No products in the cart.

Tag: family

clean eatingeatcleanHealthy TipsLifestyleweight loss

HOW TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE

It’s not easy being uncomfortable.  One of the biggest things about weight loss and getting results is we have to be okay with being a little uncomfortable.  Both mentally and physically being uncomfortable takes getting used to.  Mentally it’s not easy to say NO to something we want.  Especially when the only one holding us back from it is us.  Physically we have to be okay with not having what our body physically feels it needs at the moment – reminding ourselves that we feel a little hungry because we have to eat less than what we currently need to have weight loss.  When your body is used to eating more of course you will feel little hungry.  Not all day but there will be times when your body realizes you are taking in less and it’s going to want you to feed it so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.  Not an easy thing to get through – yet very doable.

We live in a society that prefers instant gratification and pleasure.   You see it and you want it.  We almost never think of the consequences until after we did it.  When we are uncomfortable we want to get rid of the feeling and we do what makes us immediately comfortable – regardless if the result is going to make us unhappy.

 

CHOOSE YOUR HARD:  UNHAPPY vs. UNCOMFORTABLE – What you have to remember is the uncomfortable is temporary.  It will be gone and you will get past it and the results of it are what makes you happy.  If you choose the easier path and grab without thinking or caring you will be unhappy and bloated and that’s a whole different kind of uncomfortable.  So which is it?  You want to be uncomfortable a little hungry or uncomfortable in your clothes?

Here are some things to remind you why it’s okay to be uncomfortable:

  • Nearly everything that generates any kind of value requires effort, focus and discomfort.
  • It’s the fear of discomfort that drives us away from our goals
  • It’s this fear of discomfort that drives us to search for endless shortcuts.  How can we make this all easier. How can we achieve success without the hard work?
  • The truth is the only real way to get comfortable is to realize discomfort is where your success is.  Follow it, embrace it and you will get it.

If you think about how society today is so terrified of pain and discomfort.  Many will do anything to avoid pain and suffering.  We have endless pills and alcohol to make all manner of discomfort go away.

  • Don’t fall into the trap of becoming comfortable with simply existing. You must want and love putting the work in to get results. It’s okay to feel both the pain and pleasure from working hard for something. For example let’s take weight loss – It’s uncomfortable and there are days you have to walk away from what you really want. I think we can all agree there is pain involved. Both mental and physical pain. It’s not easy to walk away from something you want. But the results of doing it are beyond amazing. The feeling of waking up healthy, light and thin. Grabbing anything in your closet and it fits and feels good. Your confidence is high and your days are always great. You feel healthy. You feel like you can face anything and get through it. And you feel this way all because your body and mind feel good. When your body is in a good place your mind is in a happy place. When you feel good you are happy and when you are happy you always look amazing. There is nothing more beautiful then a happy confident person. When you are comfortable in your own skin – it makes all the little uncomfortable times worth it.  Who wouldn’t want this.  We see people all the time that have it and we want it.  But in order to get to this amazing feeling you need to work hard and feel the little pains of being uncomfortable.  When you are willing to do that you will get the results.

 

What I want you to think about for the remainder of January and into February – is becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.  It’s okay to be a little hungry – you won’t starve.  It’s okay to go to a party and not indulge .  It’s okay to feel a little mental pain without having to numb it. Face your fears and embrace them – it’s the only way to get through them.   I want you to embrace it and be happy that you can embrace it and happy that you can work for what you want.   Nothing in life comes free.  You must put the work in.   Don’t wait for the perfect time – it doesn’t exist.  There is always going to be something – it’s all part of the uncomfortable.    You have to get past it.   It’s not always going to be a perfect day or situation – but you  keep moving forward and keep working hard.   Do what you need to and get to where you want to be.  Think about it -if you don’t do it now -when?   Start now and make it happen.  You will feel the joy of being uncomfortable because you will see the results it brings.   Remind yourself that uncomfortable is where your success is!!  When you work at it and embrace it – the toughness of being uncomfortable passes and you find yourself in a place of control and happiness.

It's only when you see the positive changes in your mind and body 

is when you feel the most comfortable and genuinely alive


~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
clean eatingdieteatcleanfamilyHealthy TipsholidaysLifestyleweight loss

STAY MINDFUL AND YOU WILL STAY HAPPY

With just a hop skip and a jump you will be on Holiday Break.  As fast as it arrives it will be gone.  So make sure you enjoy every second of it and do tithe way that will make you the happiest – with No Regrets.

