Saturday, January 3, 2015

Gratitude for 2015


  As the New Year begins, women everywhere will be bombarded with posts, emails, and even texts focusing on all sort of quick weight loss promising beauty, thinness, and look younger instantly. While others will be hearing about the latest workout on how to get you in shape with six packs abs in days and have the body of your dreams in no time. All kinds of crazy and unhealthy diets, cleanses, clean eating, shakes, workout programs, all geared to deplete your wallet as well as make your goals initially seem realistic but eventually become unattainable. Once that happens, a lot of women will most likely spiral down with a negative mindset and on a path to quitting, giving up and feel like a failure. This does not have to be. It is time to women to find freedom and happiness from all of this emotional stress from all of these messages. As many of you know, I have devoted my adult life to helping women to lose weight, get fit and healthy, eat better and feel better about themselves. While I still love what I do, years ago I came to the conclusion both professional as well personally that good health, weight loss and fitness is and HAS to be a year round commitment. Then you will begin to be FREE to have a happier, healthier body as well as a healthy emotional state of wellbeing. This is not any easy fix, it is a lifestyle that you have to make a commitment to you to do your very best and on those days you cannot, you weather the storm, hang tight and begin again next time. Life is filled with ups and downs but it is vitally important for you to stay focused and walk thru the valley only to come out of the tunnel. 

 I have been preaching this for years and still stand by this practice and passion I have today. However, the research is now clear. The commercial weight loss industry has actually contributed to making you stay overweight and unhealthy in many ways. Diets promise a better you but we all know that diets are not the way to a happy, healthy life. What you need to do is have a sound judgment and make choices that work for you every day. The portions at restaurants as enormous, you are tempted in every way, it is becoming socially acceptable in a lot of circles to be overweight and so more people are at a higher weigh compared to 20 years ago. The stress you face daily can add to overeating and bingeing so mindlessly you eat at the first sign of any distress. Women have had battles with food for years but I have noticed it now increasing as commercials, magazines and TV are telling you that you need to be thin and beautiful. Got a wrinkle, your local salesperson on QVC and HSN will help you to get rid of it thus making you feel better. Get the newest workout and let that solved all of your problems. Really, if it only were that easy. Let’s get real about this, you need to accept yourself with the belief that you will work towards becoming a better you every day. YOU will eat as best you can, YOU will get exercise in and you will begin to feel GRATITUDE FOR WHO YOU ARE. As this year comes in, take time to stop and be grateful for your life.   

 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

SUMMER EATING TIPS



My idea of a great summer Saturday is an early power walking workout with Chanel at the Art Museum. Summer eating especially while on vacation is something we all look forward to.  There are those special foods that most of us associate with happy summer times.   But without some planning it’s easy to pack on the pounds.  So here are my summer eating tips that can keep vacation fun and keep you healthy. 


Conscious Eating:  This is essential so that you are aware of everything that’s going in your mouth and can plan accordingly.  If you eat consciously, you’ll actually enjoy your food more and can plan for treats without sabotaging yourself by overdoing it.  

Traveling:  Car trips can be a caloric disaster.  It’s so easy to stop at every convenience store or fast food restaurant along the way.  Instead, pack a cooler with healthy snacks of nuts, fruits, granola and bottles of water.  If you want those French fries on the Boardwalk later, why not make sensible choices earlier in the day? 

Breakfast:  I can’t stress enough how important breakfast is on vacation.  Having a good first meal (and I don’t mean the pancake house every day) will give you energy and prevent the extreme hunger that can lead to making poor food choices. This is especially true for beach-goers.  Do not head to the beach without eating.  You can become dehydrated and feel lightheaded from having no fuel in your body.  The risk is that you’ll be so hungry that you pounce on the first hot dog or ice cream cone you see when you leave the beach.  Eating a piece of fruit, some cereal or yogurt in the morning is the way to go. 

Barbecues:  I just love a great summer barbecue; hanging out with friends, family and eating that smoky, grilled food.  Be conscious of the menu and make your choices wisely.  Have a burger, but opt for a turkey burger, if possible, and think about skipping the roll.  Eat the veggies, green salad and watermelon and be conservative with potato or macaroni salads made with mayonnaise.  There is nothing wrong with having a taste of everything but don’t overload your plate.  This isn’t your last supper.  Leave the party feeling good, not feeling like “Get me to the couch, I’m so stuffed I can’t breathe!” 

Drinking:  We forget that beverages can be sugary and very fattening.  Limit alcoholic beverages like Pina Colada"s to special occasions.  They taste wonderful, but are extremely high in empty calories.  Soft drinks with sugar are really liquid candy.  Even some of those flavored iced coffees are loaded with hidden fats and calories.  A big glass of unsweetened ice tea with lemon, orange or mint leaves is a good way to enjoy a cool refreshing drink.  And drink plenty of water, as it will cool you down and hydrate the body especially during a workout.  
6.    
          Exercise:  If you have been working out all winter, terrific.  But if not, summer is the perfect time to get started.  So have your favorite Kohr Brother’s custard.  But burn off the calories.  Walk, swim or join my ShapelyGirl Workout classes. As I tell my clients: Get off the couch.  Move, breathe and transform yourself.

Debra Mazda, M.Ed. is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Personal Trainer and President of ShapelyGirl Fitness™, a motivational fitness company which includes workout DVD’s, inspirational CD’s, and an online community (www.debramazda.com).  Debra lost 140 pounds 25 years ago by embracing exercise and healthy eating.  E-mail her debramazda@live.com