - you will become an expert at this!

Healthier heart - you will have given your heart a new lease on life!

Stronger bones - they, too, will enjoy the benefits of exercise!

Toned muscles - well, do i need to elaborate more?

A Healthier, whole new you - I think you get the picture!

Here are some out door activities that you can do with your pet. Remember, it is not only healthier for you but healthier for your pet to get some exercise!

Suggestions for fun time with your pet-

*Throw a frisby and feel the movement in your arms and biceps; you are nearer to seeing them toned!

*Run a 100 meter sprint ... on your mark, set, go!

*Throw a ball and see who fetches it first!

*While you are getting to be good sprinter, challenge yourself to 200 meters and see who pants more!

*When you stop feeling your heart pumping at 200 meters, increase your distance.

*Gradually test your endurance, and your pets, and see who is stronger!"

*Want to try a tug of war? Well, that is a real challenge!

*Get on your bike and see if you can paddle faster than your pet..

The options are endless and i know you have a very creative mind.Know each time you go out and get some activity, you are one step closer to achieving your dreams, one step closer to
your goals!

Throughout the competition with your pet, make sure you both stay hydrated. It is essential your fluid levels are replenished and remain at a healthy level! As the exercise routines and fun continue with your inseparable companion, you will feel exercise much more rewarding. Your pet will smile too and you will be happier and more inspired each time you head out the door.

While your self esteem climbs up the ladder, your TV room and the comfy sofa will seem like the arch villains! You will want to spend more and more time with your lively companion! The park or the side-walk will seem like a safe haven and "the place" to be! You will often admire your courage and your determination! You will learn to look forward to exercise.When ever you wear your workout out fit you will feel empowered!

Soon you will start to love exercising and it will not feel like a chore anymore! Look yourself in the mirror and you will start smiling and see those pounds disappear! When you take your pet out the next time you will hear yourself saying, "Aren't we an awesome exercise duo!"

Self-Motivation ~ My Strategy for Weight Loss Success; Could it be Yours???

Self-Motivation ~ My Strategy for Weight Loss Success; Could it be Yours???

When undertaking the task of losing weight and changing your lifestyle, there are undoubtedly periods of time where renewed motivation is required. For me, this involves two processes: (1) the search for those people, stories, quotes and friendships that inspire me and (2) an introspective look at myself that ultimately culminates in a deeper understanding of life and furthers personal growth.

The Search-

Feeling deeply committed to those who have joined the blog and the Weight Loss Group hosted at DailyStrength, my heart has been heavy as I watch the motivation of these wonderful, caring people decline and their posts slow to a snails pace. How can I motivate them? What are they feeling? How can I “pay it forward” to honor those who helped me and assist these people who are crying out for help? What if my motivation is waning?

Following some soul searching, I asked this question, “Name someone or something you found extremely motivational and examine what it was that made you feel that way.”

Have you seen the movie Lorenzo’s Oil? If not, may I suggest you rent it and watch it. It is the real life drama of Augusto and Michaela Odone and their unbelievable motivation, unyielding determination and unending love for their son. At five years of age, he was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD); a horrible debilitating disease that slowly robs young boys of their ability to walk, talk, swallow and ends with taking their life, usually within 24 months of diagnosis.

In spite of their son’s impending demise, the Odones began a mission to save Lorenzo’s life. They went to various medical facilities, submitted their son to the latest medical protocols and scientific trials only to watch their son’s health decline. They decided to learn everything they could about this little studied rare disease and poured through libraries and medical literature to broaden their knowledge. They were unyielding in their desire to ask questions and understand the disease process and how various treatments affected their son’s status. When faced with opposing information, they steadfastly stood together and summoned their inner strength to not only care for Lorenzo’s failing health, but to collide with support groups, doctors, researchers, and scientists in their quest for a cure.

Through the unbridled dedication and self-motivation, the Odone’s stretched the boundaries of conventional medicine and identified the formula that now saves the lives of countless children diagnosed with ALD. While the Odone’s formula did not “cure” the disease, it holds the disease from progressing any further and these children live; what a victory for all! Their son, Lorenzo, was 14 at the time the movie was released and had long outlived the 24-month life expectancy of the doctors.

An Introspective Look-

I opened my mind to new thoughts and took a look into my life and how I might be able to use these things I so admired in Augusto and Michaela Odone to provide me with self-motivation.