Here are some Holiday Tips and Advice I would like to share with you:

  1. Whether you are on the beach, the mountain or home you should be drinking water throughout the day.  Dehydration can cause hunger, headaches, constipation and fatigue.  Plan your water intake throughout the day.  for example a great practice is to drink an 8oz bottle of water when you wake up first thing.  Your body is dehydrated from sleep and the activities from the night before – whatever that may have been.  So wake up and drink.  Every time you plan a meal or a snack drink 8 oz of water before you eat.  You will not only consume less but you will feel and look so much better throughout the day.  ** Did you know that alcohol and caffeine are diuretics.  If you are drinking alcohol or any caffeinated drinks – make sure you have a glass of water in between every drink.
  2. Stay of the gym BUT stay active on Vacation.  You want to change it up of your mind and body and vacation is the perfect time to do that.  On the mountain go skiing, sledding, shoe walking, or horseback riding.  On the beach take a long walk or jog on the sand.  Go swimming.  Do an outdoor yoga or bootcamp.  Enjoy your surroundings and plan activities according to the weather you are in.  If you are staying home with the family play hide and seek or tag.  Go bowling or ice skating.  Take long walks in the park or go hiking.  It will be enjoyable and nice change for the mind body and great family time.
  3. Always always plan your meals and snacks.  Regardless on vacation or home you need to plan your meals and snacks because believe it or not while it’s uncomfortable to over do it at home it’s even worse to over do it on vacation.  Whether you are home or on Vacation you want to choose one of the following to keep you on track:
  • STAY ON PROGRAM:  and follow your 6 clean days and 1 cheat day.  If you do this you will of course lose weight and feel great.  Plan your food and snacks in advance each day.  if you are drinking then that is your snacks.  if you follow the 6/1 I would recommend having your cheat day at the end of the week before you go home.  All week long you can make a list of the foods/snacks/desserts you see that you want try on your cheat day.  If you save the Cheat Day for right before you return you will have a much better chance of sticking to the 6 clean days.
  • SPLIT THE HOLIDAYS:  We have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New years eve and New Years Day.  If you split them and stay clean all day and only off at night – Dinner and Drinks or Dinner and Dessert.  You do it for both Holidays with super clean days in between.  You will absolutely maintain but for many will still have a great chance of losing if you have SHARK DAYS in between.
  • MAINTAIN YOUR VACATION:   If you feel you need the break from the everyday mindsets vacation is a good time to take advantage of it.  Whether you are homer away you will choose one meal and one dessert/drinks each day.  The remainder of the day keep clean. So for example you might do Muffin for breakfast and bar for lunch and then cheat dinner and dessert/or drinks (desserts are your drinks.  The next day you might decide to cheat at breakfast and eat clean the rest of the day with cheat dessert.  It’s up to you to choose each day your cheat.  The key is not to have a full cheat day that week.  You come home and you go right back on program.  No scale.  You go back on program for one week and then you go on the scale and you will see your  pre-vacation weight.

While I wish food and drinks didn’t play such a big part in how we feel – the reality is it does.  And Im a big believer in addressing things rather than ignoring them.  Since what we eat and drink affects our mindset and personality, I think it’s super important to think through how you want to feel and what is going to make you happy.  Do not cheat everyday if you  by mid week you will be miserable because that will use make everyone you are with miserable.  As hard as it may feel to stay on program – think about how hard it will be to feel bloated and uncomfortable in your own skin.  In not suggesting you stay 110% clean on vacation.  I know you all so well that I really believe there is a different option for each one of you.  But what I am telling you is that while going off program makes you feel free of stress and structure – if you over do it you will begin to feel uncomfortable and out of control and I don’t want you to have that feeling on your vacation.  Think about it and plan how often you can cheat and still feel okay.  Because when you start out in a bathing suit or snow pants and end up mid week in a cover up or feeling like frosty you have to be okay with it.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Remind yourself two things.  It doesn’t matter how amazing you were up to this point.  You will feel the effects of daily over doing it and you will feel it quickly.  Smoke the choices because this vacation isn’t only about you it’s about your family and what mood they have to deal with when you lose control.  I know it’s the harsh reality but I’m telling you now so you don’t look back and feel like you should have made different choices.  You have all been on vacation before and you know what it does to you mentally and physically the you are consistently off program.  Some are okay with it and can just deal with the affects of it and go right back on program when they return — others will let it ruin the holiday/vacation mid way through.  Don’t do it.  this year you are going to THINK BEFORE YOU ACT and make sure your choices are what is good for you and all those you love.  And always remember if you lose control and you realized you over did it and start to feel uncomfortable there is a simple solution –  the very best thing to do is regardless of where you are you just go right back on program to a 110% shark day.  After one solid day back on program you will feel so much better.  We are always here for you if you need guidance – simply reach out.  Remember this isn’t about being perfect it’s about being happy.

