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Category: Lifestyle

Choicesclean eatingeatcleanfeel goodhappyhealthyHealthy TipsholidaysLifestyleMotivationSUMMERweight loss

IS THE STRUGGLE TO BE ON PROGRAM OR OFF PROGRAM?

BALANCE IN THE SUMMER

I have to say I am super impressed with how so many of you got right back on program after vacations. So many of you even texted me on vacation telling me you couldn’t wait to be back on program when you returned. For those of you who have experienced it you know that it is such a great feeling to have when you are away enjoying knowing that when you come back it’s only a couple of days until you feel back in control and back to yourself. Thinking about it more in depth it is even more amazing how quickly we feel the difference when we go from on program to off and then off program to on program.

IS IT A STRUGGLE TO BE ON PROGRAM OR OFF PROGRAM?  We always feel like it’s a struggle to be on program and do the right thing – but the funny thing is as soon as we have the freedom to go off program we can’t wait to get back on program again. Which brings me to the question is it more of a struggle to be off program or on program. I would have to say from the text messages it’s actually more of a struggle to be off program.

Here is why: Mentally while we are on program it feels so difficult and we just can’t wait to have a cheat day but you see the cheat day is part of the program so when you are on 6 days and cheating 1 day that is still very much on program. But when you have a long holiday weekend or a vacation and now you are off program every day – even if it’s just a cheat meal or extra drinks – you are off program and you immediately feel it in your body and clothes.  When you don’t have any 100% on program days and you feel it in your body it changes you mentally. You know it’s a struggle to feel that way and you don’t want to stay that way – and that is why you can’t wait to be on program again.  For those of you who have lived the program for a long time know exactly what I am talking about.

WEIGHT LOSS IS 90% MENTAL: When we break it down – what we learn on program is very simple: We can go enjoy our holiday and vacations knowing that when we return and get right back on program in only a couple of days we will feel so much better. It’s truly the beauty of the program. What many of you may not have realized is that the cheat day has set you up for this. Having your cheat day once week and learning how to get right back on program the day after cheating has taught you so much. You have learned how to go on vacation and get right back on program after the vacation is over. When you master this you have learned the balance of weight loss. Living healthy, losing weight and enjoying and indulging.

THE BEST LIFE IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE:  We work hard we play hard. In every part of life we need balance so that we don’t just do one thing too much because that will only set you up for failure. There is nothing more important than having a healthy balance in your life – you work hard to be healthy and feel good, but you also enjoy and indulge. It’s so important to incorporate the cheat day because no one can or should want to be 100% – 24/7.  When you learn how to incorporate the cheat day it teaches you the balance you need to lose weight. Just remember the cheat day only works when the other 6 days are 100%. If you are not having 100% days then you should not be having a cheat day.

LIVE THE PROGRAM: When you learn not to just do the program and you learn to live the program you will see it gets easier and easier to get back on program right after a cheat day, holiday and/or vacation. A big part of the program is not so much the vacation or holiday cheating – but what you do after it. It’s super easy to cheat but it’s twice as hard to get back on program after a long holiday weekend or vacation. But the more you live your 6 days on and 1 day off makes getting back on program so much easier because your body learns quickly how much better it feels when you are doing the right thing and feeling your best. Consistency is key here. The longer you teach your body to live the 6 days on and the 1 day off program – the easier it becomes and the faster you learn to live in this healthy balance.

YES, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL: While we want to enjoy summer we don’t want to throw away everything you worked so hard for. Remember when you are returning from vacation the first few days will always be the hardest because you are going from eating too much to eating less than your body needs – so you will experience real hunger pains. Just remember they are temporary. By thursday you will start to feel so much better and you will know only another couple of days until cheat day again. So if you are returning from vacation and feeling a little struggle with the hunger – remember how important it is that you get right back on program. Push yourself through the first couple of days and I promise you by the end of the week you will feel amazing. You will be thrilled that it’s behind you and that you are back on, feeling good and eating on program.

FINAL THOUGHTS: it’s hard but its also very doable. You make choices and you deal with the outcome. If you want the summer to continue to be fun and you want to feel good every week so you can enjoy it – then you need to learn to get right back on program after a holiday or long weekend. Continue to do your best everyday and be proud of it. Don’t wait until you find a perfect week where nothing is going on to go back on program – finding a perfect week in the summer where nothing is going on is impossible. Instead jump right in and think of your weight loss as weight loss days not weight loss weeks. Every day that you can make a weight loss day – do it. The more weight loss days you get in one week – the better the result at the end of the week.  When you treat your body good your body repays you will results.

