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Tag: 2015

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
September 15, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Preparing for Fall

 

Though these last few weeks have still felt like summer for most of us, the shift to fall is now unmistakable. The temperature is dropping, the kids are back to school and there is a different feeling in the air. Fall is an exciting time of new opportunities, changes and challenges. Here are some things to think about to prepare yourself for some of these changes and put yourself in the best position to succeed. 

 

Summertime is a great time for a lot of foods that are no longer in season, so make sure you have that in mind when you are planning your meals and snacks. Unfortunately a lot of fruits are on their way out, and you may even want to switch summer vegetables like corn and cucumber for heartier fall vegetables like squash, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and more. Adjust your grocery list next time you go shopping and be prepared for when you go out to eat. Eating foods that are in season is a great way to make sure you are getting as much nutrients from what you eat as possible, and it keeps you from being backed into a corner when your usual summer foods aren’t available. 

 

Fall is a great time for fitness, indoors or outside. Even if you haven’t made exercise part of your routine before and want to try, there are so many opportunities to take advantage of. You can walk, run, bike and hike without the summer heat exhausting you and forcing you inside. It’s also a great time to try a gym membership, personal trainer or exercise classes or videos. Having an indoor exercise option will be especially helpful for days when the weather prevents you from going outside or when the winter comes around and getting outside seems impossible. Don’t wait until the last minute – get in to these good habits now so when it’s late in the fall and winter is around the corner you are ready. If you plan to exercise at home, make sure you have any equipment you might need – mat, weights, videos, or machines and space to do it. If you want to try joining a gym, find one in a convenient location with all the options and amenities you want so you aren’t stuck later. If you want to start taking exercise classes or working with a trainer, give yourself time to try a couple different things and find what you like. 

 

The last thing that you should be aware of is your mindset. As we transition into sweater season, don’t let your motivation disappear and don’t let yourself hide under layers of clothing. If getting healthy and fit is what you really want, don’t let it slip away. Preparing now will help set you up for success during the hardest months of winter when it’s cold and dark and all we want to do is sit inside and hibernate. Now is the perfect time to try new things and change it up.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
August 17, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

August Hours & Closings and What’s Coming Up In September

AUGUST 

 

STORE will be OPEN this week August 17th-22nd
 
WE ARE CLOSED NEXT WEEK AUGUST 23rd-30th (including deliveries) – so if you need anything please put your orders in this week.  Thank you 🙂
 
We will re-OPEN ON MONDAY Aug 31st through Wednesday September 2nd   
 
AND closed for Labor Day Weekend September 3rd-7th
 
 
Closings do not affect communication, text, email and online. Josephine, Thea, Nora, Debbie and Jeff will still be available and working for all in-studio and online clients at all times.
 
 
 
 
WHAT’S COMING IN SEPTEMBER…..
 
 
*INNOVATION APPROVED NEW YUMMY FOODS AND DESSERTS* –  in store September 8th.
 
 
*BEGINNER RUNNING CLUB:  Join Josephine and learn to run 1 mile, a 5k, 10k, and half marathon. Nothing will change your body like running does. Josephine has trained thousands of past clients ages 16-60 who have never run before to run half marathons. While it’s the hardest thing to do it’s the most rewarding. If running is something you always wanted to try then this is for you. Meetings will take place at local parks and running paths. Stay tuned for more info.  
 
 
*INNOVATION “LOVE TO LIVE HEALTHY” WEB-CHANNEL –  Join us every week on our NEW WEB CHANNEL that includes In-studio weight loss sessions with real clients. Learn and watch REAL IN STUDIO CLIENTS weight loss successes and struggles. The weekly channel also includes discussions with Josephine on weight loss foods, tips and tricks to help you reach your weight loss goals. INCLUDES weekly one-on-one training sessions for individuals and families. The channel launches in September and includes everything you want to know and everything you need to know for weight loss success.  
 
