How to Lose Weight with Forgiveness.

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Today’s guest post is by Davey Wavey’s good friend and spiritual weight release coach, Diane Petrella. Diane is also one of the contributors to The Davey Wavey Weight Loss Program.

Forgive-yourselfIf you’ve struggled with your weight for a very long time, the solution probably lies not in finding the right diet or exercise. Been there, done that, right? Unless medical concerns affect your weight, chances are you’re using food to quell your feelings. If you can relate to this, have faith. Nourish your mind and body with a diet of forgiveness and release your pain along with the pounds.

Free Yourself

While seemingly unrelated on the surface, a lack of forgiveness for self and others is sometimes related to emotional eating and to achieving permanent weight loss. Here’s why:

When you’re struggling with energy draining emotions of guilt, shame, anger and resentment, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to safely experience and release them. The problem comes from never letting them go and using food to cope. When they build up for a long time, they stay stored in your body. As you carry the weight of heavy feelings in your heart, you carry the weight of excess pounds on your body.

Forgiveness calms your emotions, releases anger from your mind and body, and transforms resentment into acceptance. You literally lighten your mind and body with a calming energy that sets you free. For example, when you forgive yourself for overeating, overeating claims less power over you. This helps you stop the cycle because self-forgiveness eliminates guilt and shame that perpetuate emotional eating. When you forgive others, you emotionally free yourself from them and their behavior. You no longer feel triggered because you stop ruminating about what hurt you.

Meet Charlene

Charlene struggled with emotional eating for many years. It intensified during her difficult divorce and she gained weight in the process. Filled with anger and resentment, contact with her ex-husband often prompted an impulsive urge to overeat. She felt guilty after binging and blamed him for her behavior, often saying, “He makes me so mad I can’t help myself!”

Charlene initially recoiled at my suggestion to forgive her ex-husband. While she knew there was a connection between reacting to her ex-husband and overeating, she wanted tools to stop her behavior. While coping strategies helped, they only addressed what was happening on the surface. Opening her heart to forgiveness helped Charlene on a deeper level and offered a lasting solution.

While Charlene still feels triggered at times, food no longer holds the power it once did. “I didn’t speak with my ex-husband directly, but after I forgave him in my heart, I felt free. I then realized I needed to forgive others from my past.  When I was a child, food was the only way I knew how to deal with anger and sadness. Now that I see the freedom in forgiveness, I want to be a more forgiving person and stop hurting myself with food. Living a healthy lifestyle is easier now. And I’m finally losing weight in the process.”

How to Forgive

Forgiveness doesn’t always come easily, especially in a society often intent on revenge. It may feel hard at first and it takes time, but you can become a more forgiving person simply by being willing to be so. It takes commitment and persistence. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you excuse others’ bad behavior or that you stop taking responsibility for your own. Forgiveness is about your state of mind and heart. It’s a gift to others, but mostly, it’s the gift of inner peace to yourself.

Here’s a simple release and forgiveness affirmation to help with emotional eating.

When you’re upset with someone and you feel the urge to eat, pause for a few moments, breathe and say to yourself or write down, “I release these feelings (or, this anger, resentment, etc.) and choose to no longer hold onto this pain. I release this for my highest good as I forgive _____(specific person) or, all involved in this situation, and allow the healing power of forgiveness to soothe my heart.” Even if it doesn’t seem to make a difference right away, you’re creating space between the urge to eat and eating. Adding forgiveness to this space helps liberate you to make a different choice.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Weight Loss Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

No One Likes a Fat-Talker.

May 13, 2013 By 1 Comment

fattalkfreeIf you have ears, then you’ve probably heard someone talk about how fat they are – even if they aren’t overweight.

“I look like a cow today.”

“I don’t even know why you’re with me… I’m so fat.”

“These jeans give me a muffin top.”

Though this so-called “fat talk” has become a regular part of conversation and possibly a way for people to build social bonds, a new study finds quite the opposite.

Researchers from Notre Dame’s Body Image and Eating Disorder Lab conducted a study with college-age women. Each participant was presented with either a noticeably thin or overweight woman engaging in “fat talk” or positive body talk. The participants were then asked to rate the women on a number of dimensions – including likeability.

Regardless of weight, the “fat talkers” were rated as significantly less likeable. On the other hand, overweight women who made positive statements about their bodies were rated as the most likeable. Contrary to popular belief, fat talking may actually be hurting our relationships with other people.

According to the lead researcher:

These findings are important because they raise awareness about how women actually are being perceived when they engage in this self-abasing kind of talk.

