summer approaches

As of today, there are only fifty-seven days remaining in 2014. Have you achieved, or have you made progress towards meeting any of the goals you set for yourself at the years beginning? If you have, a HUGE congratulations and keep it up! If not, why not? What’s left on your “to do” list?  What are your plans to reach them as we head into summer?

We are usually our own worst enemies when it comes to creating changes for ourselves. The start of each new year brings with it a renewed sense of optimism and endless new possibilities but as the year passes by, and this year’s certainly passed quickly, we can often lose focus of the objectives we set for ourselves. Self imposed mind games are a real trip when it comes to things like excuses or procrastination.

will I be FAT [again] tomorrow

Food addiction, food bingeing... food OBSESSION, bulimia, evidence hiding, food deprivation, (insert) diet magical drug of choice, calorie counting, constant weighing, pretense, excuses, procrastination, laziness, lifelessness, depression … I TOTALLY get it - been there done that .... ALL of it!
If you can relate… you are not alone.
Choosing to become responsible for my health and losing 55kgs was not an easy journey - the book shares the long, progressive path towards a more healthy life (which I am still on) - learning, growing, winning, failing - a rollercoaster ride of emotion for a complete transformation in far more many ways than simply the physical. And for those that used to read my column - it also shares many ways to introduce changes into your own life and some tidbits that may be useful for many, specially those just starting out on their journey, (and hopefully some motivation and inspiration for all within the front and back covers!  ) - head to www.annpt.com and click on 'books' and you can place your order.

mindful eating

A few conversations over this past week have once again revolved around how inattentive we can often be with the food we consume.
We are all guilty at times for making naive and mindless choices. We can eat gratuitously, for the wrong purposes, and without a sense of power or control. How often do you think you haven’t eaten much for the day - only to discover - that you consumed a WHOLE packet of chips while watching TV, or a packet of biscuits as you were driving to or from work? Thoughtless. Unware.

You’ve been working hard on a project on the computer, and it’s time for a treat. You’ve been holding off, waiting for the delicious taste of - here, please fill in the blank. Ice cream? Chocolate? A donut? A fresh slice of toast laden with butter? Chips?
You take the first bite. Very yummy!

depression and exercise

Depression is an insidious illness, a quiet erosion of the soul that affects one in four women and one in eight men. The chances are high that you know someone that has depression or you may even suffer with it yourself, yet the illness still has a serious  stigma attached to it which magnifies the impact even more.

In the past we lived within communities that used to look out for each other, neighbours communicated, giving each other a voice. Life, was temperate. Those days are long gone. It’s a fast paced, self driven society we’ve created now - tasks are ongoing, people are continually busy, rushing from one appointment to another and everywhere we turn we are hit with an onslaught of technology battling for our attention. The result is - a LOT of anxious people out there, helpless and unable to cope as they are expected to, and feeling alone, like they are the ‘only ones’ unable to grapple this overwhelming lifestyle. They smile, hiding their depression behind a mask - because they feel they don’t live up to what society expects them to be and fear being judged. Feelings, aren’t always rational in the mind of a depressive.

the best step

When I was 120kgs I was petrified to go to a gym, not a hope in hell I would have. It took till I was 90kgs before I finally walked through the door of one, even then confining myself to the corner where the xtrainer sat with never a look to my left or my right. If I didn't look at anyone, noone would be looking at me, no one could see me, right?!
Until that life changing day though, I walked. On the spot in my lounge, in the dark of the evening. anywhere no one could see the 'fat lady' and laugh at me 'exercising'.
I DO wish I had had the courage to join a gym earlier, the benefits are way too many against the cons. We don't (I didnt) see that back then though. would I have listened if anyone had been a guardian angel encouragement? Always a question I can't answer of course.
Over the past couple of years, role reversal - I have had to 'meet' a few 'at the door' who started off with me doing home visits with them. but oh its so exciting when I then see them take those steps of immersing themselves in a brave new mindset and world when they are ready.
How do I now, continue to reach those people? How do we encourage those of us, men and women - who are larger to take that step, explore the benefits and change their lives from it? is there a way to make 'the gym' less intimidating? Show it isn't just for 'the fit people'. Or, is it? Is that really what 'non gym goers' think? What 'gym goer's' think?
Would love thoughts shared. What helped you to join if you were overweight? Even if you weren't were you comfortable when you first came? Did it take a nagging friend to get you in the door? Was it your own initiative?

one

                    FOCUS::::
                     F. ollow
                     O. ne
                     C. ourse
                     U. ntil
                     S. uccessful

outside that comfort zone

It’s the middle of winter. It’s freezing in the morning as you snuggle up in your cozy bed, then it’s cold and dark so early in the evening. It’s easy to come up with excuses rather than get yourself out of bed or off the couch and into motion. And it’s easy to fill yourself up on stodgy food.
Every day we can all come up with an excuse as to why, instead of right now, we will start exercising and eating healthy - tomorrow... on Monday... next week, when it’s warmer again! Why? Because we have to step outside our comfort zone to get the results we are wanting, whether it be weight loss, or to simply be fitter and healthier. We all have comfort zones a little too small. We know what we like and what works for us, we know what we believe in, so why do we have to venture out to the unknown? Because the rewards are worth it!
What is it you’re after - comfort or transformation?  Make room for change and you’re making room for excitement and adventure!

eyeopener

How much WEIGHT the skeletal structure has to hold...