 
*NEW INNOVATION WEBSITE THAT WILL HELP YOU WITH ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS NEEDS – launching in September – stay tuned 🙂
 
 
*NEW INNOVATION CLASSES WILL BE ADDED TO OUR WEEKLY IN-STUDIO SCHEDULE (FULL BODY WORKOUT, BOOT CAMP, DANCE CARDIO AND POWER YOGA)
 
 
 
SEPTEMBER STARTS OUR NEW YEAR – IF THE SUMMER GOT A HOLD OF YOU AND YOUR WEIGHT – IT’S TIME TO TAKE IT BACK. Why wait until January to make a resolution? Start in September and by January you will need a new resolution. By next summer you will no longer face the challenges you faced this year. We have the menu, the food, the exercise and the 24/7 support you need. WE GIVE YOU NO EXCUSES. MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF. SET YOUR OWN PERSONAL GOAL AND REMEMBER THAT YOU, YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR HAPPINESS are the most important thing to you and everyone who loves you. 
 
 MAKE THE CHANGE.  
 
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
 
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
April 23, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Sleep and Weight Loss

 

Though they may seem unrelated, your sleep habits and night time routine can actually play an important part in your weight loss. Night time snacking, caffeine and sugar consumption, weight loss, metabolism and quality sleep are all very connected. For example, getting a good night’s sleep will improve your overall well-being and also help you keep cravings at bay. If you’re tired during the day you will probably be looking for caffeine or sugar to give you a boost. Having low energy will also make you reach for comfort foods and you’ll probably be more inclined to skip a workout or an opportunity to be active. Lack of sleep can also lead to irritability, weakened immune system, impaired memory and more.

 

What is one of the most common causes of poor quality sleep? Many people find that they can eat healthy during the day but that their resolve is worn down by late afternoon and night time, when they can’t help themselves from indulging in sweet and salty snacks. Late afternoon snacking and night time snacking can take a healthy weight loss day and change it to an unhealthy weight gain day in a matter of a couple of hours. A majority of clients find themselves challenged between the hours of 4-6pm and 7-9pm. If you have poor sleep quality from the night before, think about how that is going to affect your ability to stay strong through these challenges. When we don’t sleep we break down from the inside out. If you are reaching for caffeine in an effort to pass on the snacking you may find drinking caffeine after 4pm will keep you in lighter stages of sleep when you need deep, quality sleep to function at your best during the day. Sleep is also essential to proper metabolism function – if you aren’t getting enough sleep it can slow your metabolism. It’s not just snacking that can affect you in this way – big meals or heavy foods can increase heartburn and other discomfort that can keep you up. Many of us like to have something sweet after dinner or a late night salty snack, and that’s okay. But make a plan to have your allowed snacks planned in advance so you know what they are and when you are eating them. When you are done – you are done!

 

There are several ways you can improve your night that will lead to quality sleep. The best thing you can do is cut the caffeine well before you plan to go to bed.  Lowering your time with bright lights and computer, tablet or phone screens will also help you when it’s time to go to sleep. The blue light from electronics such as phones or computers can suppress your brain’s production of melatonin, a brain chemical which helps us fall asleep. Another option is to try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times. This can help you get into a regular rhythm and will train your body to expect to go to sleep at a certain time and keep you consistent. Meditation has also been known to significantly improve sleep quality. Meditating during the day or evening can help you release tension and recharge, which can lead to a more relaxed night.

 

Try some of these tips and have a healthy, restful night tonight!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
April 2, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Easter and Passover Recipes

 

Two of Spring’s biggest holidays are just a few days away! Although it hasn’t really felt like winter has ended, Easter and Passover are fast approaching. Many of you will choose one of the days this weekend as your cheat day, but as usual the celebrating might last for more than just one day. Here are some healthier recipes and treats that can help you make smarter choices so the weekend doesn’t put too much of a dent in your weight loss plan.

 

One of the highlights of Easter weekend for kids and adults is the Easter basket and Easter candy. When looking for something healthier than the typical candy, try some dark chocolate. You could even make dark chocolate bark with some healthy add ins such as roasted pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, nuts or even wasabi peas or sea salt. It’s a healthier option that’s still a sweet treat. To make it, chop one pound of dark chocolate into fine pieces and microwave 3/4 of the chocolate for 30 seconds. Stir with a spatula and repeat the heating at 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Add the rest of the chocolate and stir until all the chocolate is melted. Pour the chocolate onto a large baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Spread the chocolate evenly in the pan and sprinkle on your toppings. Let the chocolate cool until set (at least 4 hours, or 30 minutes in the refrigerator) then break it up into small pieces. You could put the pieces into little bags and put them in an easter basket or give as gifts.