Beyond hurting your relationship with other people, “fat talk” can also damage your relationship with yourself. The researchers noted that fat talk has been strongly associated with – and can even cause – body dissatisfaction, which is a risk factor for eating disorders.

As it turns out, words are very powerful. Words become thoughts. Thoughts become beliefs. Beliefs become reality. So choose words that lift you up – and that help, encourage and inspire you to reach your fitness goals.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Research Tagged With: , , ,

If It’s Important to You, You’ll Find a Way.

April 23, 2013 By 2 Comments

caf5a53347c6b8a34a91de7bae57b1aaI’ve heard it all.

“I’d love to go to the gym, but…”

“I want to lose weight, but…”

“I want to eat better, but…”

But. But. But. But I don’t have the time. But I don’t have the money. But I don’t know what I’m doing. But I’m naturally big boned. But I’ve tried before and nothing works. It’s more but[t]s than a nudist colony.

If you really want something – and if it’s incredibly important to you – then you will find a way. More than a half century ago, humankind defied the odds and put a man on the moon. Over the course of 4 years, Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel – while on his back. And in the fourth century B.C., Alexander the Great built an empire that included Macedonia, large chunks of Europe, Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire and Egypt. Big or small, people find a way to accomplish what matters to them.

Surely, if they’re important to you, you can achieve your fitness goals. If we put a man on the moon, you can lose 50 pounds. If Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel, you can add 10 pounds of muscle to your body. If Alexander the Great built a massive empire, surely you can lose 4 inches off of your waist. It’s just a matter of prioritizing these goals and giving them the energy, effort and dedication that they deserve.

If, on the other hand, your fitness goals aren’t important to you, then surely you’ll find an excuse.

Any questions? Didn’t think so.

 

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: ,

3 Secrets to a Stronger Body and Better Health.

January 22, 2013 By 2 Comments

1489246a642711e2901122000a9f1939_7If I had to sum up the secrets to a strong body and better health in six words, it would be:

Move often. Eat smarter. Love more.

These three concepts are the absolute foundations for a healthy lifestyle and can fundamentally shift your experience on this planet.

MOVE OFTEN

Despite the obvious truth that our bodies are made to move (we have between 640 – 850 muscles and as many as 360 joints), most of us are far too sedentary. We find ourselves on the couch and in front of screens far too frequently. Give your body the movement it craves by going to the gym, working out at home, talking a jog or a walk, doing yoga, climbing a mountain, taking a new fitness class, dancing or by engaging in countless other endeavors. Through exercise, you can strength your body and experience a full spectrum of benefits – like improved energy levels, a stronger immune system and lower levels of body fat.

EAT SMARTER

When most people think of healthy food, they think expensive, bland and time-consuming. The truth is, all of us can find small, simple, delicious and inexpensive ways to improve our diets. And those small changes, when made over and over again, can radically transform the way we look and feel. Cut back on sugar. Opt for complex carbs instead of simple carbs. Replace soda with water. When you eat nourishing foods and make smarter choices, your body will thank you.

LOVE MORE

At first glance, it may seem silly to talk about love in reference to a strong body and healthy lifestyle. But what happens on the inside is inextricably linked to what happens on the outside. First, there’s the love of oneself. If you cultivate a more loving relationship with your body and your self, it becomes much easier to make those decisions that honor it – like moving more and eating smarter. Second, there’s the love of others. If you spend less time hating and more time loving, you free up a tremendous amount of energy in your life. That energy can be applied to other, more beneficial pursuits. And as you release hate and anger, you remove a powerful toxin from your life – and your body will respond. Don’t settle for anything less than love.

Move often. Eat smarter. And love more. These are the foundations for a stronger body and healthier lifestyle. Apply these concepts and you’ll be well on your way to living the best version of yourself.

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With:

Ready to Lose Weight? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself!

January 8, 2013 By 4 Comments

Today’s guest post is by Davey Wavey’s good friend and spiritual weight release coach, Diane Petrella. Diane is also one of the contributors to The Davey Wavey Weight Loss Program.

It’s the New Year, a time that re-ignites the desire to lose weight and get in shape. Before you dive in, evaluate your readiness to stay the course. Without a solid foundation, starting too quickly can lead to frustrating results. When you’re emotionally prepared, however, your results become permanent. Use these five questions to decide if now’s the time to fully commit to your weight loss success.

1. Will you make your well-being a priority?

To lose weight successfully, your physical and emotional health must be your number one concern. This doesn’t mean you neglect personal responsibilities. It means you respond to those responsibilities through self-loving eyes. For example, you set boundaries on the demands of family and friends to create “Me” time. It also means you address life stressors that erode your confidence, such as a strained marriage or job dissatisfaction. Even if you delay focusing on weight loss, you’ll feel more confident to begin when your life feels stable.