GET THROUGH THE STRUGGLES YOU WILL SEE THE RESULTS

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Choicesclean eatingdieteatcleanExercisefeel goodgoalshappyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationSUMMERweight loss

BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU WILL

When it comes to weight loss – Summer is going to be as difficult as you make it. And honestly what you get out of the next 2 months will be entirely what you put into it. I can’t say it enough if you want to lose weight you need to not just say it you have to do it – and that is where the hard part comes in. We all want it- we say it all the time — I need to lose weight I want to lose weight — but when we sit at a table we order the wrong thing or we find our way into the cabinet that we know we shouldn’t be in. If you want the results you need to be in the right mindset to get them.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

WHAT TO DO: Believe in yourself. It’s not only about what you are doing physically it’s what you are believing mentally that is just as important. While most of the clients are doing really well right now, some are still really struggling. They start the week with wanting to have an amazing week and by Wednesday they are texting me that they slipped up with extra cheats, drinks etc. If this is you— I want you to remember while you are struggling to get through a clean week I have hundreds of clients who are staying on program and reaping the rewards of losing weight, feeling good and looking great. So it’s always a question of what you want and what is important to you. But at the end of the day nothing is impossible when you want it bad enough.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

WHAT DO YOU BELIVE: Now of course there are so many clients who are totally fine with maintaining through the summer and that’s great too. It all comes down to you will do what you tell yourself you want. If you go into the summer saying im okay with maintaining then that is what you will do…. If you go into the summer telling yourself you are going to lose weight then that is what will happen. Our mental strength is just as important as our physical. If you don’t believe in yourself to do what you want how will you ever follow through with it.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

WHERE TO PUT YOUR STRENGTH THIS MONTH: Put all your strength in believing you can achieve what you want. Whether it’s maintaining or losing believe in it and you will get the results of it. We sometimes spend so much time complaining why we don’t have it or complaining that we want it – that we forget we are in control of it. Always remember while you are complaining- I have hundreds of clients that are believing in themselves and achieving the results. So choose what you want and who you want to be and that is who you will become.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

RECAP: Summer is hard so if you want results you have to do the right things. Follow your menu and stop making excuses why it’s hard… it’s hard for everyone. It always comes down to how much you want it. Your results will always be up to you! If you want to lose weight put the work in, be consistent and remember your every day actions = your results. You can do this – you can do anything you put your mind to. Stay true to who you are and what you want. Believe in yourself and constantly remind yourself how important this is to you. Stay positive and remove all negativity from your mindset and your life. Everything you want is right in front of you but you are the only person who can give that extra effort to get it. We can all make excuses but the excuses get you to exactly where you are today. If you want to be successful and see the results you have to remember it takes work and a positive mindset – both of what you have total control of. But it will only happen when you decide that you are important enough to make it happen.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

IT WILL ONLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU DECIDE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN 

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Choicesclean eatingdieteatcleanExercisefamilygoalshappyhealthyholidaysLifestyleMotivationSUMMERweight loss

Back On Your Path

Welcome back everyone!  Im so happy everyone had a great safe holiday weekend. First, I want to tell you wherever you are don’t stress about it. Just get right back on program and finish out the week solid. One week and you will feel so much better being back in control and knowing that your body is in the right direction. You will weigh in this weekend and wherever you are you move on from there into a positive and happy place.

 

I want to thank you all because I have heard the nicest things the last couple of days from so many of you……. I love all the photos you send me. So many of you that were at holiday events this weekend and felt so good about yourself…….  We had more clients than ever hit their lowest numbers this past weekend. The excitement was beyond thrilling for me to be a part of. Thank you all for working so hard.

 

I love how so many clients couldn’t express enough how knowing they were going back to their magic muffins and Innovation food after the Holiday weekend helped them mentally get right back on program. It makes me so happy!!! I say it all the time — it only takes a couple of days of being back to eating on program is what gets you back to feeling good again. The quicker you get back the faster you recover. It all comes down to it’s not always about going off program that matters so much — it’s about what you do after you go off program that makes all the difference. When you get right back on program you get right back to feeling your very best, lightest, happiest and in control feeling — and that makes us all happy.

 

Here are some things I want you to think about moving forward into the Beautiful Sunshine and Social Summer.