 

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If you’re looking for something simpler, a festive fruit or vegetable plate is a great option. Carrots and green veggies such as celery or broccoli make a healthy and easy appetizer or snack. You could add even more vegetables or a mix of fruit and make a colorful egg shaped platter.

 

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Instead of reaching for candy while decorating eggs, you could boil a couple extra eggs and have them as snacks. Another festive snack takes just a few simple ingredients – add hummus to small pots and stick baby carrots in each.

 

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Passover includes a lot of healthy foods that can be enjoyed without worry and included in some interesting dishes. You can make a bitter herbs salad by combining romaine lettuce, radicchio, arugula, celery, scallions, parsley, dill, mint, and a dressing with garlic, salt, lemon juice and olive oil.

 

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Charoset is a sweet and healthy spread that is made from a combination of nutritious foods. To make it at home, combine raisins, pecans, almonds, dates, figs, ground cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce and fruit juice in a food processor.

 

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Chocolate no-bake macaroons are a great healthy and festive dessert option. They are also vegan, nut free, gluten free, dairy free and kosher. In a bowl, mash 1 banana then stir in melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended then add cocoa powder. Add unsweetened shredded coconut and a pinch of sea salt. Scoop rounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them in the freezer for around 20 minutes or until ready to enjoy.

 

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Have a Healthy and Happy Easter and Passover!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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Healthy TipsLifestyleUncategorized
March 9, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Are You Ready For Spring?

This past weekend we sprung forward for Daylight Saving Time and also the weather slowly started to creep out of the 30’s and up toward the 50’s. The snow is finally melting and the warmer weather and longer days we have been waiting for will be here by the end of the week. Now is a crucial time for your weight loss. You probably felt like the dark, cold winter days were filled with monotony and low motivation. During these long winter months it felt like the light at the end of the tunnel was so far away that it would never come – but now is the time that you should be feeling and looking amazing, not just day dreaming about it.

 

Use the improving weather to jump start your motivation. Recently the weather has been a hassle with mounds of snow and layers of ice, but now you have so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and boost your mood. In fact, it’s a scientific truth – a study published recently shows that people who engaged in outdoor activity had elevated mood and self esteem after just 5 minutes. Whether you are switching from snow shoeing to jogging or just trying to energize your exercise routine after months of work out videos inside, you will notice a big change with just one work out.

 

Your goals are closer than you think and making them even more of a reality can help get you in the right mindset. As you prepare to pack away the heavy coats and sweaters remember that you won’t be able to hide underneath winter layers any more. If you have lost touch with your goals and your progress, strengthen your commitment. Now is the time for you to start enjoying all the hard work you have already put towards your goals and to keep pushing yourself. It hasn’t always been easy but that’s what makes it worth it. It’s time to embrace the shorts and t-shirts!

 

Prepare yourself for this transition. Warm weather may take you out of your comfort zone but that doesn’t mean you have to spin out of control. Maybe it’s the first time you’ve worn a tank top or a bathing suit in a long while, so you have to work on your confidence as much as you work on your weight loss. Don’t just focus on the things you still want to accomplish or how far you still have to go – think of all the things you have done to make yourself proud.

 

This is an exciting time when you get enjoy the benefits of your hard work and take your weight loss to the next level. In the winter there is little satisfaction in your efforts when you’re covered head to toe. The shrinking number on the scale can put a smile on your face, but when you put on summer clothes for the first time this year and go to the beach or out with friends you’re going to love your healthy lifestyle even more.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyleUncategorized
February 9, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Healthier Valentine’s Day Treats

 

With Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend we wanted to share some healthier Valentine’s Day treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you healthier than typical sweets and candy. Make Saturday your cheat day and with these healthier recipes you can indulge without going completely off track.

 

This first recipe is simple, easy and can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. All it takes is a heart shaped cookie cutter and you can make Fruit Kebabs with watermelon and strawberry for a festive treat, or any fruit of your choosing for an adorable snack. You can keep the heart shaped theme going with almost any food – potatoes for a festive side and even carrots and cucumber to dress up a salad.