HAPPINESS LOOKS AMAZING ON EVERYONE!

clean eatingeatcleanfamilyholidaysweight loss

FRIDAY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS A MONDAY!

The most wonderful time of the year!  I thought today would be a perfect time to talk about the WEEKEND!  You know that really difficult time that everyone has keeping to one cheat day.  Yes I know we are in the most festive and the busiest time of the year.  I know we had parties every week. That’s why they call it the happiest season of all because everyone is eating and drinking!  But I also know how fast weight comes on and how much longer it takes to come off.   That’s why it’s important for me to remind all of you – the next two weekends are super important.  If you keep it to one cheat day a weekend you will see the number go in the right direction.  If you cheat a little the night before or the day after you will maintain.  It’s that simple.  to see the number go in the direction you want you must keep it to ONE CHEAT DAY A WEEK.  That includes No Extra’s at all.  Stick to your menu and you will feel the best and get the best results.

ALL THE MAGIC HAPPENS THE NIGHT BEFORE

If you weigh in Friday morning and your Cheat Day isn’t until Saturday you should not be cheating ” a little” Friday night.  Just because you weighed in does not give you the freedom to cheat Friday night.  If you cheat a little Friday night that will reflect in the following week.  You should not be drinking extra drinks or eating extra snacks you should stick to your meals and snacks on Friday like any other weight loss day and Cheat ONLY on your Cheat day.  Again this is only if you want the very best results every week.  Remember that all the magic happens at the end of the week so even if you weighed in Friday morning but your Cheat day is Saturday you stop the weight loss and the magic as soon as you are “off program” Friday night.

THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS

There are only two weekends left until Break.  whether you are celebrating the holidays or vacationing or just hanging with the family – the real challenge will be from December 24th through Jan 1.  So for the Next week and two weekends keep it laser focused.  Live the program – 110% six clean days and only one cheat day.  You will go into the Holiday week feeling mentally and physically amazing, strong, healthy, thinner, happier and full of life!  Because when you do the right things it shows in everything about how you look feel and act.

 

THE STRUGGLE  THAT YOU FIGHT THROUGH

IS WHAT GIVES YOU THE RESULTS.

clean eatingeatcleanfamilyHealthy TipsholidaysLifestyleweight loss

YIKES – IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS!

YIKES! is probably the best word to describe how you might be feeling right now.  With the long weekend behind you and any damages that might have been done are now in the past the only thing to do is to move forward.    Don’t waste anytime beating yourself up – it’s wasted energy.   Right now you start your hardcore 100% Shark week immediately.  We have a countdown of exactly 4 weeks until Holiday Break.  It’s super important that you enjoy when it’s time to enjoy and it’s even more important that you are amazing when it’s time to be amazing.  So regardless of the parties you might have coming up or any events that are taking place over the next couple of weeks it’s important you are a shark and stick to the 6 clean days and 1 cheat day.  The next 4 weeks is all about being amazing.

THE NEXT 4 WEEKS IS ALL ABOUT BEING A SHARK

I can’t even begin to tell you in the last two days how many text and email messages I received  -everyone was more than ready to start eating clean again.  Many of you even started yesterday.  YES it’s so enjoyable to cheat but it’s beyond amazing to start eating clean again after you cheat.  Think about it – we cheat to mentally comfort us.  Most of us will agree that as soon as we feed that mental comfort our physical comfort is compromised.  The more we cheat the worse we feel.  Not on purpose of course.  Mentally we want to be able to cheat the whole day but the longer  you are on program the less you are able to cheat the entire day.  Even when you can cheat the whole day you will notice how week after week you really are taking in less without even trying.  — All good things and all very relevant to where you are today.