  1. You will feel hungrier this week.  Why? Because you were eating for Holiday and Weekend Vacation last week and now you are back to eating for weight loss. So expect the hunger and embrace the hunger. I promise you will live through it. You might not be happy about it and there will be uncomfortable moments — but it will pass. And by the weekend you will feel so much better mentally and physically.
  2. Try your best to put the clean on program week in. I know we have so much going on in the summer and we are eating-out more often and socializing more than normal. But the more on program consecutive days you can put together the faster you will go back to feeling your best and back to your weight loss. If you are eating out make sure it’s a clean meal. Just because it’s summer does not mean you have to over indulge.
  3. If you are drinking alcohol make sure you follow your Snack Categories. It’s not the alcohol that is the problem it’s what the alcohol makes you do that is the issue. By the second drink the body and brain slows down – you are no longer in control. If you are having more than one drink– try and drink a bottle of water in between drinks.
  4. Don’t blame others. If you go into a social setting half-hearted about staying on your program it’s going to be easy for family and friends to talk you out of it because that is what you really want them to do. We give off signals to people of whether or not we are serious about staying on program. If you give off the signal that you are not in it 100% they will know it and easily talk you into sabotage. If you give off the signal that you are on your program 100% then no one is going to be able to talk you off it.
  5. As much as I always tell you consecutive days are the most important for weight loss — what I want you to think about through the summer is on program days in general. If you know that you are extra social and that you have things going on through the week or weekend — and consecutive days are going to be difficult —then make sure that any day that you can have an on program day you do it. Follow your meals and snacks and make sure you have your on program food planned and prepared because when you can be on program you want that day to be 100%. The more on program days you can add into your week will make the difference between maintaining and gaining.

You have to decide what you want.  If you are 225 and want to be 190 OR you are 140 and want to be 120 you can’t just talk about it and wish for it — because that is not going to make it happen. If you really want to lose the weight throughout the summer then you have to stay on program and work hard and follow your meals and snacks. Everyone that does the program and has success will tell you that it becomes a way of life. Learning to use your cheat day and loving it every week is life changing. Learning to go right back on program after holidays and vacation is more important than the time you spend off it. I see clients everyday do it regardless of the time of year. They are prepared with on program food and they always know what they are doing and where they are going and what they are eating. Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring – if you want to lose the weight I can promise you it’s very doable just put the work in— and this time of year don’t let the social summer become all about food. The bottom line is whether it’s losing weight or maintaining the weight you have to plan it and stick to it. I can give you all the tools in the world but you have to want it and work for it. And it can’t be just when it’s convenient for you — it’s just as important to do it when it’s inconvenient. When you really learn to live the program – you will love the way you look and feel everyday.

 

My final thoughts for you are…  When you can’t control what is happening in front of you — challenge yourself to control the way you respond to it. You can control your mind or You can let your mind control you

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

ChoiceseatcleanExercisefamilyfeel goodgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsholidaysLifestyleSUMMERweight loss

HOLIDAY WEEK CHECK-IN

[dt_sc_hr_invisible]Do you remember when you were young and your parents went away and you were so excited — YAY! PARTYYYYY! The funny thing is, now you reflect back and realize your parents were thinking the same thing. They were thinking, the kids are gone let’s PARTY!!!! Yes – everything tends to come full circle and what we didn’t understand or even think of back then we understand now. If your kids are away you are certainly playing – how much you play and how much damage you do will result in how the rest of your summer will be. You must stay mindful and remember to think before you eat and drink.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Many of you, which I am so thrilled to say, are going into this holiday weekend in a very good place. And Im really so super proud of all the hard work you have been doing. But regardless if you are in a good place or still struggling you need to approach this very fun filled holiday weekend with a plan. Know what you are doing, where you are going and how you will approach each of the days. This is such a tough weekend, but sticking to your good choices and feeling the best you can will make such a difference in your outcome. We all know how bad choices and good choices can dictate our mood. If you make good choices you feel great and when you make bad choices it makes you unhappy. While it seems like it should be so easy to choose HAPPY, the truth is, when the treats and Cheats are in your face is when you need to remember that eating on program makes you feel your best. Walking away will make you happy. Eating On Program makes you happy. Do what makes you happy. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Holidays are never easy and I wish I could tell you that they don’t count. But the truth is, if it’s not your Cheat Day – what you do matters. What you do this weekend will show in your next weigh in and will result in how you feel the day after the holiday weekend is over. Do you want to look back and think about how you Cheated for 3 days straight and feel horrible, or do you want to look back and think about how much you enjoyed your long weekend, stayed on program, enjoyed your Cheat Day and when you wake up Monday morning you will feel great about your choices and looking forward to the week ahead. At the end of the day it’s always a choice. And it’s one that I can’t make for you. But it’s a choice that you have to always keep in mind that whichever decision you make will result in the way you feel mentally and physically. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]You want to make sure you are starting your summer following your program, staying on your path and making the decision that will make you happy. Whether you are at a friend’s or BBQ or home, you can get through the day with the same amount of food you get through when you are working or when it’s a normal weekday. 8 hours is 8 hours and 10 hours is 10 hours. Where you are and who you are with should not dictate how you eat. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]One of the most important things you should learn from this program is you can go anywhere and be anywhere and eat, have a drink and have fun and still stay on program. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]One thing I can tell you for sure – and I know you will agree when you read this… You always feel so much better about yourself when you are eating on program and making the right choices.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]You have choices: 
Lose Weight: If you plan on only have one cheat day this weekend because you want to continue to see results that fabulous.
Maintaining: If you are splitting cheat days (staying on program all day and only having dinner and drinks or dinner and dessert cheats for two days) then you will maintaining and that’s great too. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Most important you don’t want to look back and know that you had 3 days of no control -cheating and not doing the right things because that will make you unhappy Monday morning. Now is the time to make the choices and have a plan for the weekend. Think of what makes you happy and what makes you feel good. Not for just the moment but for the long term. When the weekend arrives be ready and know what you are doing and how important it is to you. Make sure that you are thinking about what and how you want to look and feel like next week, and your next weigh in, and even next month. Think about what makes you happy and remember that TREATS AND CHEATS are not for everyday. Because if you have them everyday they are no longer treats then they are just plain old cheats. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]NEVER MAKE PERMANENT DECISIONS 
BASED ON TEMPORARY FEELINGS[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
ChoiceseatcleanExercisefeel goodhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationSUMMERweight loss