•Motivation – What is your motivation? Mine was to learn to be kind to myself, to be healthy, to live, to set a goal and show my grandchildren you could accomplish what you set your mind to do.

•Determination – Are you determined to succeed? I was determined to not give up, to realize I was human and would fail from time to time and forgive myself quickly.

•Unending Love – Do you love yourself? Do you love someone else? Learning to care for myself has been a large part of my journey and there are those in my life who I love dearly … family, friends, coworkers, and others.

•Mission – What is your mission? Mine was to succeed in becoming healthy and developing a positive self image.

•Learn – Do you want to learn and gain the knowledge of others? Is your mind open to new thoughts and ideas? My mind yearned for knowledge and while it wasn’t as easy to institute true change in the beginning, learning and evolving is now one of the most important and enjoyable elements of my life.

•Desire – Do you have a burning desire, a dream you want to turn into a reality? Initially, it was to lose weight and have my tummy fixed; now it is to develop the blog, support the weight loss group, help others succeed along their individual journeys and honor those who so selflessly helped me.

•Understand – Do you understand where you have been, where you are going and why you are where you are in this process? Understanding where I had been took time, effort and self-examination. I understood where I was going although as I began my journey, I could only see a stone or two ahead of me. The farther I progressed on my journey and the more knowledge I gained, the farther down the path I could see. I must tell you that I did, and do, remain open to stumbling, falling down and getting up. I’m never so set on a path that I cannot choose a different fork in the road if a new opportunity presents itself.

•Steadfast – Are you willing to be steadfast and committed to yourself? I learned that I needed to keep putting one step in front of the other and eventually I would arrive at my goal.

•Inner Strength – Do you have the inner strength to grow and achieve your goals? One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that I am stronger than I thought possible; YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!

•Dedication – Do you have the dedication to continue and not give up? I did and am continuing on my journey. YOU CAN TOO!!!

•Self-Motivation – Do you have it? Are you willing to get it? I have it and continue to get it. Truly hope this is your choice; would love to share in your success!!!

•Victory – Do you want to claim victory for yourself? I am! You Can!!!

Sunshine Wishes-

While we can provide support, information, answer questions and give you those wonderful virtual hugs, we can only provide some ideas regarding motivation. You must allow your mind to open and explore the words that are shared and you are the only one who can put them into action. YOU really can make your goals and dreams come true.

Please know WE BELIEVE IN YOU and as my mentor shared with me, “BELIEVE, even when it is not rational, and good things WILL happen …”

Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey.

Sunshine wishes,

Ranae

PS – If you’d like to read more about Lorenzo Odone, here is a website that has some more recent information (he is now 30!)

Eating Healthy or Unhealthy ~ The Choice and the Consequences are Yours!

Eating Healthy or Unhealthy ~ The Choice and the Consequences are Yours!

Want to continue eating unhealthy day-to-day? Stop reading. Want to learn and make the choice to eat healthy, knowing you’re human and may have an occasional day where this doesn’t happen? Read on and open your mind to some new possibilities!

Put a “STOP and THINK” sign on your cupboard and refrigerator doors to remind yourself to ask these questions before proceeding. Then choose your plan of action and proceed knowing the decisions and the consequences are yours!

Are you hungry? Is there a gnawing and growling in your tummy?

• If no, then examine why you are at the cupboard or the refrigerator looking for something to eat.

• What emotions are you feeling? Sad? Happy? Depressed? Angry? Bored?

• Has a specific incident just happened? A fight? A disappointment?

• What activity were you just doing?

• Is going in search of food a habit you have developed whether you are hungry or not?

• If so, then examine the reason why you are at the cupboard or the refrigerator

• Have you given any thought to what motivated you to begin your journey? Your health? Lowering your blood pressure or your cholesterol? Living to see your children or grandchildren? Wanting to share more time with your spouse? Being able to be active? To wear pretty clothes? To improve your self-esteem? To feel better?

If you are hungry and you feel a gnawing and growling in your tummy, then examine if you want to make a healthy choice or an unhealthy choice.

• If electing to eat healthy, then select good nutritional items that contain acceptable caloric content . Eat protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-fat or low-fat dairy. Eat in moderation.

• If electing to eat unhealthy foods, then realize what you are doing by understanding what it will cost you to make this choice. Your health goals may be affected; your weight and cholesterol numbers may increase.

