Sunday, January 30, 2011

Positive Thinking Will Change Your Life

Do you know you have the power to control your thoughts? Your thoughts can work for you or against you, but many of us are not aware of this. When your mind works for you, you are able to accomplish your goals, stay positive and think thoughts that allow you to enjoy your day.
Mindsets are ways we have trained ourselves to think. Many times we are not conscious of the mindsets we have acquired over our lifetime. If we can retrain ourselves to recognize the negative thoughts and replace it with positive thoughts we will be much healthier physically, emotionally and spiritually. I encourage you to train your mind to work for you, rather than against you.
According to the Mayo Clinic, thinking positively may also result in the following health benefits:
• Decreased negative stress
• Greater resistance to catching the common cold
• A sense of well-being and improved health
• Reduced risk of coronary artery disease
• Improved coping ability during hardships
For many of my Transitions clients, their mindsets are the stumbling block to their weight-loss goals. Many times before they even begin the program they start to doubt if it will work for them. They often revert back to their old ways, believing they can never change.
On the other hand, the person who begins the program enthusiastically, and is open to change will start to see the weight drop off. This will encourage them even more, mindsets begin to change, determination sets in and lives are transformed.
We often do things based on feelings. If we don’t “feel” like it, we don’t do it, even when we know it’s healthier. If we can learn to focus on the consequences verses rewards of not doing something or doing something, then we are more apt to follow through. For example, I don’t always feel like exercising, but I know it’s good for me and I will feel much better afterwards. This motivates me to exercise again, and I now love to do it!
Excuses are another thing I often hear from my clients. Here are some of the excuses I hear:
• It’s too hard!
• I can’t afford it!
• I don’t feel like it!
• I don’t have the time!
These can be legitimate to an extent, but they can usually be overcome if we allow ourselves to consider the consequences verses rewards. In conclusion, your thoughts are in your control. Take control and make them work for you not against you. With God’s help, determination and discipline you will lead a much healthier, happier lifestyle!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Are Supplements Worth Taking?

I decided to dedicate this article to some fascinating information on supplements, and if they are worth taking? Many people think all supplements are created equal, I am not an expert on the matter, but in my research, trainings and personal experience, I have found this is far from the truth!
One thing you want to look for in a supplement is absorbability. Many vitamins are sold in pill form and have coatings, artificial colors, hydrogenated oils and fillers that make them very hard for the body to absorb and digest. A supplement that I use is a powder that I mix with water which is isotonic.
All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, which is called osmotic pressure. In order for a substance to be used in the body's metabolism, it must be changed to the isotonic state. When an isotonic substance enters the body, it will be absorbed rapidly. With isotonic fluids, little nutritive value is lost, thus, the absorption of nutrients is highly efficient. An isotonic fluid is nature's own nutrient delivery system.
There are about 40 vitamins and minerals that are essential and must be obtained by diet and or supplementation. These days we can no longer get all the nutrients we need from our foods. Vitamins can help replace them because our body cannot synthesize enough to meet its needs.
Air pollutants, chemicals and other environmental hazards can cause free radicals to damage our bodies. Vitamins and minerals that are high in antioxidants can help fight these free radicals. Also, eating organic fruits such as, blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries, as well as, dark, leafy green vegetables are loaded with antioxidants.
We all know calcium is important for strong teeth and bones, and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It can even help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Women and teens especially need a good calcium supplement.
Vitamin C helps keep our immune system strong. B complex gives us energy as well as decreasing stress and improving mood. Both B and C vitamins are water soluble and are not stored in the body so they need to be replaced daily.
Fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, play specific roles in the maintenance and repair of body cells and tissues.
I suggest you do your own research to find the supplements you need, or ask an expert. Of course, combining supplements with healthy eating and exercise is the best way to obtain optimal health.