KEEP IT SIMPLE

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]KEEP IT SIMPLE[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Do you ever notice how there are so many things in life that we make so much harder than they should be? Even when we want things to be simple and we want to do the right things, we can find a way to make them difficult. Like losing weight. We know what we have to do and yet we keep putting it off and putting it off, and before you know it, we are in a place that feels impossible to escape. It’s just so easy to give in to the cravings and our surroundings. But at the end of the day when you are laying in bed you wonder, Why? Why did you go off your path when you know that staying on it is what makes you feel your best?[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

 

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This week keep it simple:[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

  • [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Follow your menu
  • Have one Cheat Day a week
  • Exercise once a day (plan it and do it)
  • If you fall off you get right back on. Don’t let one day turn into one month
  • Give 110% because even if it ends up less it will be more than giving no effort at all
  • Be accountable – if you go off, own it don’t ignore it
  • Don’t stop weighing yourself weekly – that is the same as ignoring it
  • Stop putting your weight loss off. If you need to get back then do it now.
  • The longer you wait the more weight you will have to lose
  • Understand there is no magic pill. If you want to lose weight you need to eat less and follow the program. It’s very doable that’s why there are so many who lost the weight and continue to keep it off.
  • Stop making excuses
  • Put the work in everyday and you will see the results. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Im super excited to say right now we have literally hundreds of “sharks’who have stayed on program and continue to lose weight and feel great — proving it can be done if you want it badly enough. They have made enjoying life first and food secondary. For them there is no better feeling than eating clean and feeling amazing. They show it everyday in how they look and feel. They are super excited about summer! They love to get up and get dressed in clothes that they want to wear, not clothes they have to wear. Being on program is a way of life and they love to live it.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you haven’t been in a good place, don’t wait for the perfect time to do what you need to. There is never a perfect time. Start today and don’t look back. Don’t think about why, and don’t even overwhelm yourself about where you are starting. – Focus only on where you are going and how badly you want to get there. Everyday that you make amazing is one day closer to where you want to be.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]The Simplest things often give the best results[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

clean eatingeatcleanExercisefeel goodgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationSUMMERweight loss