 

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Another incredibly easy and tasty recipe is Raspberries and Chocolate Chips. Just place a dark chocolate chip inside each raspberry for a sweet and simple treat. Get double the antioxidants from the combination of raspberries and dark chocolate, as well as vitamins and minerals from both ingredients.

 

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Raspberries and chocolate come together again for this next recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Truffles. These treats will taste decadent despite their healthy ingredients. In a food processor combine the following: 6 dates, 1/3 cup raspberries and 2 tablespoons of water. After the mixture is well-chopped (about 30 seconds), place it in a small pan and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1/3 cup melted coconut oil and 1/2 tsp of vanilla to the mixture. Put the mixture back in the processor and add 3 tbsp of cocoa powder, process until smooth. Refrigerate for about an hour then scoop out 2 tsp sized portions and shape into balls. Place cocoa powder on a plate and roll the balls in the cocoa powder.

 

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This next recipe combines healthy ingredients for a sweet treat: Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Cups. For this recipe, combine 3 tablespoons of cacao powder, 1/3 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of peanut butter (or any other nut butter) and 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup or coconut syrup) in a small sauce pan on low heat. Pour this mixture over puffed quinoa in a large bowl and stir until everything is mixed together. Spoon into muffins cups and freeze until hardened (about 10 minutes). You can add a fresh raspberry on top of each one as a festive garnish.

 

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For those vegans out there, this next recipe is made without dairy, and is also gluten free. This recipe for Strawberry Lemon Rice Crispies is a tasty treat that kids will love. Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 10 oz of marshmallows (you can use the brand Dandies for the vegan option) in a saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of beat juice for color (optional) and the juice and zest from one lemon into the pan. Remove from heat and add rice puffs and 3/4 cup dehydrated strawberry pieces to the mixture. Press into a 9×9 square pan and let cool.

 

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Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without Chocolate Covered Strawberries. We recommend using dark chocolate chips in our recipe. Melt the chocolate on the stove with a double boiler (two pans that fit together – putting water in the bottom and chocolate in the top pan), or boil water in a sauce pan and place chocolate in a glass bowl into the pan. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For extra flavor and crunch, finely chop any nuts of your choosing and place in a bowl. After dipping strawberries in chocolate, dip them in the bowl of nuts.

 

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~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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February 2, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Reflect on Your Resolution

 

As we embark on the second month in the New Year, take some time to reflect on your resolution. Has it changed? Are you on track? Has it taken a new direction? Have you accomplished some of it? All of it? Many people make the mistake to committing themselves to a resolution but then never tracking their progress. Either it happens, or it doesn’t (and usually, it doesn’t) – there is no in between. A huge part of reaching success with a resolution is to hold yourself to it, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t adjust it. This is not meant to give yourself a way out, just to make sure that you can reach your goals. For example, if you had planned to lose a certain amount of weight in the month of January and it didn’t happened, don’t give up on it. Come up with a plan to make it happen in February. But don’t just push it back – reflect on why it didn’t happen. Maybe it was too big of a resolution for just one month. If so, try spreading it out over 2 months or more. People always seem to be in such a rush to complete their resolutions, but accomplishing a goal or making a lifestyle change doesn’t happen over night. Give yourself time to reach the finish line.

 

This is why quick fixes never work. They are only made to give you immediate results, not lasting, healthy changes. Patience may be the hardest part of working towards a goal, but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Changing your habits not only takes time, but it also takes a lot of strength. Not just the physical strength to exercise, but also mental strength to stay on track and motivate yourself. It can be exhausting to constantly have to think about what to eat, when to exercise and to keep yourself from going back to old habits, but the strength you build and the amazing things you accomplish because of it will be just a rewarding as reaching your goal weight. Fad diets and quick weight loss solutions make you drop pounds but they don’t improve your lifestyle the way getting healthy does.

 

If you’re feeling stuck with your resolution, try breaking it down and making it more specific. Instead of just saying you want to lose a certain amount of weight or you want to “get healthy”, make it more precise. Try making tangible goals, like working out 3 days a week or cutting back on a certain food or drink you consume often. The more vague a goal is, the harder it is to achieve. It may seem like the more open-ended an objective is, the easier it is to accomplish because there are so many ways it can be fulfilled, but this will actually work against you. The same way that you decide the road to take before you drive anywhere, you need direction to be able to follow through on your resolution. Always have a plan, get as specific as possible, and stick to it!

