Coming off the Dieting Crack Wagon

Hey all. How'd you like that title? I've been using the term "Crack" lately only to make a point of how addicted we are to "things" and how we don't see these repetitive patterns in our lives that keep us from achieving our dreams and goals. Our behaviors are usually driven from within our soul. We long for change, we desire instant results, we want to be happier. We all do it to some extent and there are very few who recognize their patterns and seek to correct their problems. Because it's painful to confront yourself.

Today I want to address the addiction we have to instantly lose weight. I read another FB post saying that "today was the day to lose 30lbs again, starting (nationally know weight reduction program)." The point I want to make is on the word "again."

My question is, "why didn't it stay off in the first place." My theory is this. We set our mind on 30lbs gone, we stay true to our diet, might even incorporate a little exercise into the program, weigh faithfully and get excited to see those pounds dropping off. THEN, comes goal day and we eagerly jump on that scale and find instant happiness! WoooHooo! Now we celebrate. We pick up all our favorite comfort foods and begin the binge.....and from there, it goes downhill. We get on the scale again and see the numbers begin to creep up and think...."what am I doing wrong"? We begin to get discouraged and now depression, hopelessness, feelings of failure and low self-esteem begin to set in. And 3 months later, we're back to square one feeling like crap!

I don't want you to think I'm being condescending, but I see this all the time and I want to be very truthful and point out a few things that I have learned about people and I want you to remember, I once weighed 225 so I'm not talking to you about anything that I haven't gone through or experienced myself first!

1. Through these weight loss programs, the thing that is neglected here is a solid nutritional foundation. If your home was built on sand and a massive rain storm came, it would wash your house away. Nutrition that does not have a solid foundation, washes away the same. When I'm working with a overweight client, one of the first things I do is look at the way they eat. They have to journal for me every morsel and liquid that enters their body. Another suggestion I make to them, is to write down their feelings they have during the day. From here, I can get a picture on what makes them tick. Emotional eating can be devastating, but that behavior can be reversed. Accountability and a solid foundation are very important.

2. Learning what healthy options are available to replace unhealthy foods.
I love it when I have a client read a label of a processed food. We usually get some laughter when it comes to pronouncing something like tricalciumnectodycliceride.... a mouthful. But I ask usually ask "what farm do you think that came from"? It's eye-opening and revelation is a powerful thing. It begins a thinking process in us and my hope is that it stays at the front of the mind. We become more aware of what we eat. Some might argue that its easier and cheaper to eat processed food......Well when you don't overeat and learn portion control, eating healthier in the long run is much cheaper, plus, you will need to see the dr. less and less for those antibiotics because eating healthy promotes a healthy immune system!

3.You are what you eat....
Food can be healing to the body. You are made up of more than just skin and bones. You have organs that need healthy food to produce. Healthier choices make you feel better from the inside out. Example: Your Liver. The Liver is the hard-drive for your body, everything we ingest processes through our liver. So if you take X-amount of perscription meds, and eat x-amount of unhealthy foods and drink- x-amount of unhealthy liquids, sooner or later you begin to feel lethargic and toxic, low in the energy tank, etc. and you begin to find other sources to make yourself feel better, ie. energy drinks, diet pills, etc, etc. Your body is literally starving for something to make it feel better, but you havent' been taught the foundations.

4. Little or No Exercise
When I refer to exercise, I'm not talking about running 3 miles, then hitting every body part till you collapse with exhaustion. Just begin by brisk walking 3o minutes a day. This alone will stimulate your heart, brain and organs. Your blood will pump through your veins a little faster, your lungs will have to expand a little larger and the feelings you get when your brain gets the signal that your moving, it releases endorphins which are happy little molecules that float around making you mood improve. Next thing you know, you're are able to think better, clean the house better, accomplish your "to-do" list and can't wait to do it again. It becomes part of your daily routine. EVERYONE HAS 30-MINUTES A DAY! No excuses.

5. Pride.
Every now and then I take a little crap from someone who thinks I rolled out of bed looking like I do. When their spouting off their mouth at me, they have no clue where I came from. I stand their and listen to them tell me that they don't need to lose weight or workout that "their man" likes a little round the middle. It's quite sad because what I'm hearing is anger and hurt, and some emotional baggage. So they make a joke of it, but they're hurting and they don't want to confront it. Everyone thinks they're being judged. I'm not judging, just hearing your heart and seeing your healing, and bring out the potential that is stuck in you.

And on another note, a new season is upon me. Keep your eyes posted for something wonderful.

Your comments and criticisms are always welcomed. If I ever say anything to offend you.....I apologize, but at least you're thinking!

Yours in Health.....Leslie

How to Choose a Personal Fitness Trainer

Today I saw a blog that stated that the person blogging was the best personal trainer in Asheville. I'm Confused, that's a pretty bold statement. How does one determine that about themselves?

Choosing the right Personal Trainer should not be a quick decision; ever. There are many out there who call themselves a "high level" trainer but I want to give you some tips on choosing the right Personal Trainer.

1. Watch them work with their clients.....more than once.
Are they attentive, is the client's form and posture correct, are they doing the exercise correctly or just going through the motions and does the trainer and client look like they are having a good time.

2. Can the Trainer modify quickly to suit the individual? Do they train a variety of ages, shapes and fitness levels?

3. Can the Trainer work with an individual that has had a previous injury or surgery?

4. Can the Trainer spot correctly? This is very important!!!!

5. Does the Trainer practice what they preach? Do they dress appropriately and professionally?

6. Check credentials and insurance!

7. Test the Trainer! They should be in shape and strong themselves. Executing everything perfectly!

DON'T
Let a Trainer chase you around the gym looking for a hard sell.
Impulse buy..this could get you an injury.
Be shy! Ask other gym members/clients about their trainer. They'll tell you.
Let your Trainer work out with you! This is your time and money, not theirs!


Looking for a trainer....just ask me what to look for or a recommendation....I've been around.

Staying fit till the end!
Leslie