You may have a larger relapse following this choice. You may die earlier due to associated health related issues. You may not live to see your children raised or enjoy your grandchildren. You may have to resort to wearing over-sized clothing or tight clothing and those pretty clothes you yearn to wear simply won’t fit. Your self-esteem may suffer. You may feel worse, physically and mentally.

By this time, if you’re truly hungry and elected a healthy option, you are on your way to the success you desire; Congratulations! If you’re not hungry but wish to eat anyway or if you continue to be challenged with the urge to eat in an unhealthy manner, there are a few more thoughts to consider.

• Not hungry? Then try implementing these changes.

• Sad? Go do something you know will make you happy, get your nails done, call a friend, go for a walk, get out of your present location, read motivational thoughts, get online and talk to your support group friends.

• Happy? Yeah you .. go somewhere where you don’t eat, like a walk in the park, skip around the block, take a candlelit bath … you don’t eat in the tub, do you?

• Depressed? Read the article about the good wolf and the bad wolf and feed the good wolf.
Join a support group. Get out and do something new. Go shopping for a self-help book and read it. Get outside and feel the sunshine on your face. Watch the clouds move. Listen to the birds sing. Count your blessings.

• Angry? Go work out at the gym and run on the treadmill, ride a bike, or hit a punching bag. Go for a long, fast-paced walk. Take a pad of paper and go sit outside in the sunshine or a library and write down your feelings. Journal your feelings online in your support group ~ they can be shared with all to gain assistance and knowledge from others within the site. You can elect to share your journal site-wise, with only those you’ve elected to be your online friends or you can keep your entries private ~ for your eyes only. I would recommend not handing them to the person you’re angry at … sometimes we say and/or write things in anger we wouldn’t say otherwise and might regret later.

• Bored? Come to my house, I’ve got LOTS to DO! LOLLL Find a new activity or interest. Take a class at a community college or local university; they’re inexpensive and you meet new people. Start a new project or finish an old one that you’ve been meaning to do. Exercise. Volunteer to help others; it will bless your life.

• A fight? We all do from time to time. Be sure you “fight fair”.

-State the action: “When you yelled …”

-State how YOU feel, you are entitled to your feelings … “…it made me feel like I wasn’t important. …”

-State what you would have liked to have had happen (sometimes it’s good to give two options) “… I would have preferred that we talk quietly about what was bothering you and ways to make improvements” OR” I would have preferred there had been no yelling and that we planned a later time to discuss this when tempers had cooled”

• A disappointment? Disappointments are unfortunate but not a reason to be unkind to you; they are a part of life as well. Believe it or not, without disappointment we would not know pleasure, happiness and contentment. It is all about balance. Perhaps when feeling disappointment, you can find another activity to do that brings you joy or you can simply think of the pleasure and joy you’ve shared before and count your blessings.

Now, all that said, if you still elect to make a choice that is unhealthy, then by all means do NOT beat yourself up for it! Realize you are human, you will make and choose decisions that may be contrary to your goals, but they are for that day. Accept the choice, enjoy what you are going to eat, forgive yourself and start the next day out without guilt and a renewed commitment to live healthier and make better choices. Life is a learning process for all of us and while we enjoy and share the company of others along our path, our journey is of our making and leads us where we wish to go. I’ll restate a favorite quote and a few others that helped me many times when faced with these decisions …


“Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be?” Nelson Mandela


“The only limits to our realization of our tomorrow are our doubts of today.” Franklin D Roosevelt

”To achieve the seemingly impossible, you must first dream it possible.” Victor Havel

”As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.” Emerson

”Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry Ford


To quote a dear friend, “Too many times we have a dream and we have voices that tell us why it can't be done or how hard it will be, explaining to us in great detail the obstacles and the difficulty. In doing so they are well meaning yet damaging beyond measure.

Too many times we listen to those voices - too many times ours is one of the voices.

It is our dream no one has a right to prevent us from reaching it, least of all us.”

Sunshine wishes and many heartfelt hugs … always … Ranae

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Positive Thoughts from Becky …

Affirmation: My past does not control my future.

Truth Be Known: Other people's opinions are just their opinions.

Quote: “Happiness never comes to those who don’t appreciate what they already have.

Unknown Latin Proverb: It is the part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

Funny: Every morning is the dawn of a new error.

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To Weigh or not to Weigh? – The Dreaded Scale and the Unending Question!

To Weigh or not to Weigh? – The Dreaded Scale and the Unending Question!