 

2015 is only just beginning…Make it count!

 

~ Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

 

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January 19, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Is Someone Trying to Sabotage Your Resolution?

We’re more than half way through the first month of the New Year and you have probably already faced many obstacles while trying to stick to your Resolution. Going back to school and work after the winter break means eating on the go and that healthy eating usually takes a back seat to a busy schedule. And it can be tough to make time for exercise, especially in the cold weather when it can be hard to find the energy. Difficulties like these can be combatted from within through motivation and encouragement, but sometimes you will find that challenges can come from another person. Your friends and family may seem supportive, but sometimes they think that steering you away from your weight loss will make you happy and more relaxed. They see you eating light and they hear of how you struggle sometimes, so they think that giving you a way out and convincing you to skip that workout or to have that dessert will solve your problems. It can be hard to say no to the people you care about and spend the most time with, but you also have to watch out for people that are trying to sabotage your Resolution.

 

Co-workers may mean well when they come by with that box of donuts or plate of cookies they baked last night, but you have to rise above being tempted in the workplace. The last thing you need is to start rewarding yourself with food when you complete a task or feel stressed at your job. Getting personal at work can be uncomfortable, but there are nice ways to turn down unhealthy food and unnecessary snacks. Just let people know that you don’t have room or just ate, or if you feel the need to take what they are offering, only take a bite or two. So next time your coworkers are passing around birthday cake slices at an office party, have a plan and get through the day without the extra eating.

 

If you don’t find temptation at work, you will most certainly find it at home with your kids and family. You may plan to eat healthy when you come home but your kids probably have something else in mind. They want what they want, and they want dessert too, and you won’t hear the end of it until they get it. Maybe they want to go out for dinner to their favorite place where you know you don’t have many options. It can be hard to juggle your own eating habits with your family’s. You feel like eating healthy doesn’t seem like a priority when you’re eating with other people. This can be especially hard when you’re at a relative’s table when food is personal. If you do feel the pressure to eat, use the tasting method. Just take one spoonful. And remember that when it comes to family meals, it’s about more than food. Don’t focus on what you’re not eating, focus on the time you spend together.

 

Your family and coworkers may understand your choices, but your friends may be your biggest obstacle. They want you to indulge and enjoy things with them. They want to go out for drinks or meet up at a cafe for coffee. When you find yourself in a social situation where eating or drinking certain foods is part of the get-together, you have to do the best you can. Don’t just give up because you think the situation is out of your control. Look for healthy alternatives or go for something that you know is a good choice. Meeting up isn’t an occasion to fall off the wagon. You can also plan accordingly when you have the time. If you know you’re meeting up with a friend for coffee, keep it simple (no sugary syrups or whole milk) and make it one of your snacks.

 

Navigating social situations is part of daily life so it will also be part of your weight loss. It can be tiring to combat your own temptations, and then to add someone else telling you that you should treat yourself to whatever food you want isn’t helpful. They may think that one meal or snack isn’t a big deal, but you work too hard to spoil your resolution. Make it something you are proud of and include the people around.  If they really want the best for you they will understand.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
January 5, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolution

 

It’s time to shake off that holiday haze and get back to reality. Some people see it as a welcome end to a hectic and busy holiday season, while some may still be clinging to the last few moments of celebration. Either way, for almost everyone it is time to go back to school or work, say goodbye to your relatives and put the decorations back in the attic. Returning to your usual work or class schedule is impossible to avoid so maybe you’re thinking about taking your time getting back to your weight loss plan. January 1st was still part of the holiday break so maybe you planned to get serious about your resolution today…But you weren’t ready to get up when the alarm clock went off this morning, so forget about having your head in the right place when it comes choosing what to eat this week. And those leftovers shouldn’t go to waste, right? The passing of another holiday season and the stress of going back to your regular routine may make you feel overwhelmed, but now is not the time to shy away from your commitment to your resolution. Take this as an opportunity to kick things into high gear. Use this fresh start to build on what you have been doing.