 

The reason I bring this up is so you understand that even though you probably feel like you did a lot of damage the reality is you probably didn’t do as bad as you thought.  Yes you could have been better and I’m sure you could have been worse.  What is important if you get right back on program and give yourself a solid 6 clean days.  I promise regardless of how bad you feel right now, by mid week you will feel so much better and by next weigh in you will be so happy you have a Hardcore Shark Solid Clean week in.  And in 4 weeks you will be more than ready for your holiday and/or vacation.

The program is all about loving to live healthy and enjoying life.  We eat clean so we can cheat and when we cheat we can’t wait to eat clean again.  Living the program gives you the opportunity to enjoy it all.  Especially over a holiday week when we need a little more flexibility than just one cheat day.  Now that Thanksgiving Holiday is over and everyone enjoyed – now it’s time to get serious and put the work in so in 4 weeks you can BE, FEEL AND LOOK like the most amazing you and also have that flexibility again and enjoy the next holiday break.

LIFE

WORK HARD FOR IT 

LIVE IT- LOVE IT – ENJOY IT

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

clean eatingdieteatcleanfamilyHealthy TipsholidaysLifestyleweight loss

HAPPY HOLIDAYS – HAPPY YOU?!

We all want to be happy around the Holidays.  But along with happiness, we also know the holidays can be filled with stress, laughter, drinking, over-eating, family fights and even tears!  Everyday can bring a mix of different emotions, and not just for you but for everyone around you.  There is however one way to feel your very best this holiday season….

 

Do you want to know the secret to having a happy Holiday Season this year?  The secret to a happy holiday season is not about how much you put on the table.  It’s not about how much money you have or what kind of car you drive.  It’s not about how expensive your outfit is and it’s not even about how many friends you have.  I mean these are all great things to have in your life but I can tell you for certain it’s not what is going to make your holiday season the happiest it can be.   The secret to a happy fulfilled holiday season is how you are going to feel about yourself throughout the holidays.  The happier YOU are and the better YOU feel in your own skin is going to be a game changer on how you feel through the holidays and how you treat yourself and everyone around you.

 

Many of you know exactly what I am talking about.  You know that feeling good about yourself is more than just what you have or what you can buy – it’s about how you feel mentally and physically.  Let’s face it putting on an $800 outfit is amazing but putting on $100 outfit on the body you love and feel great in will make you feel like you are wearing something that is priceless.

 

I know I am constantly reminding you that the better you feel the better you will live.  I am a true believer in if you are doing the right thing and feel good you  are more likely to choose the right options to keep you feeling that way.  When you are around a holiday dinner or party you will feel amazing and you will want to do everything you can to stay that way.  FACT:  when you feel good you want to continue to look good and when you don’t feel good you tend to throw in the towel a lot faster and fall prey to temptations  around you.

 

Between Thanksgiving and New Years you want to be able to go to a party, a holiday dinner and even a planned vacation and feel the very best you can feel because the better you feel the happier you will be and the better you are going to act and treat those you love around you.  You don’t want to put yourself in a position that you don’t want to get dressed and don’t want to see people.  We all kind of live in the same shoes.  When we are doing the right thing and feeling amazing – we don’t care who we run into.  In fact, sometimes we even seek out people.  When we are not doing the right things we want to avoid everything and everyone.  — Keep this holiday season simple.  When you are doing the right thing – you are happy.  So don’t make it complicated.  Follow your program and feel the best you can feel.  Always remember nothing is worth feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.

 

If you find that you are struggling at any time – you always remind yourself that you just need one clean week and you will feel like someone stuck a pin in you and you deflated.  One clean week is all it takes and you will start to feel the lighter version of YOU!  You want to spend this holiday season starting off on the right path.  But if somewhere in between you fall off you just get right back on and 6 clean days you will feel great again.  Everyone can be a shark when they want to be.  Head strong you will go into the holidays on program and enjoy your cheats when its you cheat day and not just cheat because it’s the holiday’s .  Because we all know when you start cheating just to cheat or because there are parties week after week – before you know it you will be squeezing into clothes and the happy face will turn into a frown very quickly.  And no one needs to see you frown around the holidays.  Especially when it’s something you have absolutely control over.

 

They say nothing in life is given to you.  But that’s actually not true.  The most precious thing in the world has been given to you – It’s called LIFE!  What you do with it, and how you take care of it will determine how happy you live it.  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS START WITH A HAPPY YOU

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

clean eatingdieteatcleanfamilyFitnessHealthy TipsLifestyleweight loss

SHOT OF ENERGY

NEED A MIND, BODY, ENERGY and METABOLISM BOOST THAT WILL GET THE BODY WORKING AT 110% EFFICIENCY THROUGHOUT THE DAY?.

This time of year we can feel a little extra tired and stressed.  A lack of sunlight, shorter days and a change of weather all play a part .  When we don’t feel our best it’s even harder to do the right thing.  Because of all of your requests – I have been working hand in hand once again with my Naturopathic Doctor who is a specialist in Chinese Herbal Medicine.  We created and designed a 2oz shot that will increase energy, boost your metabolism and get your body working at 110% so you can feel your very best everyday.

 

NEW INNOVATION ALL NATURAL SHOTS

TANGY TURMERIC AND FIRE APPLE

Do a shot first thing in the morning and up to 3 times a day when needed.  Each shot is an immediate immune and energy booster that provides an increased metabolism, and blood flow.  They are also an excellent source of phytochemical to fight against aging, inflammation for a healthy all around immune system.

 

We used our special combinations to create our All Natural Energy Shots.  Both contain two Chinese medical herbs that together have been proven to stimulate the body and give you the most intense internal and external health benefits.  Along with our hand picked special blends both shots also include:

 

ELEUTHERA ROOT:  It has been proven to help the body boost metabolism handle stress and acts as a natural stimulant to increase blood flow throughout the body and nervous system.  It increases blood flow creating an energetic feeling throughout the day.

 

REHMANNIA ROOT:  Improves oxygen intake, reduces inflammation and helps pain and swelling. It improves allergies, and lowers blood sugar levels and helps diabetes or tired blood (anemia).  It also improves weakened bones (osteoporosis).

 

Two amazing Roots together are life changing in the way you feel and perform throughout your day.   So if  you need an energy boost or you need to increase your fitness levels, or you are just not feeling your best because of age, the lack of sunlight, change of weather, daily stress, allergies etc…   Give the shot a try.  It will give you an immediate internal all natural energy and health boost so you can enjoy your day and not drag yourself through it.

 

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

clean eatingdieteatcleanfamilyFitnessHealthy TipsLifestyleweight loss

BEWARE OF AUGUST AND THE END OF SUMMER

BEWARE OF AUGUST and THE END OF SUMMER

August is so dangerous for so many reasons. We start the Summer full of excitement and committed to do the right thing and stay on program. It is fresh in our mind in May/June and even July – how hard it was to get to the happy place we started when summer began. It’s that memory that keeps us true and dedicated to what we want, who we are and how we want to feel…..  But slowly as the summer sun gets weaker so do we. August arrives and you start to feel like it’s almost over – the summer is ending. And all of a sudden you have to fit in as much as you can. This is when you must stay strong, mindful and positive. When you stay mentally strong you will remind yourself that the end of summer doesn’t have to result in the end of you feeling good and gaining weight.

Fall Is In The Air: For many are scheduling camp pick-ups; preparing for the last vacations; for others it’s the end of freedom and the end of less demanding schedules. We will start to feel senses of Fall coming near. The faint smell in the air, the Sun changing, or recognizing one orange leaf that has matured early. For some will feel Fall when they walk in the stores and see all the back to school shopping, and Teachers will start preparing for class rooms. Many will be packing up college students (that will be me crying and packing). For each one of us something reminding us summer is slowly coming to an end and Fall is around the corner – leaving little time left for summer fun.  While it’s easy to want to give in, this is when you need to be your strongest and not let the mental override the physical. We tend to mentally think “the end is near Im just gonna do what I want and go back to 100% in September” – No don’t do it. Im warning you that way of thinking will add on 5-10 pounds in a blink of an eye. You have to keep reminding yourself that Fall is around the corner and the more days you stick to your meals and snacks the better you will feel as summer comes to an end.

Let’s Face It – The “END” of Anything is Hard. While you might think you are ready for it — I know some of you are already saying, “I can’t wait to get back to a September schedule” and “I am going to go full force – hardcore in September!” and all that’s great, but don’t let that mindset determine what you do right now. Sometimes when we know we are going to give it a full commitment in a couple of weeks – it’s like saying you can have a free for all now. But you can’t and you don’t want to. As summer ends you need to get into the mind set —it’s ending and it’s okay—. And for it to be okay you need to start slowing things down — not speeding them up.

Mindset Is Everything When It Comes to Weight Loss. If you believe that you are going to be amazing and stay strong then you will be. If you tell yourself that you can’t do it and it’s too hard then you will give yourself a reason to “ throw in the towel” and you will regret it. Because at the end of the day it’s very important for you and your mental well being to feel the best you can be. The only way you will do this is to stay mentally strong and continue to stay on your program. Fell off – get back on. Had a bad week — make the next week great. You must stay disciplined and mindful, and even though the end of summer is the hardest to be discipline doesn’t mean you can’t do it.  But if your mindset is to “throw in the towel — summer is almost over — I don’t want to work hard anymore — I need a break — I want to just enjoy the rest of the summer.” Well… that’s the results you are going to get. You will gain and depending on how much depends on how far off you go from your path and how long you stay there. And let’s face it after a couple of days you are no longer enjoying it and you are out of control wondering how you are going to get back on program. You are feeling fuller, thicker and sad and that is what you are doing not to just yourself but those that are spending the end of the summer with you. Stay on program and it will keep you happy and everyone you love happy.

Much of what I am telling you I am sure you already know.  What is important is to recognize that you are the one in control and how you think is absolutely going to affect your outcome. So if you keep it positive and stay strong and stay as close to program as possible those are the results you will get. It’s always up to you and it’s your choices that determine your results. While friends, family and work all play a part the decision – you must take responsibility for the choices you make. Make August fun and exciting. Prepare, stay mindful and enjoy friends, and family time. Keep positive thinking and remembering that just because we may soon be losing the shorts and tank tops doesn’t mean you want to fill out the jeans and sweaters. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay in tune mentally and physically with where you are,what you want, and what makes you feel your best.

Stay positive and you will get positive results!

When you feel good it’s always easier to transition from one change to the next. Don’t give yourself an excuse to do the wrong thing. Give yourself excuses to do all the right things. Make the choices that make you feel lighter, thinner, happier, healthy, and strong, and makes everyone around you happy too. Only you have the power, the want and the need to make this happen.

“Whatever we make ourselves believe is what we will experience”

LOVE TO LIVE HEALTHY WITH JOSEPHINE FITZPATRICK

Follow us on Facebook – Instagram- Twitter

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

No More Excuses – Only Choices!

No More Excuses – ONLY Choices!
The Proms and Graduations are over and the kids are gone, and now so are all the excuses! It’s time to get yourself back on track for the amazing summer that is ahead of you. In fact, by this time next week so many of you will be in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Bermuda and many other beautiful fairytale places. It’s a wonderful time of the year that you work so hard for all year to enjoy. You can feel it in the air- the summer sun and the little down time that takes place when summer arrives makes everyone relax a little more and take a little breather to enjoy the accomplishments of all the hard work that takes place the other 9 months of the year. Whether you will remain home or away what you must remember is this one important thing.
 
Summer is 10 weeks long. 
That is a really long time to either stay in control and lose weight; 
or maintain and stay the same as you are today; 
or do a lot of damage and end the summer in a very unpleasant place.  
As many of you know it doesn’t take much for the damage part. All it takes is not thinking, not planning and frequently over indulging – very easy to do any time of the year but especially in the social summer. And even though 10 weeks feels super long the reality is it’s going to go by in the blink of an eye. But this summer is going to be different because we are planning ahead so we stay in a happy controlled but fun place all summer long. That’s right – this summer we are going to try and control our brain and body and enjoy summer and all that comes with it without putting on the extra unwanted pounds.
So how do you find this balance – it’s not as hard as you may think. You need to look at your life as a whole and think about what you want and what makes you happy. Do you want to lose weight OR do you want to be able to go out and eat what you want?. Choose your hard and choose your outcome! Which is more important and what can you live with.  Are you okay with maintaining OR Is fitting in your clothes the most important thing to you. Or maybe you want to focus on your health because you know your numbers will sky rocket if you are not following your program and eating clean; or maybe it’s about how you feel and how important it is for you to feel good about your body inside and out so you can act accordingly. Maybe it’s all of the above. To find balance and get the best results that you can live with you need to decide what you will be happy with today, tomorrow and next week. Yes, eating is fun and indulging brings instant happiness for some, however seeing a high number on the scale and not fitting into your clothes by mid July might not be worth the frequent indulgences. Again – remind yourself to always choose your hard and choose your outcome! In order to choose your hard you have to always think about the outcome and not just the moment.  It’s easy to say “It’s my vacation and I want to over indulge.” But then you must remember you have to be happy with that outcome when you step on the scale. When you choose your hard and your outcome – you will find balance in what you choose and what you can live with.
CHOCIES:
MAINTAINING: If you have a lot going on one week and you want to maintain you will either do an extra cheat day or give up cheat days and incorporate one meal and drinks or dessert each day (this can’t be long term and should be done on a weekly basis always returning back to the one cheat day a week in between). Another option is to do cheat meal – dessert or drinks every other day. Always having a day in between to regroup with your clean program.
WEIGHT LOSS: Very simple you stick to your clean meals and snacks and one cheat day a week. This is very doable in the summer because if you plan ahead you can always find a healthy choice whether you are going to a bbq, a hotel or a different country. Staying on six days clean is very doable in the summer. You have your clean meals and snacks and if you are over 21 you can even use your snacks as drinks. There are no excuses to go off program. This is more about if you want to do it – then if you can do it.
WEIGHT GAIN:  Easy to do but never an option!
We always talk about planning and how important it is. But what is more important is following through on the planning. Do the right things and make sure that if you planned on being 110% this week – then you are 110% this week. If you planned on going off of dinner and dessert and then right back on the next day – make sure you go right back on the next day- no excuses.  If you planned on being off program 2 nights but clean all day then make sure you do it. Always think things through what tomorrow is going to feel like and the end result of your choices. Will it make you happy? Is it worth it? Think about where you are today and where do you want to be next week and next month. Learn to live and enjoy today but plan for what you want and where you want to be tomorrow.
Final thoughts – If you want to lose weight you can continue to do that. You follow your six clean days on program and your one day off. If you are going on vacation then you follow the maintaining plan. After vacation you go right back on. If you choose to maintain all summer that’s okay too. Just know what you are doing and what the outcome will be. Think things through and always remember that just because you have a lot of social events that you want to enjoy and celebrate doesn’t mean that you need to cheat at everything you go to. You can enjoy and celebrate everything without indulging in unhealthy weight gaining foods, and you will feel better and have a happier summer staying on program for both your mind and body. When you can be amazing and on program do it because every good healthy clean choice can make the difference between maintaining and gaining. And all the choices you make as the summer progresses will make the difference in how you look and feel each day.
 You are the only person who can make the excuse of why you are going off program 
and you are the only person who can give yourself a better excuse of why you are staying on program. 
Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

Busy, Busy, Busy

 

 

BUSY BUSY BUSY….

 

For many of you when the end of June arrives the summer begins. The bus for camp leaves, the waves goodbye; the trips around the world; time off from work; and sometimes just enjoying the company of local friends and family. All fun things that you want to enjoy and be ready for… and these next two weeks are crucial to make sure you go into the sun and fun feeling happy and in control.

 

Right now you are saying “but I’m crazy busy. How do I get control?” If you are running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off ? You are not alone. Everyone around you is in their own same little chicken coop. It’s the time of year that never seems to end and yet flies by at the same time. And of course to top it all off you need to make sure you are doing all the right things with your food choices because you want to feel your best or at the very least end June feeling like you are in control.

 

So how do you do this with all that is going on around you…. Two simple words can change your whole week! Cooler & Plan! Have your meals and snacks ready to go- and have your cooler ready to every morning to pack. It’s really important to have a little cooler in your car at all times and pack it with snacks and bars and muffins and whatever else you need to get you through the day to stay in control and on program. Because let’s face it the better you feel the easier the next two weeks is going to be for you.

 

When you plan your day in advance it can be an easy to follow day regardless of where you are or where you are going. Whether you are on the field, graduations, proms, work …. We all have busy lives and this time of year it just gets a little busier which is all the more reason to plan more and have more control. We all have multiple to-go coolers around the house, the basement or in the garage. And if by chance you don’t have one you can easily pick one up at the local convenience store. Make sure you have an easy to carry cooler, and each night you pack yours with easy to go choices. Because all the clients that you see that have reached goal and stay there – I can assure you they have their coolers packed and are ready to go everyday regardless of what time of year it is or where they are heading.

Here are two examples of an on program packed cooler
that will take you until you get to dinner:

Muffin
Light Chicken salad
Chocolate nuts
Skinny popcorn
1 cup of grapes
water, water, water, – plastic fork and napkin, small packet of wipes

OR

Bar
PB Bites
light cheese stick
Peach
Pop chips
water water water – wipes, and napkins

This should be part of your daily routine to have your cooled packed and ready to go when you know you will not have time to stop and eat.

 
Very Important – don’t set yourself up for failure! Don’t leave the house with the intention of “Im not going to eat today because I will be busy and that will help me lose faster” No No No – because even if you do get through the day without eating- we both know as soon as you will get home you will go right to the cabinet and eat everything in sight and you will take in twice as much food as if you would have planned and packed your cooler. So plan your day and have your cooler packed with your on program foods.

 

In the morning our first intention is always to do our best for the day. The answer is NOT to starve yourself all day and not eat – The real focus needs to be to feed the body to keep it going and to keep it a weight loss day. It’s to have your on program food on hand so that you are ready for when the hunger hits and you can go on about your day knowing that you are staying focused and in control to continue to lose weight and feel great!

5 minutes of planning  can save you 5 pounds from binging

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick


See what’s happening on our social sites
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌ Instagram ‌

FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

WORK HARD – PLAY HARD


WORK HARD PLAY HARD

Memorial day has come and gone. Hopefully even with the crazy weather you enjoyed it. Now it’s right back on program and working hard until the next big event. Life is about journeys and when we live the program it’s about working hard in between the journeys. But it’s also about enjoying the journey. One enjoyable weekend and then back to 110% hard work and that gets us to the next holiday/vacation etc. Today you may feel like you over did it. Even if you didn’t the results of a holiday weekend can make you feel just bigger and bloated more than you normally would. It’s what happens when you are eating clean – your body instantly knows and will tell you when you over did it even if it was just more healthy. But for most it wasn’t just more healthy – it was just more.

 

So what happens when you feel bigger and bloated – Your body sends signals to your brain. “UGH you over did it again.” That signal can often help or hurt us. For the stronger minds it will put you right back on program, wanting nothing more than to get rid of the bloat and eat clean and feel good again. But for the weaker it will give you a reason to throw in the towel or simply make you struggle to get back to your clean meals and snacks. What you have to remember is if you want the healthy summer body you need to put the work in. If you want to enjoy on the weekend and enjoy your cheat day and the holidays and parties – then you have to put the work in. Listen to your body and if you feel bloated don’t make it worse make it better by going right back on program. The faster you get back on track the easier it is and the better you will feel. That’s why it’s called Living the Program. You enjoyed the long weekend – now you go right back on program and in a couple of days you will feel so much better than you do today.

 

THE
IN – BETWEEN

 

Summer is right around the corner. With June almost here and all the end of the school year events that come with it – parties, graduations, proms and the big July 4th to start the summer off – hopefully bringing some blazing hot days to go with it… What does it all mean? How does it affect you? It’s simple – it means you work hard now. Right now is when you put the time in so when the next big weekend or event comes you can relax and enjoy it. It’s what I call the IN-BETWEEN. We are IN-BETWEEN holidays and vacations and celebrations. The IN-BETWEEN is when you put the work in and you stay focused and you get the job done. It’s when you walk away from the extra drink or the one more bite. Just like Memorial Day – you worked super hard to feel your best. We had some amazing numbers on Friday and Saturday and you enjoyed the holiday weekend and then you get right back to living the program. Now is the IN-BETWEEN. The IN-BETWEEN is what lets you enjoy the special days and weekends. Yes the IN-BETWEEN is hard. It’s actually when you work your hardest. But it’s also what makes you feel your best and everything so worth it.

 

TODAY- TOMORROW AND THE NEXT DAY
IT’S ALL ABOUT WORKING HARD

 

You need to focus on today, right now, this moment – and make sure that you working hard and staying focused for what you want. Today is about getting back to feeling good and getting rid of the weekend bloat. Back on program and back to your 110% eating clean meals and snacks – back to your weight loss. Before you know it tomorrow less bloated and by Thursday amazing- and by the Weekend you will be jumping on the scale and figuring out which day you are cheating.

 

This is life and we all want to have fun and enjoy. But you want to enjoy feeling and looking your best – In order to do that you must put the work in. The results of your week are always in your control just like the results of your weekend. The harder you work and the more focused you are the better the results.

 

IT’S ALWAYS IN YOUR POWER TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU LOVE TO LIVE

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick