Fun Theory: Inspirations, Recipes and Inducements to have Fun!

Morning Kiddies,

Kinda Marine layerish today, so it's a good day to plug in some fun for all my friends. I had a great Yoga class yesterday, afterwards Charles and I chatted about weight loss synthesis and the importance of balance in all practices. So many experience weight loss as a painful process wrought with being stuck, "Behaving" and not having a chance to do the things they really want to do.

 We all know what that means; I'm bored, I should eat. I'm happy, let's eat. I'm angry, let's find something to eat. I'm depressed, I think I'll see what my friend, the fridgy has to provide for my enjoyment. The loop of self-sabotage is endless. Unless of course, we find new ways to challenge ourselves to deal with these inducements creatively. It takes a change of point of view doesn't it? I encourage you to pay attention to how thin, fit people handle tension, change, frustration, happiness and anger. So often it has nothing to do with HUNGER, we all know this and I assure you food is not the enemy, the only answer, or solution.

We want to change, we want the transformation but at the same time we have this roster of comfy habits that have soothed us for Sooo long! Seems like once we lose 10% we start to feel better,and start thinking,"I need a break, I've worked so hard think I'll have some....you know how that plays out. Often, it does not occur to us that it could feel great to do some yoga, go for a run, play the piano,make some love, knit that scarf, or plan an upcoming vacation. Our lives are so ,"Mach five hair on fire" with schedules, kids, careers, budgets and planning that we are always cooking agitation on the back burner.

What we really need is something restorative to renew us to manage the frenetic pace of our lives. We absolutely need to have some fun and we know it, and we need it regularly! 

Why don't we try this fun weight loss game:

Imagine a check register that automatically enters your weight loss at .6 lbs weight loss per day that you could count on day in day out. So you know that by the end of this week you would be down 3.6 lbs. Imagine for a moment what that would feel like, notice how much looser your waistband feels, maybe your pants have more give.  Now imagine having the same results for the next 4 weeks, now you are looking at 14 lbs. down. What would you do differently?  Perhaps sign up for that bootcamp class, after all you are so much lighter now. WOW normally that means one dress size ladies!  What would you shop for, how would you regard your next meal?  Naturally you would be very protective about that weight loss, you easily would continue to imagine more success.  It would be easy to,"Pass on" that next sweet temptation; I know it. You have to look for inspiration every day.  Play with it and make it fun.



I see this all the time in my groups, where one person catches fire and turns to the others and says when they are all complaining about the vicissitudes of life," Come on, Barbara you know you can lose 15 lbs. by Christmas!"  Barbara grasps the enthusiasm and says," I know I can!"

Here is a great healthy recipe to try:

AUTUMN BEET SALAD

Ingredients:

• 4 bunches of beets, roots trimmed and tops removed
• 2 tbs. olive oil
• 1 tbs. lemon juice
• 1 ounce white wine vinegar
• 1 tbs. honey (can substitute splenda or stevia)
• 1 ounce Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 4 ounces vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 lb. French feta crumbled (optional)
• 1 lb. spring mix lettuce
• 2 heads Belgium Endive
• 1 head Arugula

Preparation:

Coat beets with olive oil, roast in 450 degree oven on sheet pan for approximately 45 minutes, or until tender. Cool, peel and dice.

Combine lemon juice, vinegar, honey, mustard, and thyme in a blender to make a wonderful, light vinaigrette. While blender is running, slowly add vegetable oil.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, place three endive leaves symmetrically on each plate. Toss spring mix lettuce and arugula with vinaigrette. Divide among plates and top with diced beets and feta cheese.

Serves Eight happy people.

As a final note, the fall air is wonderful get out into the sunshine and exercise.  Enjoy a crisp walk. Search out seasonal veggies to prepare. Do something fun today just for you.  Fill back up and enjoy life!