 

But beware – the worst thing you can do right now is go overboard. Putting too many things on your plate or trying to quit certain things “cold turkey” can make you weaker and crumble under pressure. If you have a long list of strict resolutions or things you want to accomplish (quit candy, cut alcohol consumption, exercise more, drink less soda, drink more water, eat more vegetables, get healthy, try juicing or a detox, eat more protein and focus on your weight loss, etc.) all at the same time, your brain is going to be the one getting the workout instead of your body. When you split your attention and have too many priorities it can actually make it harder to accomplish anything at all. For example, if you over do it at the gym it just means you’ll probably dread exercising and be less likely to workout. Instead, push yourself just beyond your comfort zone without getting too intense. Similarly, if you were to skip meals or try some crash diet you are basically setting yourself up for failure. Making changes to your eating and exercise habits is possible when done right.

 

The best way to succeed is to break up your resolution into manageable pieces. You should make realistic goals that are specific to you. If you have never been a runner and then decide to run a marathon next month, you should probably reconsider. Or if you want to cut down on how much sugar you consume, you will probably be feeling cravings after just a day or two without it. Your brain automatically prefers comfortable, old habits over new and different ones. For a while, for example, you will still crave sugar or resist going for a jog, but eventually you will be running a full marathon and will have left those sugar cravings behind. The most important part of this idea is to have a plan and hold yourself accountable. Make clear goals for each month or week and keep track of them. If you miss a goal, it’s not the end of the world. Readjust your plan and keep going. You’re not giving yourself any excuses to quit, you’re actually ensuring your success.

 

Most of all, it’s important to remember that this will take time. It is commonly felt that resolutions need to be accomplished within the beginning of the new year for them to count, but remember that a year is 12 months. It’s not a January Resolution, it’s a New Year’s Resolution. Changing your habits and completing a major accomplishment won’t happen over night. The changes may be small and gradual, but that doesn’t make them any less of a success. By the end of the year you will have accomplished so much that you never thought would ever be possible right now. The same way you start with simple, short phrases when you learn a new language – start small and you will see major results.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
January 1, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2015! This year we are going to focus on Balance and how important it is for you to achieve in your daily life. Balance comes in all different shapes and sizes, and when we talk about weight loss it’s so important to figure out how balance will work for you. We can’t live on an all or nothing system. We can’t survive on being perfect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. First of all, it takes a whole lot of work to be perfect and who wants to try and live up to being perfect everyday? One of the fun things about working hard to be healthy and feel good about yourself is when we can go out and enjoy it.

Weight Loss – Balance is about learning how to have fun, enjoy, and stay in control.

 

To have successful weight loss you need Balance in all areas of your life. The following are my favorite 5 resolutions to keep you healthy and your life in balance in 2015.

 

1) WEIGHT LOSS & FITNESS: While over 85% of Americans are overweight it’s no wonder it’s the number one resolution. But it’s also the number one resolution people stop doing before any other resolution. By Valentines Day, 75% of weight loss and fitness resolutions are already done and forgotten about. Don’t be that person this year. Make your weight loss and fitness a priority. A Healthy, Nutritious body and regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that they reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, enhance mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, a healthy nutritious body and exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Start by having a plan. When you have a weight loss and fitness plan you are more likely to see it through.

 

2)  ENJOY LIFE MORE & ENJOY YOUR FAMILY: Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. It’s an important step to a happier and healthier you! Get out there with your family or friends and do something that makes you happy, something fun! It can’t be all about work all the time.

 

3) LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or maybe even learn how to cook? 🙂 Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year’s resolutions to keep. Most local colleges and universities offer distance and adult education programs. Find something that interests you and learn something new this year.

 

4)  GET OUT OF DEBT:  Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead. There is no greater stress on the body and mind then being in debt. Take small steps and get out of it while you can. If you are not in debt then start saving. People who have a savings account feel 60% less stress than those who live paycheck to paycheck.

 

5)  HELP OTHERS: This is my favorite. A popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, is volunteerism and it can take on many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, donating your time at the local hospital – there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help. Or if your time is really in short supply, maybe you can at least find it in you to donate the furniture, clothing and other household items that you no longer need.

 

If you can get your life in balance you will feel a much better sense of control.  The above 5 resolutions give you that control in every area of your life from Health, Having fun, Education, Financial and the Giving of Yourself. The resolutions are not meant to accomplish overnight. They are meant to accomplish this year.

 

Make 2015 your year of balance, control

and one you want to remember and reflect on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

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