As a personal trainer, it gives me immense delight when I see someone working towards their goals successfully. They don’t just work towards a physical transformation, but also a healthy mind and spirit. I’ve been incredibly lucky to witness many clients morph into entirely different people - physically, mentally and emotionally, thanks to the positive changes - decisive changes - they make to their lives.
Most of us are aware the problems obesity can cause. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for many diseases and conditions. The more body fat you have the more likely you are to develop: coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems... preventable illnesses. Yet this risk doesn’t appear to concern many people. Maybe we think that won’t be us?

alberts wisdom

10 Life Lessons From Albert Einstein

1. Follow Your Curiosity: “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

2. Perseverance is Priceless: “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
 
3. Focus on the Present: “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”

4. Imagination is Powerful: “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions. Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

the four agreements

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word

 Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

qotd

let's get real

Madonna ...

We're not that silly that we dont realise cover photos aren't photoshopped to perfection but let's get real ....

We're not perfect. And that's ok. Those that grace the covers of magazines are no different than us ...

Check out these before and after photos of male and female celebrities and models ...

research

I truly enjoy writing posts, adding snippets, thoughts, etc. At the end of the day though, these are just my thought’s and feelings around a topic I’m passionate about. I encourage everyone to do their own research and check out the facts for themselves, especially if they disagree.
When you disagree with something it's always useful to know why...

march arrives

        




                     A new month, a new beginning !!
                                     .........  promises for the month of March!!

22 packs of sugar

nice. campaign.     

steps

Just one step at a time ... yes. Thats all it takes.
It's amazing what we can accomplish if we break our goals down into smaller, achievable steps.

2012 ... is it!

Every day we come up with an excuse of why, instead of right now, we will start exercising and eating healthy - tomorrow... on Monday... next week. Why? Because when we discover we have to step outside our comfort zone to get the results we are wanting, whether it be weight loss, or to be fitter and healthier... we have, yet another excuse to hang onto. What if we fail? What if results dont come quick enough? We all want the results ... yesterday! But.

The only time you can REALLY start? RIGHT NOW! This very moment. It's all you actually have. And the only way you can fail? Is if you don't .....? You got it - START!

So make a proactive choice for yourself, that 2012 is the year where you begin looking after the only thing you have - YOU! Your health, your life. Increase your energy levels. And really LIVE - the only life you have. Don't you think you're worth it? I do.

don't sugarcoat it

wow ... today, through obesity prevention australia I was exposed to this link ....
Would this series of ads make any difference in australia? They are chilling. Direct. Obesity is a growing, yet preventable issue with so many related illnesses ... but to me, it's extra saddening when its kids that are overweight, and living their parents lifestyle. Brilliant article. Brilliant advertising. I think if they were placed on our televisions they would create some sort of impact - surely. As a parent, how could you watch any of those and not be affected .... I love them all. BUT!!!  I can also see why the controversy. They would certainly have to be followed through with an achievable plan of action, a realistic solution that is helpful and educative for everyone without causing a childs self esteem to be dampened. A jump-start to healthy habits. At home, and at school. Plus, addressing the emotional component of childhood obesity. (or the emotional component of obesity in general which is a huge factor!) This is, a big ask.
So there is definitely pros and cons for this sort of aggressive advertising ... and those that will agree with it, those that wont, but at the end of the day, we need to collectively work towards a healthier youth, inside and out. The result we all want, is the same. For our kids to be ... happy, healthy and having a load of fun!

the next 12 months

‎2012! Just remember resolutions are easily forgotten if you keep them to yourself....say them aloud, write them down, post them up, tell others, then you'll be more accountable to yourself.
What are YOU going to achieve next year? Make it a commitment! And have sticktoitivenss!

good intentions

Good intentions are not good enough. Ultimately we are measured by our actions.
Excuses...?

• I was going to exercise yesterday.. but I just didn't get around to it. I didn't have enough time.
• I was going to eat healthy this morning.. but for some reason, I didn't.
• I was going to commit to becoming a better person... but I don't know what happened.

We all have intentions. Most of them good. But in life, does it really matter what our intentions are? Actions are all we have. Make them count.