How to weigh yourself

OK … so we might as well enjoy a little humor with this subject!

This is the most fascinating question and seems to generate an unbelievable amount of responses; each person fairly secure that their manner of facing the dreaded scale to measure their weight is the correct way.


I can’t believe I was doing it wrong all these years!

There seems to be a happy medium that needs to be sought and it is different for each person. While we need the scales to monitor our progress, the results seem to lead us through a range of emotions from depressed and ready to give up to being elated and motivated to continue our plan with vigor.

The truth may be that we need to be kinder and gentler to ourselves and realize that our true goal is to change to a healthier lifestyle and that if we are committed to that, day-by-day, we WILL achieve our goal! The scale is merely a tool to help us monitor our progress from time to time. The journal of our food intake, the calories and the exercise we commit ourselves to do is the real indicator of our success; the scale is the ultimate truth machine as to whether or not we’re doing that correctly.

So, just as the tortoise went slow and easy, was steady and determined, remember who one the race? Through the never-ending faith and persistence, the tortoise won the race and so can you!

Below are comments from various people who, just like you, face this question and try to make sense of it; each ultimately trying to develop a plan to monitor our weight that works positively for us. You may find your feelings somewhere below or you may have other feelings that have not yet been expressed. Please feel free to share them in the comment section at the bottom of the blog so others facing their own journeys can receive the benefit of your knowledge.

Should I weigh daily?

I weigh daily, each morning, as soon as I awake. I go to the bathroom and weigh without clothes so my true weight is recorded each day. In this manner, I can make adjustments in my eating choices for that day based on what the scale shows. I am aware that there can be a fluctuation of 1-2 pounds due to water weight so that never bothers me. It does give me immediate confirmation of my behavior and I hold myself accountable to make the appropriate adjustments swiftly for any weight outside of that so I remain on course.

It makes me absolutely crazy to get on the scale daily; it is an emotional roller coaster.

When a “bad” number shows up, I immediately head to the kitchen to eat; it is self-defeating.

My moods are affected greatly by the numbers on the scale; I just can’t weigh daily. I had to step away from the scales.

I couldn’t stay away from the scales so I gave them to a family member and got them out of the house and removed the daily temptation to get on them. I was drawn to the scales like a moth to a flame and it was not producing good results.

Should I weigh weekly?

I weigh in weekly on the same day each week; it provides me with additional motivation. A few days prior to my weigh in I really buckle down to see some results.

I’m in Weight Watcher’s and weigh every week.

Should I weigh once a month?

I just keep doing what I know to do and then when I get weighed in a month, I can see how much I’ve lost and take pleasure in my achievement.

I try staying off the scale and it helps me to have longer periods between my weighing sessions. I don’t let the scale rule my life.

I weigh once a month. Although I remain curious and am tempted, it has helped me stay on my plan. Previously, I used the slight change in numbers to derail myself from my plan.

Should I take a hammer to the scales and throw them away?

I threw out the scales and ignore them; I go by howI feel and how my clothes fit.

I only get weighed at the doctor’s office.

I don’t weigh.

I may take a hammer to my scales once I’ve reached my goal!

What if the scales don’t change?

Give yourself a HUGE HUG and a pat on the back; you HAVE made progress! Your weight has remained constant and you have not gained!!! That is improvement over your past behavior and leads to the advancement of your understanding, which is ultimately what is needed when making a long-term lifestyle change!

Besides, the scales should change in the following week or two. Remember the tortoise; they will! :]

What if the scales go up?

A slight shift upwards could be due to the time of day; we tend to weigh heavier as the day progresses or it could be that you are wearing a heavier outfit than you weighed in last time.

If you’re exercising, muscle weighs heavier than fat and this can account for a minimal weight gain.

Journal your food intake, absolutely everything, and see how many calories you are truly consuming. Count every bite that goes in your mouth, including tasting dinner while cooking, eating a few bites from the plates of your children or grabbing a candy or two from the office candy jar; you may be surprised.

If you’re still having trouble and they continue to go up, send me your journal and how to contact you and we will discuss.


Sunshine wishes and many heartfelt hugs … always … Ranae

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Positive Thoughts from Becky …

Affirmation: I choose to be a happy person.

Truth Be Known: Don’t sweat the small stuff—it’s all small stuff.

Quotes: One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. -- Andre Gide

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. --Chief Joseph

Funny: I don't suffer from insanity...I enjoy every minute of it.

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