2. Will you change your lifestyle?

To succeed with weight loss, you must replace old habits with new ones. Your willingness to exercise regularly and eat wholesome foods increases your chance for long term success. What lifestyle changes are you willing to make? For example, will you limit television time to make room for exercise? Will you take time for self-reflection to nurture your spirit? As you adopt new behaviors that support good health and well-being, you create a lifestyle that nurtures your long-term success.

3. Will you seek out support?

Losing weight sometimes feels frustrating and discouraging. Make it easy on yourself. Connect with others for support and professional guidance. Consult with a dietitian for nutrition advice, a personal trainer for exercise suggestions or a weight loss coach for inspiration. Besides professional assistance, join a weight loss support group or connect with others on-line through forums. If groups don’t work for you, talk to a trusted friend for support when discouraged and camaraderie to celebrate progress.

4. Will you look deeper if necessary?

If you struggle to lose weight, despite your best intentions, perhaps it’s time to dig deeper. For some people, excess weight offers protection and food equals comfort. Despite a conscious desire to be thinner, losing weight sometimes triggers subconscious fears that actually prevent progress. If success always eludes you, seek professional support to discover what’s holding you back. If you can relate to this, use the therapist finder tool at Psychology Today to find a counselor in your local area to help.

5. Will you be patient and persevere?

Permanent weight loss takes time. You need this time to not only release weight responsibly, but to release limiting beliefs and negative thoughts from your mind. If you lose weight too quickly, your self-concept doesn’t have time to change. Old beliefs then draw you back to old habits. Be willing to have patience and persevere. Doing so transforms discouragement into a determined belief that nothing will stop you from reaching your goal.

What if you don’t feel ready?

If after reading these questions you don’t feel ready, that’s OK. Give yourself permission to wait. Take time to discover what you need to fully commit. Use the above questions to guide you. You actually begin the weight loss process by creating a strong foundation first. When the timing is right, you’ll feel an inner trust that guides the rest of your journey with confidence and inspiration.

Are you ready to lose weight? Let us know in the comments below.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Weight Loss Tips Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Stop Making Decisions of Someone Who Deserves Less.

January 1, 2013 By 6 Comments

It’s a new year – and a new opportunity to create a different path forward.

Instead of recycling the same mindset and mentality of years gone by, let’s try something new. Rather than making decisions from a place of deprivation or denial, let’s shift the focus. Let’s come from a place of self-love.

It’s not about skipping the extra slice of cheesecake because you’re not supposed to eat it. It’s about selecting a smarter dessert choice because you want to nourish your body with the nutrients it craves and needs.

It’s not about going to the gym because you hate your body and desperately want to look different. It’s about exercising because you love your body – and you want to honor it with movement and sweat. After all, without your body, you can’t experience the joys of life, like wrapping your arms around someone you love, watching a sunset or swimming in the ocean.

In 2013, let’s shift our focus to a place of self-love. And as you do, it becomes infinitely easier and a million times more effortless to make decisions that promote better health.

You deserve good health – so stop making decisions of someone who deserves less. This is YOUR year.

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: , , , , ,

Earn Your Body.

December 18, 2012 By 9 Comments

Some things in life come easy, like taxes. Or the love of family and friends. But biceps don’t grow on trees – and many great things worth having come as the result of dedication and hard work.

If you want to transform your body, you have to put in the time, energy and effort. If you want to change the way you look and feel, push yourself beyond your comfort zones, eat smarter and exercise often. Be consistent. Be persistent. There’s no magic. No shortcuts. And no excuses.

What have you done to earn your body today?

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With:

Your Body is the Greatest Instrument You’ll Ever Own.

November 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

If you think about the time people spend tuning their cars, cleaning their homes and washing their clothes, it’s apparent that we are all invested in the “things” we value.

But of all the objects we own, is any more important than our bodies? After all, without a body, we can’t drive our cars, enjoy or homes or wear our clothes. Without a body, we can’t expend energy cultivating relationships with the people we love. Without a body, we can’t enjoy any of the wonderful things that life has to offer.

If we invest time maintaining the important things we own, and if the body is the most important thing we own, then why do only 30% of Americans exercise regularly?

Beyond cleaning our teeth and combing our hair, our bodies require maintenance for proper function. Our bodies crave movement. They wanted to be twisted and pulled and pushed. They want to work, run, jump and sweat.

They’re not to be taken for granted – and they’re certainly not replaceable. If your car breaks down, you can get a new one. If your body stops working, you can’t trade it in for a newer model.

