Why change?

People can change until they take their last breath.
-Alton R. Jorgenson-

Why change if what you are doing is working? Your ability to change is your biggest advantage in life. And unlike an animal we have the ability to create and change our circumstances. And although sometimes it feels as those change is not possible, and stuck may be the word that comes into your mind frequently. And even if the solution isn't what you may think it is I am sure there is "another option" to enjoy your life and become the full wonderful person that you are.

The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. 

 -Wayne Dyer-

If you feel as though you need a change and you are in the holding pattern, try asking yourself a few questions:

• What is stopping me from making the changes I know I need to make?
• What do I have to loose?
• Will this change bring improvement to my life?
• Are there things in your life that need to happen before this change occurs? If so what?
• Do you really want to change your weight, your life and/or your perception?
• Is this change for you or for someone else?

These questions may help you through your weight loss journey. Becuase part of weight loss is getting in touch with your inner feelings, the ones that are normally stuffed when eating. Be aware of these new feelings and what you really want within your life. And remember if you are having a hard time expressing or dealing with these "extra" feelings seek professional help or check out free support through local groups in your area such as OA (Overaters Anonymous).

Or try out Free Online Chats and Forums:

• FitClick.com
• BuddySlim.com 

Livestrong.com mentions that:
"The Mayo Clinic suggests that many individuals who are trying to lose weight often benefit from behavioral support. If you struggle with motivation or negative eating or lifestyle habits, such as giving in to food cravings or leading a sedentary lifestyle, a peer support group may help you stay motivated. Support groups can help you learn new strategies for long-term weight loss and give you encouragement when you experience difficulties or frustration."


Life is worth the change and although your feet may drag at first things will improve. 


Be the change you want to see in the world.
— Mahatma Gandhi

Loose Weight and Eat What You Want

Is it possible to loose weight and eat what you like?  Sometimes it feels like loosing weight means starving yourself from you favorite goodies. Although sometimes this may be true, it is also relative that maintaining a balanced diet that includes foods that you like will keep you happier and healthier for a longer period of time. Therefore stopping the up and down scenario, starvation, binge, self loathing, etc.

Here are  a few healthy suggestions for maintaining your balance:

PHOTO: Balance with my Edit

• Try a lot of wonderful healthy food, with a little of what you like.
• The time when healthy food tasted bad is long gone. Healthy food has the capacity to taste great! It is just a matter of finding the right source for your healthy recipes. I personally worked with the P90x menu and tweaked it where I found it necessary. 

Other great resources include:

• Cooking Light Magazine
• Prevention Magazine
• Taste of Home Recipe Makeovers
• Fitness Magazine
• Weight Watchers
• Food Network Healthy Eating
• Eating Well Magazine

The key here is to enjoy while you supplement your body with what it needs to prosper.

Ten Great Snacks That Will Tide You Over!

Morning or mid-day depending on the intensity of my workouts I get hungry. And I need to fuel up on a good snack. If I try to ignore the hunger and convince myself that food isn't important or I need to loose some extra pounds so a little starvation will not hurt me, then really I am just hurting myself. Because as soon as I am around food I will gorge my hunger, and usually with the wrong food.  A Chef  by Trade, I acknowledge that food is important and should be enjoyed. And this can be done by planning ahead. Here are ten easy snacks to choose from, pick and choose the time of day to enjoy them.  My current daytime work atmosphere consists of a standard office job, with no facilities to cook. Just a refrigerator and a small microwave. So here it goes, some creative inspiration to fuel your healthy appetite:

1. Celery and nut butter, or for a low-fat option try low or no-fat cream cheese. Spice up your cream cheese flavor with some fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme, or all of them). Very simple preparation includes, 8oz of no fat or low fat cream cheese, a hand full of rinsed and dried herbs, a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of skim milk or water. Sun-dried tomatoes are also a great addition, low-fat and high vitamins.
2. Baked chips and salsa. Don't let yourself eat the whole bag, so before you start eating portion  yourself and do not go back for seconds.
3. Raw veggies and hummus. My favorites are carrots, cukes, cherry tomatoes and apples for a savory and sweet flavor.
4. Medium sized bran muffin, if you are having a sweet tooth drizzle a little warm honey on the top.
5. Greek yogurt (plain and non-fat). Trader Joe's makes a great Greek yogurt. There handy small sizzled portions do well and are usually pretty low in sugar.
6. Low-fat popcorn.
7. Raw veggies, baked chix and a handful of pasta. Top it with 2 tsp of dressing (Caesar or Balsamic Vinaigrette make a great addition).
8. High-protein, low-sugar smoothie. Find yourself a good all inclusive protein powder. I use a brand put out by Nutri-Shop a local business in OC, CA.  1/3 frozen banana, 1/2 tsp Spirilina, ice and fill it up with non-fat milk. Blend and drink.
9. Low-Non Fat Cottage Cheese with a spoonful of jam.
10. Turkey/Cheese Roll. Ditch the bread and go for the good stuff. Roll up one slice of cheese and a few slices of turkey, add a bit of mayo to the middle.

Eat up and enjoy your food while you delight in the greatness of health.