CHOOSE HAPPINESS

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? I was recently talking to a client about how important it is to follow your menu and really understand that anything over the amount is going to make a difference in your weight loss. She said to me, “I see so many of your clients who have lost so much weight and they are so thin but they act like it’s a job and they treat it like it’s a job – is that good?” I said you have to treat it like that. But it’s doesn’t have to be negative job – it should be a positive job. It’s a job that you love to do. You want to eat clean and be healthy, so yes treat it like an important positive job in your life or the alternative is to be negative about it and you will keep sabotaging yourself and keep gradually gaining. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]HOW DO YOUR CLOTHES FIT?  Think about your clothes and how they fit you – how do you feel in them. This is a big topic because so many times a client who is not doing the right thing and gains weight will often say to me “but my jeans still fit me.” My response is always – but do they really fit? They may be on your body but do they really fit? Are they tight to the point you feel like you can’t breath or you have to constantly pull them up over your tummy. I know you all know what im talking about – because the same pair of jeans can fit and be tight and uncomfortable or they slip on where you feel amazing and thin in them. Only you have the control to determine how your clothes fit and what you want to feel like in them.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]FACT: DID YOU KNOW: Most people don’t even realize how much weight they had to lose until it’s off their body. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]WHAT YOU DO TODAY WILL REFLECT TOMORROW: The bottom line is if you are asking if it’s good to treat your health and weight loss like a job then ask yourself this question – Are you happy where you are? Because I can tell you first hand that my clients who obsess about it and treat their health and weight loss like it’s a job are very happy. They wake up happy because getting dressed is not an issue. They go out and have fun because they feel good. They are excited for summer and even more excited to go shopping for it. So yes, while they may be obsessive and work hard and treat their weight and health like it’s a job – the pay off they get for it is priceless. So ask yourself right now, are you happy with the effort you have put in to yourself, your health and your weight? Are you excited to go summer shopping and excited for all the outdoor parties and barbecues that will be coming your way soon? Do you wake up excited and happy and full of energy? Understand that this is all real, I am not exaggerating at all. I hear the clients who do not do the right things and continue to make it a struggle on themselves because they constantly put food ahead of their happiness. I see how it makes them unhappy. Then I see the clients who make it a priority to stay on program. Yes they all have their own struggles, it’s not easy for anyone but they still do it. They have learned to love how they feel more then they love the instant gratification of feeding into a craving. You have to constantly remind yourself which is more important to you and what will make you happy.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]HOW DO YOU REALLY FEEL? There is no faking it and you can even feel it in your own mood – when you take care of yourself and you eat right and you lose weight you FEEL GREAT! You have more energy and you spring out of bed. You are excited to feel that lighter feeling that you know can change your day from bad to good. But if you are not feeling all these amazing things then it’s time to take your health and weight loss seriously and treat it like the important job that it is. Because then and only then will you get the pay back of feeling happy, healthier, lighter, fitter, energetic and strong. It’s not always about the number on the scale – it’s about doing the right things and feeling good. You feel good and your personality shines – you feel like crap and your personality reflects it.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IT NEEDS TO BE ABOUT YOU: What we don’t always realize is weight loss is so much more than just the number on the scale. Because everything in our life stems from how we feel and how well we take care of ourselves. Feeling good or bad will result in having a good or bad day. Feeling good and treating your body well is going to result in how you approach life and all the good and bad obstacles that come with it. If you are feeling happy, healthy, fit and strong you are going to get through the rough days a lot better than if you are feeling heavy, bloated, sick and depressed. In fact, studies show that overweight people have an 80% higher rate of depression than people of a healthy weight. Why? Because you always feel better about yourself when you are taking care of yourself. Sometimes just having the feeling of control over what you are and are not eating can change your day from bad to good. You have to decide what is important to you. Find a motivation to help get you there and make a commitment to make your health and weight loss a priority! A job that you are excited about doing. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]I know you have heard this before from me but I need to repeat it – you need to start somewhere. If you are already in a good place then I am super excited for you to continue to be amazing! If you are not feeling great and have no control then you need to get right back on program TODAY! I promise you, after one week you will feel good after two weeks you will feel great and a month in you will never want to go back to your old eating habits. But you need to start because in order to be happy with everything else in your life you need to start with YOU![dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]DO IT NOW
SOMETIMES LATER BECOMES NEVER[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
eatcleanfeel goodHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