Your body is the greatest, most important and most valuable thing that you’ll ever own. Let’s do ourselves a favor and start treating it as such.

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: ,

5 Signs of Weight Loss Success!

November 6, 2012 By 8 Comments

Today’s guest post is by Davey Wavey’s good friend and spiritual weight release coach, Diane Petrella. Diane is also one of the contributors to The Davey Wavey Weight Loss Program.

If you monitor your weight loss progress, you probably look to your bathroom scale for feedback. Or perhaps you gauge pounds lost by how your clothes feel. While these visible indicators show you’re releasing weight, they don’t reveal the whole story. As any yo-yo dieter knows, these progress markers can come and go. Some other signs of success, however, aren’t so obvious, but once you achieve them they’re with you forever. 

A missing element in many weight loss approaches is developing your inner strength. You’ll reach your weight loss goal more easily when you erase negativity and doubt from your mind. Here are five signs that prove you’ve done so.

1. You Have Patience

Many people feel discouraged when they hit a plateau or the pounds don’t come off fast enough. They then give up too quickly. Permanent weight loss takes time. When you feel defeated re-evaluate your nutrition and exercise plan, and have patience. The longer it takes to release weight, the more time you have to change old ways of thinking that contributed to gaining weight in the first place. Patience helps you do that. You not only lose weight responsibly, you become a more confident person in the process.

2. You Persevere Through Set-backs

As you develop new lifestyle habits, you may falter sometimes. We all do. It doesn’t matter that you slip; what matters is what you do about it. Use set-backs as a valuable opportunity to strengthen your strong side. For example, if you missed exercising for several weeks, tell yourself with no judgment, “Tomorrow is a new day to keep moving forward.” Each time you persevere, you develop confidence. You weaken that taunting inner voice that says, “See, you can’t do this.” Perseverance responds, “Yes, I can”.

3. You Accept Your Body

Accepting your body doesn’t mean you tolerate being overweight. It means you honor your body as it is, while helping it become the best it can be. If it’s a big leap right now to “love” or even “like” your body, that’s OK. What’s important is to respect it. That means speaking to your body with kind words. It means giving it nutritious foods and movement so it thrives. You’ll reach your weight loss goals when you stop rebelling against your body. As you accept your body as the treasured gift it is, taking good care of it becomes your only option.

4. You Focus on Your Goal

Focus on where you’re headed instead of obsessing about where you are. You can’t move forward if your mind dwells on self-critical thoughts about being overweight. What we focus our attention on grows. Shift negative attention away from your current weight and concentrate on the positive lifestyle changes you’re making. This inspires you to succeed. When your desire to look forward overshadows the tendency to complain about where you are, you’ll reach your goal more easily.

5. You Make Yourself a Priority

To achieve weight loss success, your well-being must be of prime importance. This means setting boundaries. For example, if you plan to exercise after work and your friend asks to go shopping, what do you do? Do you skip exercise or do you skip shopping? If breaking promises to yourself becomes a pattern, you’re either not committed to your goals or you make other people’s needs more important than your own. When you make yourself a priority, however, you’ll not only reach your weight loss goal, your success will last forever.

What are your signs of success? Let me know in the comments below.

Filed Under: Weight Loss Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

Stop Standing in Your Way.

October 9, 2012 By 13 Comments

Right now, I want you to spend 30 seconds thinking of your number one fitness goal.

What would it be? Maybe it’s releasing 20 pounds of body fat. Maybe it’s releasing 200 pounds of body fat. Maybe it’s adding 10 pounds of muscle or maybe it’s building stronger core muscles.

What’s your number one goal?

Write your goal down on a piece of paper. Study it for a few moments. Feel it with every fiber of your being.

What I’m going to tell you next is critically important. Listen to me carefully because this is absolutely huge – and it’s the key to making your goal a reality.

Ready for it?

The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story that you’re telling yourself about why you can’t make it happen. Your story is only true to the extent that you believe it.

The first step is achieving your goal is recognizing that your story is bullshit. Believing otherwise is easy and convenient – and it’s a great excuse for not achieving your goal. But whatever your story is – whether it’s that you’re too old, that you have too many medical issues, that you have no money or anything else – it’s bullshit. While it may be true that you’re older, or that you have medical issues or that you have no money, none of these have anything to do with not achieving the goal that you have written on your piece of paper.

Your story is not serving you. In fact, quite the opposite. It’s time to let it go.

In a life as short as this, no one has time for bullshit – especially bullshit that sabotages us from achieving our dreams. Stop lying to yourself. Recognize that your goal is within reach and that you are capable of extraordinary greatness in all areas of your life.

Today is the day you stop standing in your way.

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: , , ,
«Older Posts