IT’S TIME TO SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF AND BECOME YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IT’S TIME TO SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]A client recently asked me how am I always so focused…. While I’m happy I look that way I assure you I’m not. No one can ever be 100% focused 24/7. I have days like everyone else where I think the universe is just off and I feel it — and it throws me off. But when that happens I don’t make excuses of why I should cheat – in fact, when that happens I have learned how important it is to show up for myself. It’s when I don’t look for anyone else to tell me to stay on or go off — I become my own best friend and I tell myself “Josephine stay on your path and push through this you will feel better if you do it than if you don’t do it.” And sometimes I have to repeat it over it and over but while im repeating it im doing it. I explained we all have weak moments but it’s my weakest moments that I know I need to be there for myself. When I am there for myself pushing through it I know it’s only a couple of days until everything clicks again – the universe feels right and I am right back to laser focused. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]BECOME YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND: Most of us are very good at supporting family, friends, and loved ones. It’s amazing how we can keep caring about others and forget about taking care of yourself? Ask yourself why are you not there for yourself the way you are for others? Sometimes it’s because we spend so much of our time either on automatic pilot, doing routine things, overworking, or doing things for others, yet, when you need to be there for yourself – 90% of the time you don’t show up. Aren’t you worth showing up for?[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]THE MOST IMPORTANT OPINION IN YOUR LIFE IS YOUR OWN: Think about the vast amount of time you spend in your own company. You wake up with yourself, you spend the day with yourself, and you go to bed with yourself. Whether or not you speak out loud, you will have more chats with yourself than with anybody else. The most important opinion in your life is your own. This is fine, as long as you like yourself. If you don’t, you can probably imagine that the results can be very destructive. Your mind has no choice but to believe what you tell it. So if you think you’ve done a bad job, or that you are not good enough, that’s what you will ultimately believe – regardless of how much praise you might receive from others! The positive opinions of your boss, your friends or your partner, no matter how important they are to you, will not override your own negative one.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]AVOID THOUGHTS THAT WEAKEN US: So it would make sense to try to avoid thoughts that weaken us, when we consider that our own thoughts are the source of everything that goes on in our lives. If you believe that life is worth living – your thoughts will help make that belief an everyday reality. Alternatively, acting as your own worst critic is guaranteed to make you feel unhappy. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]DON’T BE THE PERSON THAT MAKES YOUR OWN LIFE MISERABLE: Does it sound strange, that you could be the person who makes your own life miserable? It’s true, we are emotional beings whose personalities are created by our own self – and our surroundings. This is why im constantly telling you it’s so important to surround yourself with positive people, thoughts, and positive environments.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]SHOWING UP FOR YOURSELF: Showing up for yourself should be one of your number one priorities to take care of yourself first — starting with your inner minds, souls, and bodies, because it helps you prepare for the day, week and month that you are about to embark upon. For me, I meditate, I pray, I eat right and I exercise – all of these things help me stay laser focused but more importantly they help me be there for myself when I get mentally weak. It’s as if my body knows to take over because it knows the routine. This is when I remind myself “push through it” – and while I’m reminding myself my body is going through the motions it already knows so well. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Here are some tips on how to start showing up for yourself and being your own best friend? [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]1. Start right now by giving yourself permission to be exactly where you are- it’s okay where you are as long as you know where you want to go. You know yourself better than anyone else so you know what you really want – keep reminding yourself of it. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]2. Notice negative self talk, and change it and make it constructive. You know that little voice in your head – the one that tells you that you aren’t good enough, or that you aren’t worthy of your goals. Talk to yourself like you would convince your best friend –  I AM WORTH IT. It may sound silly but we forget all the time how easy we put off things that are important to us. If you want to lose weight and feel great – then tell yourself everyday you are worth it – you are worth putting in the work – putting yourself first and believing in yourself that you can do this. Instead of putting it off – make it a priority.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]3. Think about your relationship with yourself — how you speak to yourself, how you listen to your emotions and how you respond to your needs. Make sure you are kind to yourself, listen to your wants and needs, and motivate and inspire yourself with things that make you happy. This is why I eat right, meditate, I pray, I dance, and I run….. they make me happy and put me in a good place – and this helps me stay focused with everything else in my life. And trust me I don’t always feel like going out for long run – but even when I don’t want to – I do it anyway because I know doing it makes me feel better than not doing it.  [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]4. HAVE A MANTRA – something that you repeat in your head when you are feeling weak minded. I bet you already know mine 🙂 – if you don’t here it is and you are more than welcome to use it
“Doing it makes me feel better than not doing it”[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]5. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion when it comes to listening to your emotions and responding to your needs. Talk to yourself about your own worries, fears and concerns the same way you would talk to a friend. We often tell ourselves things in our own head that we would never say out loud to someone else. We are aloud to make mistakes – but be honest about it. Remember you love yourself unconditionally, you made a mistake or had a hiccup — big deal move on, own it and keep telling yourself you got this, you can do this. Mistakes may slow you down but don’t let them stop you. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]I know I say it all the time – the story you tell yourself is the story you will live and it’s the story you will believe. That’s why it’s so important to tell your mind positive things, a positive story,  like any best friend would. Remind yourself daily what makes you happy and how you are worth feeling amazing. At the end of the day I want you to remember that the most important thing you can do for yourself in this lifetime is to be there for yourself – show up when you need it and be your own best friend – because you deserve that.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IF YOU WANT TO REACH YOUR GOALS
LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO BECOME YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
clean eatingeatcleanfeel goodgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

THE TIME IS NOW

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]THE TIME IS NOW:  Just when you thought you had it all in control life comes and throws a busy week at you. Don’t worry you are not alone. But this is when you really need to be your strongest because if you give in or give up – there may be no time before shorts and bathing suit — and that is simply not an option before summer begins. What you need to do is remember we all slip and fall – but it’s how long it takes you to get back up and get back on your path that will determine your success. Don’t worry about “ why” you did it and just move forward and try your hardest not to do it again. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you have come back to the program, are starting new or if you have been on but losing your way – then you need grab hold of it ASAP before it controls you. You have to remember and remind yourself how unhappy you are when you are not doing the right things. One client who recently got back on program texted me after two weeks and said “I want to live like this forever – I feel so good I don’t know why I ever went off“.  We all know when you are doing the right things and eating the right foods you feel so good, in control and just better!” You have that control feeling of knowing what you are doing. You go to bed feeling a little hungry and wake up feeling amazing. So why keep sabotaging yourself when you know this is how you love to live and feel. The answer is simply – weight loss is hard and it doesn’t take much to talk yourself into a bad decision. This is when you have to always be your strongest. When you are physically weak you need a strong mind. You have to stay positive and remind yourself how much better you feel when you continue to do the right things — and just as important remind yourself how much worse you feel when you are not doing the right things.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]CHOOSE TO BE POSITIVE[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]How do you get to a positive state of mind.  There is no magic. You accept where you are and you move forward to where you want to be. When you are not in a great place it can be the hardest time to push yourself to get there – but it’s also when you need to push yourself the most. You will always believe the story you tell yourself. So either you can do it or you can’t – it’s always up to you.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Sometimes it will take you being really focused to do the right things – planning ahead, reminding yourself over and over what you want, walking away from the temptations, and pushing aside all the negative feelings – focusing only on where you want to go. Reminding yourself constantly that when you stay positive and on program – it is the only thing that will change the way you feel mentally and physically about yourself and about everything around you. Keep it simple -yes you are a little hungry and can’t have what you want when you want it but in return  when you do the right things and you follow your menu you feel better. When you feel better you act better and you even speak nicer to everyone around you – you think happier thoughts throughout the day and you let go of any negativity.  Every good decision leads to another one. Even when the scale doesn’t move as much as you wanted it to you will still say how much better you feel mentally and physically by following your menu. Will it be hard – of course it is. But just focus on one day at a time and one solid week at a time. You have to stay positive and know if you put the time in and you follow your menu and you stay true to 6 clean weight loss days with 1 cheat day — It will only take only one week to start feeling so much better.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you feel the struggle here are some tips to help you:[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] 1.  LIVE THE PROGRAM: Don’t get into the habit of going off and on program, you will end up with more Cheat Days then clean days. In order to live the program there are no “do overs” or “starting fresh” it’s just a continuation of your life. You had an unexpected Cheat Day? Then that becomes your Cheat Day, you don’t just start again. If you eat extra in a day but still keep to on program foods then you call it a Maintain Day. When you get to a great number you don’t just start going back to your old habits, you continue on with the program. Six days clean and one day to indulge should be your way of life.  [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] 2. PLAN PLAN PLAN:  I can’t say it enough but if you plan your days before you start them you have a 99% chance of sticking to them. Don’t go through the day just not eating or trying to wing it – because once you start eating you won’t stop. If you feel that you can get through the day okay but your nights are sabotaging you? Then save your snacks for night time when you need them. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] 3. DON’T MAKE YOUR OWN RULES: Follow what works for you. You know when you have your 6 on program days and 1 cheat day you lose weight. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] 4. OWN YOUR MISHAPS: If you ate it – own it. The very worst thing you can do is try and fool yourself because that isn’t hurting anyone but you. Don’t compromise – don’t conveniently “forget.” Own it and move on. If you find that you went off for a meal, a day or a night – don’t starve yourself to try and make yourself feel better because it will only backfire on you. If you go off for any reason – keep it simple and just get right back on. It’s not the end of the world – it’s life and it will happen. The most important thing is what you do after it happens. Remember – there is no magic pill to make it go away. The only thing you can do is own up to the fact that it will take you a little longer to get to where you want to be. And maybe owning the thought that it will take you longer is exactly what you need to prevent it from happening again.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]5. WATCH THE ALCOHOL: One drink is a snack and 2 drinks are mind changing. – I don’t even have to explain that because you all know what I mean.  [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you are on your game and doing amazing – stay there!!!  Remember how hard you have worked to get to where you are and constantly remind yourself how easily control can get away from you – stay mindful. Only you have the power and determination to stay on program and continue to do the right things. It’s always good to look at where you started and where you are now. Even if you are not where you want to be yet, you have to celebrate your success and enjoy the journey. Weight loss is HARD! And when you are doing amazing you have to be proud yourself and feel good about your accomplishments every day. Find the positive in your changes and celebrate them by feeling good. If you have been struggling THE GOOD NEWS IS IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! If you want it and it really means that much to you then you need to do it. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]It all starts with you. Your choices – Your decisions, and your positive mindset. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]OUR LIVES BEGIN TO CHANGE
THE DAY WE DECIDE WE WANT IT TO[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Choicesdieteatcleanfeel goodgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationSUMMERweight loss

COMMITTED TO YOUR GOAL NOT YOUR EXCUSES

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]ARE YOU COMMITTED TO YOUR GOAL OR YOUR EXCUSES? [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]What does the word commitment suggest?  It usually evokes a strong sense of intention and focus. It typically is accompanied by a statement of purpose or a plan of action. Very often, we utilize this word in regard to promises we may make about the seriousness of something like weight loss, work or relationships. The difficulty is when it comes to weight loss we sometimes ignore the process necessary to achieve that goal. If we learn to commit fully to the process then the outcomes will be what they should be. But, if we commit to the process only to give in to temptation and excuses – then you will be left frustrated and uncomfortable in your skin. So I ask you again – are you committed to your goals or your excuses?[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]You know what the best thing is about the Innovation program? You can literally go back on and follow your menu and within a couple of days you already feel lighter and healthier. You instantly get that self control back and you know that if you stay on, then in just a couple of weeks you will lose weight and feel great again. In fact, the program works so well that many times you go on and as soon as you start losing weight and feeling great you start to find excuses why you need to go off again. So  the issue isn’t how to lose the weight – we know we can go on program lose the weight and feel great – the issue is how to keep doing the right thing and stick to the commitment and walk away from the temptations and excuses.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]There are many reasons we lose our commitment: We all have insecurities and doubts. The temptations and excuses are always there so that anytime they can sway you from doing good to bad. Your doubts and anxiety are there because life is hard and it’s just so much easier to give in then to work hard everyday and do the right thing. But you always have to remind yourself – is that what you want? Yes, it’s easy to give in – we can always find more excuses to go off program than stay on program — but only after you give in and you find yourself in the place of uncomfortable misery of being bloated, thick and over weight is when you realize it’s not easy anymore. In fact, now you made it harder than it was before. You see, the truth is when we are hungry we want to believe that eating more will make it better. But it does’t. It’s as soon as we eat “ off program” that we realize we only wanted it because we couldn’t have it. Once we eat it we don’t feel better – we actually feel worse. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]OFF AND ON: In the moment you believe that you will just go off and then go right back on. But reality is there is no “off” and “on” there is only “six” and “one”. Six is to stay on program and be the best you can be. Stay mindful, make the right choices, lose weight and when temptation hits and the little devil on your shoulder tells you to do the wrong thing that is when you have to be the strongest – you need to be a SHARK. It’s at that time that you have to remind yourself that it’s not the food that you want. What you want is to fit in your bathing suit this summer and go to the beach without feeling like you wish you were someone else. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]LIFE IS EASIER ON PROGRAM: The truth is life is easier when you do the right thing. I know so many of you know this. Even when the scale doesn’t move as much as we want we just feel so much better- in control – lighter and healthier. We have no stomach aches and our body feels like it’s running properly. So it should be a no-brainer to stay committed to what makes us feel so good. Yet, temptation will always be knocking on the door……. and it will always be easier to make an excuse to do the wrong thing. Everyone can come up with reasons and excuses to cheat. But what you have to remind yourself is not everyone does. That is the moment that separates the successful from the unsuccessful — and the committed from the excuse makers. The clients who are successful keep it to one day. No matter what – it’s one day off. When temptation came they fought hard and remembered what their own commitment to their goal is. They Cheat one day a week and do not find reasons why they deserve more. They don’t give in. They know what is important to them and it’s not the food on the table. They know eating off program is not the answer to their happiness. That doesn’t mean it’s not hard. Life is hard and success is harder. But they fight for what they want and they stick to it and stay on the healthy path. They know that if they see something they really want they will save it for their Cheat Day. They walk away from the temptations and never give the excuses the time of day— because they love to live healthy. They love to feel good. They love to feel in control and they love that their clothes fit them. And most of all they never have to worry about when they are going back on program – because they never give excuses to go off.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF:  Obstacles will naturally arise that will try to knock you off your path. But being true to yourself means facing all obstacles, fighting through them with good decisions and continuing on your path even in the face of the most difficult adversity. You must continue to be guided by what you want your outcome to be. No matter what is happening you have to ask yourself is this worth going off program. Is this going to make me happy. — Choose your hard. Is it harder to walk away and be hungry? Or is it harder to give in – eat it and deal with the fact that you gave in to the temptation & excuses (and most likely still be hungry).[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]WALK AWAYIT’S ALWAYS EASIER TO WALK AWAY
AND THE OUTCOME IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE BETTER[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]One thing we all know is that when you are in a good place mentally and physically you are a happier person.  When you are committed to living healthy and eating clean and feeling amazing in your body – it’s life changing. I see it everyday the transformations that take place week after week. It’s the most amazing sight to see someone who goes from being unhappy in their body to loving how they look and feel. — And if you want to feel that – there is absolutely no reason you shouldn’t have it.  The only thing that is stopping you is your commitment to yourself. You have to stop making excuses. You have to work hard and give it 100% everyday. Because your health and happiness is one thing that is always worth working hard and staying committed to everyday. Love the mind and body you live in.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]RESULTS COME FROM COMMITMENT NOT EXCUSES.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] 
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick