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Tag: healthy

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
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
eatcleanExercisefeel goodgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

HARD WORK = RESULTS

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]KEEP IT SIMPLE 
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU WANT
HARD WORK = RESULTS[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Think about this past week whether you were on vacation or home – how did you feel? Did you work hard to get to where you want to be and felt amazing? Or did you wish you would have been in a better place? Do you wish you would have worked harder and followed stricter? You see when it comes to weight loss, the closer you follow the more you lose. So when you do the right things that’s when good things and great changes happen.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE STRUGGLING THIS WEEK – HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET RIGHT BACK ON TRACK: [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]1) Go back to your menu! That’s right, go back to your meals and snacks and stop looking for things to be exciting. Pick one of your snacks a day that you look forward to and promise yourself that if your day is 110% then you will have that last on program snack. Whether it’s the chocolate nuts, or a glass of wine. Have something that you look forward to just like you look forward to your Cheat Day at the end of the week – look forward to your on program snack each day. That one thing will keep your day clean and on program, just like the Cheat Day keeps your week clean and on program.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]2) From More to Less: Whether you are just starting the weight loss program, returning to it, or coming back from vacation — going from eating more to eating less than your body needs is going to feel like a little torture the first week back. This is when your mental power needs to set in and you talk to yourself everyday reminding yourself what your goal is and how good you feel when you follow and stay on program. Remind yourself that while it will feel really hard it will get easier and you will FEEL BETTER both mentally and physically by the end of the week. Remind yourself that the Cheat Day only works and is only worth it when the other 6 days are 110% on program.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]3) Have a reason, have a goal! Why is this important to you? Is it your health – the way you feel – the way you look. It doesn’t matter what it is — as long as it’s import to you. If it’s important to you then you will do whatever you have to in order to get there. Do you want to wear a skinny jeans, shorts, bathing suit this summer – NO COVER UPS? Taking your shirt off at the beach? At the end of the day, no one can do this but you. So whatever your reason is— it has to be important to you.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]4)  Have a specific goal, long term and short term: Your short term goals will help you reach your long term goals. If you are 147 and want to be 110 don’t look at the entire weight that you have to lose. It’s too over whelming. Start with the short term that you want to get to the 139.9 and get out of the 140s. It’s easier to focus on and you know while it’s not the true goal you will still be beyond thrilled when you see it. When you reach 139.9 your next goal is 129.9, and so on. It gives you realistic expectations that are very doable in a faster pace. You will feel like you are reaching your goals quicker, and at the same time these short term goals are taking you to your long term goal. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]5) Have a Vision: Know what you want and take a few minutes everyday to visualize yourself in that position. Reminding yourself everyday and visualizing what you want and how you want to look and feel is an important part of reaching your goals. Our mind is so mentally strong. When you keep telling yourself what you want and that you can do it – you will believe it. Visualize how you want to look and what you want to wear. Think about yourself on the beach this summer or in a specific outfit when you are attending a special event. Stay focused on anything that will keep you motivated.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]6) Keep it Positive: I have said it over and over that you need to be positive. Don’t focus on what you don’t want – ONLY focus on what you do want – it’s a key to any success. Don’t follow the negative or the negative people. There are plenty of people who don’t want to put the work in and who don’t want you to either. You leave them to their own misery and don’t fall prey to the “misery loves company”. Stay strong and stay positive and you will overcome. Positive thinking will take you twice the distance as negative thinking. “I will do this! I want this!! I can’t wait to wear that!!! When my jacket comes off this spring I will feel amazing! I love feeling healthy!! I am not afraid to go to the doctor and see my numbers, I’m actually excited to see and hear the results of my blood work!”[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]7) People don’t become successful by accident: Always remember that no one is successful by accident. 99.9 % of people who have success in their life work for it day and night. Whether that success is in your family, friends, work, weight loss, health… to have the very best and be the best – you need to work at it, think about it, plan for it and keep working at it. It takes dedication, it take perseverance and more than anything it takes want.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]FINAL THOUGHTS: It’s easy to give up, it’s easy to gain, it’s easy to blame, and it’s easy to make excuses – any one of us can do any of those things. But none will make you happy. Just because your vacation is over – your life isn’t. Keep working hard everyday for what you want because that’s how you will see continued results and that’s when you feel your best. Work hard =happy; Plan = happy; Feel amazing = happy; Clothes fit = happy; Results = happy! If you want to be happy, put the time and work in like everyone else. It all comes down to what you want and how much you want it and how hard you are willing to work for it. Always remember in order to really enjoy the playing you have to make sure you have the work in – and this goes for every area of your life not just weight loss and health. At the end of the day, we are in control of what we want and what we are willing to work for. If you want to be amazing – be amazing! If you want to feel fabulous – then work for it and feel fabulous! If you want to be happy then work hard at what will make you happy. We are all very lucky because in almost every area of our life we have the ability to work hard to get what we want. Don’t look back in a month or three months and say I should have, I could have – why didn’t I?[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]THERE ARE ONLY 24 HOURS IN A DAY
USE THEM TO WORK HARD FOR WHAT YOU WANT
MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT WASTING ONE SECOND ON BEING ANYTHING BUT
LOVING, CARING, POSITIVE AND MOTIVATED![dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle

Passover Week

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This Saturday March 27th, marks the first night of Passover. This week long holiday is a celebration of freedom in the Jewish faith, with traditions including celebratory meals and symbolic foods and restrictions. This can be a tough time for many of us, trying to navigate the dietary changes, staying on program and also being faced with huge feasts. Many of you will choose one of the days this weekend as your Cheat Day, but as usual the celebrating will probably last for more than just one day. Now is the time to plan out your week, weekend and be ready to get back on track next week. Don’t let things surprise you – you should have your family dinners and holiday celebrations planned so there is no reason for you to be unprepared. Some of us may be more restricted than others for the holiday, but it’s always possible find healthy and clean alternatives that fit into your Passover plans, such as these suggestions and recipes below.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

Green Shakshuka

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Shakshuka is a middle Eastern dish traditionally made with poached eggs in tomato sauce and spices. In this clean version, it features egg whites, onion, spinach and spices. Perfect breakfast option![dt_sc_hr_invisible_small] [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Ingredients:

•1 onion

•1 lb bag of spinach (fresh or frozen)

•1/2 tsp paprika

•1/2 tsp cinnamon

•1/2 tsp coriander

•2 tsp cumin

•Salt to taste

•1 tbsp oil

•Egg whites (depends on size of skillet)

 DIRECTIONS:

1. Dice the onion.

2. Heat skillet and add onions and spices. Cook until onion is soft.

3. Add spinach and allow all to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Make spaces in the spinach to hold the egg whites so they don’t run all over. Cook on low-medium heat until eggs are cooked thoroughly.

5. Remove skillet from heat and serve. 4 egg white is 1 meal serving.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

Root Vegetable Medley

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Bring together traditional root vegetables in this new way for an exciting and delicious festive dish.

Ingredients:

•2 red onions, diced

•2 cloves of garlic, chopped

•2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

•1 lb carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces

•1 lb beets, peeled and cut into wedges

•1 lb celeriac, peeled and cubed

•Zest of 1 lemon

•Zest of 1 orange

•2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

•2 tbsp chopped fresh savory

•1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

•Salt and pepper

•1/2 tsp ground coriander

•Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375 F and coat large casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, spray with cooking spray then add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

3. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl then add sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, celeriac, lemon zest, orange zest, thyme, savory and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper and toss. Spoon into casserole dish.

4. Bake for 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender. 1/2 cup serving is one side.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

Lemon Mousse

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Ingredients:

•One 4-serving size package of Jell-O  vanilla pudding mix

•2 cups skim milk

•1 packet Crystal Light Lemonade powdered drink mix (the size that makes 1 pitcher)

•One 12 oz container of low fat Cool Whip

1. Add pudding mix and milk into a medium bowl and beat until smooth and thick.

2. Beat in lemonade mix until combined.

3. Fold in Cool Whip.

4. Chill before serving. 1 cup serving is one dessert/snack.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]CAN I HAVE MATZAH? YES!

MATZAH – 2 Matzah with 1 tbsp of peanut, almond or Sun Butter,  light cream cheese or 1/2 avocado = meal

MATZAH AND FRUIT: 1 Matzah with 1 tsp of pb or sunbather with 1 piece of

fruit or 1 cup of fruit = meal

MATZAH AND EGGS – one Matzah with 3 egg whites = meal

•1/2 container Light tuna or chicken salad or egg white salad with 1 matzah = meal

• 1 slices of low fat cheese or 1 light part skim cheese stick with 1 Matzah  =. Cat 3 Snack or you can do 2 slices with 2 matzah as a meal 

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Matzah is only once a day and remember never eat just to eat. If you don’t need it, don’t eat it. You don’t want to end the night feeling bloated and sick. Like you over did it and you regret it. Instead, you want to end the holiday feeling amazing and in control. You will enjoy the food, but also what is really important – the company and the celebration.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Have a Happy Passover and Safe Travels to everyone going away!

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

clean eatingdieteatcleanExercisefeel goodgoalshappyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

IT’S ALL ABOUT CONTROL

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IT’S ALL ABOUT CONTROL[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]YAY! The CLOCKS have changed! What does the time change mean? It’s the first sure sign that the warmer weather will be approaching. Might not be today, this week or even next week— but it will be soon. In NY we will go from 30 degrees today to 70 by next Saturday. It happens so fast that even after such a harsh NY winter- many of you will still wish you had more time. But the truth is – you do have more time. Every day is more time. Every day adds on to the great day you had the day before. Even when you haven’t been perfect, the consistency of when you decide to start being 100% will make all the difference. Just don’t let another day go by with pushing it off and having that last extra thing or starting tomorrow. Because the difference from doing it today or waiting another day or week will show the results in the scale. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]HAPPINESS: If I noticed one thing this past week more than anything else it’s the happiness and excitement of all of you who are doing so well. Maybe it’s because right now with spring approaching you are all so excited to take the coats off and show your hard work. Maybe it’s the excitement I feel through the text when you have hit the next number or feeling the sense of control that you have over what you are doing and the choices you are making. Maybe it’s because you love when I post your results on Sundays — maybe it’s all of the above. What I will tell you is I love it. I truly love to hear you so excited about where you are and where you are going. . It’s such an amazing feeling to have so many clients text that they are in such a great place. It’s life changing when you can wake up and feel that control over what you are doing – the control over the scale – the control of staying on program. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]There is no reason that you should not be one of these clients. I know this program is so very doable. I’m not telling you to do something that you can’t do. You have the tools, the support, the food and the Cheat Day. Every client that has been successful on program all say the same thing – the program is so doable and they found it so much easier than anything they have ever done. They love ordering the food because it’s easy and delicious and they love the support. It’s hand-holding. We know how hard weight loss can be so we make sure we are there for you. But YOU have to be there for YOU and make the right choices and be strong in the face of temptation. Stop waiting, stop putting it off and stop making excuses.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Quick little story: This past week I was talking to one of my clients who has reached her goal. She is going away at the end of March for Spring Break, so she was just so beyond excited to be able to feel good in her bathing suit. We were talking about when she started and the best way for me to explain it is — it was like standing at the bottom of the mountain. She couldn’t see the top but she wanted so much to get there. But the mountain was steep so every time she did a quick fix diet she kept sliding back down to where she started. But once she started the Innovation program and her first initial weight loss week where she lost 4lbs, she continued and went to 1-2 lbs a week. Slow and steady and most important in control. Well that is easy to say now but at the time she thought she would never see the top of the Mountain. The thing is slow and steady takes patience, and we know how hard that is when it comes to weight loss. The reason patience in weight loss is so hard is because [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]1) We want to see immediate results.  We have committed to the program – now we just want the weight off. But we know it doesn’t work like that. Just because you decided to lose weight – doesn’t mean it just falls off your body. Once you commit now the real work starts. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
 [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]2) Often times deep down we want it to be over so we can go back to our old habits. We just want all the weight off so we don’t have to be in that controlled state of losing weight. But we know that control can never end because once you go back to the bad habits is when the weight will come right back on.
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]I can’t even tell you how many times she cried real tears because she would see 1lb and she felt like she just worked so hard for that 1lb – and she did work hard. Every 100% week on program is hard work. But just because you are working so hard — your body has to get rid of body fat and it takes time and consistency. I explained to her we are not dealing with water weight anymore we are dealing with real fat and that’s why the program works so well. You either keep playing with the same 3 lbs losing and gaining water weight — or you work consistently hard and get rid of the real fat. But it takes a slow and steady process to get rid of real fat. And some weeks that is just hard to handle. And trust me she threw every excuse in the book – it’s her kids, it’s because she went through menopause early, it’s her thyroid …. And yes the truth is somethings in life make it harder —  but not impossible, and that is what she had to keep believing. Even though it was hard every week she trusted me and trusted the program. And slowly she climbed the mountain and now with 2 weeks from Spring Break she has lost 36.5 lbs. and looks absolutely amazing. She looks 10 years younger and she feels 10 years younger. She is at her lowest weight in her lifetime- even before she had kids. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]THE PROCESS: What I found so interesting through the process that I saw with her and often see with so many of you – is the change throughout the program. This is the part I really want you to remember especially if you are struggling now or new to the program. The beginning of anything is always difficult. You are mentally trying to get back to healthy eating, you are eating less than your body needs so you are hungry, and to top it off you are seeing 1-2 lbs a week so it feels like it’s going to take forever. But then all of a sudden I see the shift. The shift is the feeling of control I start to see in you – when you recognize the balance you have created in your life with the 6 on program days and the 1 cheat day. When you recognize and feel the 1-2 lbs a week adding up and all of a sudden it’s all okay. You realize how life changing it is and how you feel so good in your body and on this path where you feel excited and happy all the time. And most important I see that you recognize your own capability and strength on what you can accomplish and how you are mentally and physically in a strong place – you are no longer doing the program you are living the program and you love it. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]FEELING GOOD: I can tell you I see it everyday and when you are feeling good with where you are and how you are eating and in control and feeling just lighter healthier thinner – you are a different person. You are different to yourself, your friends, your family, your spouse – you are just happy. When you are happy things don’t bother you like they would when you are unhappy. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Something someone says to you that may not be nice when you are feeling out of control and heavy is going to affect you a lot differently when you are in a good place – and you are in control and feeling healthier, lighter and happier. When you feel good you are even happier and kinder to yourself. My point is, you have the control to be happy, you have the strength to be in control and to make sure your days are good and you are choosing the right things and feeling good about yourself. No one has that control except you. When you approach the world and the people around you whether it’s work, family, friends or just acquaintances and you are in a healthy, happy control state of mind you will respond that way. And of course when you are not – and you are out of control with your food, and not feeling healthy or in a good place and feeling heavy and thick – you will respond to those around you the same way you feel. At the end of the day, the way you act and present yourself to the world is the way you feel – and the way you feel is a result of the way you are taking care of yourself and feeding yourself from the inside out. Make the right choices and it will change your life [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]IT’S HERE AND NOW: If you want to be Happy then make yourself Happy!! If you want the control of your day then follow the program. At the end of the day it’s your actions, your will and your want that will decide the outcome of what you do. I will tell you this – it’s here and it’s now and if you haven’t started then you should start and if you have started but have not been 110% then it’s time to be 110% – because spring is here and summer is coming and it is not going to wait for you. Do not waste these months and this time you have right now to do the right thing.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY
AND YOU HAVE CONTROL
IT’S LIFE CHANGING[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
dieteatcleanExercisefeel goodhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]New York Spring is in the Air – Finally! As we head into ending another week of March – we also look ahead and see Passover & Easter approaching fast. Spring is only 2 weeks away and will be here before you know it. Whether you feel like you have been 100% or still struggling – here are some tips for this week and this month:[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON
It’s so much more important to learn from your week than to be negative about it. If you had a hiccup this week – there is no reason to beat yourself up or be upset with what you did or wish you would have done – deal with it and move on. Once you come to terms with the hiccup is when you can move past it. I see clients all the time that have hiccups and the faster they get past them the better they do. The best thing you can do is put all your energy into today, tomorrow and this week’s weight loss. Focus on today and the rest of the week.  [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]YOUR BODY CRAVES ON PROGRAM DAYS!
We know we get the best results from our on program days. In fact most of us know that our body actually crave them. When we are on program and in control we feel our best. It doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted- there is always going to be temptation -but what it means is your body knows it feels it’s best when it’s on program. Did you ever find yourself eating just to eat, or not caring, or carelessly making food choices and you just feel blah, bloated and miserable. It’s because when you are on program and your body gets so used to eating clean all week and eating portioned – as soon as you go off program for a day – it’s going to crave you to be back in control and back to your healthy eating. Your body knows what the right thing is for you – its your mind you have to keep in control. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]CHEATING IS FUN ONLY AFTER EATING CLEAN
There is no denying it – we enjoy our cheat days 100% more when we are on program 100% the week before. There is only one thing as good as cheating after an on program week — and that’s eating clean after cheating. Getting back on program and having your healthy clean weight loss days are what you need to embrace and enjoy. You are doing your body good and you know that these clean days are what make you enjoy your cheat day guilt free. The more consistent you can keep six clean days the better you feel, look and the more you will enjoy![dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]DOING THE RIGHT THING FEELS GOOD
We all know how true this is. When you are on program, following your meals and snacks, exercising – you are feeling your absolute best. It gives you a sense of control in your day and your life. Often clients will say to me “why did I ever go off program I feel so good when i’m on it and doing the right thing”. There is no better feeling then putting your head on the pillow knowing you had an on program day and there is no better feeling waking up and looking in your closet knowing you will feel great in whatever you put on[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]DON’T FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF
Many of you know the drill. You will absolutely have some hunger at some point in the day – if you don’t feel it then most likely you are not losing weight. The reason for the hunger is you have to eat less than your body needs. There is no other way to do it. That’s why it’s so important that you love what you are eating — because no matter who you are, when you are trying to lose weight you are eating less than before you started. Yes you will be a little hungry but never starving. Don’t sit and feel sorry for yourself because you can’t eat everything you want. It’s time to put the work in – you put the weight on and now you are putting the work in and taking the weight off. We know it’s not easy that is why we live in a world that is the highest obesity rate. But that doesn’t mean you have to live that way. What you have to do is be okay with being a little hungry — and don’t feel sorry for yourself that you have to put the work in to feel your absolutely best. Trust me when I tell you everyone works at it – some more than others but everyone works at it. Depending on how much you want it will determine how well you do. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you are doing great – continue. If you have not been great- it’s time to pick yourself up and wipe yourself off -lick your wounds and move on to a positive place. Make your week a happy healthy and on program weight loss week. Because only you have the power, strength and want to make this week and this month amazing.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Final Thoughts…. There will always be some kind of mountain that is on your path and in your way – emotional, physical, social – they can all make you weak and over eat.  Staying in your power and staying mindful is what keeps you on your path and what helps you climb over those mountains. Always remind yourself why you are doing this and how important it is to you. Every mountain you climb over will help your next mountain be easier to climb than the one before. Keep moving forward and work hard everyday and remind yourself when you are in the face of temptation – that there is no better feeling then being in your own power.  When you stay on program especially in the most challenging of times is when you will get the best results. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Choicesclean eatingExercisefamilyfeel goodgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

Are you ready for March?

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]ARE YOU READY FOR MARCH?
YES YOU ARE….[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Spring is coming and everyone has lots of different emotions…. happy, sad, determined, mad, excited, disappointed… You name it and I am addressing it with clients. What we have learned so far is when you are in quarantine and go through something like Covid most of the time the results have not been pretty. It was a given that at some point you didn’t do the right thing for longer than a moment. How big or bad was very individualized across the board. However, while many of you got right back on in the Fall and Winter and have tried your best – some still struggle everyday from the affects of it all. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]I want you to first know – it’s okay. Whatever you did or where you are the most important thing right now is to put it behind you and get back on program – no excuses, just do it. Get back on your program and fight hard for what you want. You have 5 weeks of March that will give you an amazing start and if you do the right things can take you to a very happy place. For those of you that have been amazing – keep going you have the head start – don’t stop, don’t look back – stay mindful and enjoy and be motivated by the mental and physical changes you are making everyday. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Short Term goal – where do you want to be April 1? 
One pound a week = 5lbs
Long Term goal – where do you want to be Memorial Day?
One pound a week = 18 lbs[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]We all need goals – they are motivation to take us where we are today and where we want to go. Our short term goals help us reach our long term goals. But you have to start now the more you put it off the longer it will take you to get to where you want to be.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]FOOD AND EMOTIONS: Don’t let the past hurt your efforts today. Food plays with emotions and feeling in the most drastic way. It can make you ride an emotional roller coaster that if not thought out can ruin your efforts quickly. I have seen the most dedicated people cave after one drink. I have also seen the most dedicated eat out of fear and boredom from quarantine. What you have to remember is when you emotional eat that also gives you negative emotions. You eat because of your emotions – and then you over eat more because you are sad your emotions made you eat. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]It’s not the food that made you gain – it’s what you are doing with the food and how you are abusing it that creates the emotional roller coaster and results. The best thing you can do is learn from it. What made you feel good and what made you feel instantly bad. And most important how you feel today. Where are you and where do you want to go…[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]STAYING IN YOUR POWER: We have been talking a lot about the importance of staying in your power. Your power is your choices. When you make the choice to stay on program and follow your menu and exercise – you are staying in your power. When you make the choice to go off program because of stress, anxiety, alcohol, just simply in a bad mood – then you are giving your power away to your emotions. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Being in your power means mustering up the ability to handle your emotions mindfully. It means breaking free from anything that holds you back and makes you feel mentally and emotionally powerless. Staying in your Power is a kind of mental toughness that we need to bring to every situation. It’s the ability to take decisive and deliberate action toward a desired goal. It’s about living life intentionally with a sense of purpose and effectively managing your boundaries and fighting through the unhelpful thoughts that often sabotage your progress[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]How do you stay in your power:[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
  • Control your mindset. We have spoken about it in the past – you need to be mindful at all times if you want to reach your goals. Staying in your power requires having the ability to adapt to changing conditions and circumstances. It requires being proactive and staying mindful of your thoughts, choices, and actions. Only when we’re mindful can we see things clearly, and therefore adapt accordingly to the conditions of our life. When you are mindful you are not grabbing and eating – instead you take that one second – that one breath to think about if this is what you really want to do at that moment.
  • Take responsibility for your life: Don’t blame others, and absolutely do not cry about your weight. No one wants to hear it. Everyone is crying about their own problems. Instead take responsibility and work hard for what you want. Don’t talk about it – show your results with actions. Plan, Prepare and follow through and work hard everyday for what you want. There are no short cuts- just hard work and no excuses. When you take responsibility for your life and circumstances, you naturally feel empowered no matter what happens.
  • Choose to be happy: Everyday is a choice to be happy. When you choose to stay on program and do the right thing it’s the same thing as choosing to be happy today. We know when you follow your menu and stick to your meals and snacks you feel your very best. When you text me and say I had a great day today – that means you chose to be happy today. You knew doing the right thing was going to keep you in a happy place. You followed your menu and when your head hit the pillow you felt great – which made you wake up happy. The choice to be happy is your choice everyday to make and you do it by following what makes you feel your best [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]My Final thoughts…. No matter what’s happening around us, doesn’t change what goes on inside us. When you have clarity about what’s most important to you it helps you stay grounded and focused when temptation comes your way. And it will come – temptation will always be there. But when you are mentally ready for it – there will be no stopping you. When we are able to stay mindful and stay in our power, we naturally feel more confident and in control of our lives. The control is what is most important. When we are in control is when we see and feel the best results both mentally and physically. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible]You are ready for March! Don’t let the days slip away – make the most of each one and choose happiness.[dt_sc_hr_invisible]
You can not make positive changes to yesterday 
But you can make them today tomorrow and the next day.
~Love to Live Healthy With Josephine Fitzpatrick
Choicesclean eatingExercisefamilyfeel goodgoalshealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivationweight loss

MINDSET – BE OBSESSIVE

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]MINDSET
BE OBSESSIVE[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]With February coming to an end and beautiful Spring approaching we are going into MARCH with a Healthy Positive Mindset of OBSESSION.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]When you hear the word OBSESSIVE – you may think that’s a bad thing. But that’s only true when you’re obsessing over something that’s not healthy. The truth is obsession is an absolutely positive quality when it comes to improvement – and that is exactly the case when it comes to your mind, body, health and weight. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you want to be successful you have to be obsessive about it. Obsession can be a powerful and positive mental state. An obsession, by definition, is something that excessively preoccupies the mind. So if you are asking yourself is it healthy to be obsessive about something the answer is absolutely – especially if that obsession is an obsession to improve yourself – it’s not only healthy it’s also very motivating[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]We have all seen the obsessive people. You know the clients who are “on program” every week. If it’s not their cheat day they don’t cheat. They don’t make excuses and they don’t look to blame others – they own it. They are okay with being uncomfortable. They know what they want and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. They are aware everyday of how much this means to them and they are willing to work for it every day.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]So how do we become obsessive about what we want. Most of us are naturally goal-striving. We experience more satisfaction and joy from striving to achieve our goals than we do from actually achieving them. When we check the scale at the end of the week and see that all our sacrifices paid off in a 1-2 pounds loss, it feels amazing. Small successes are motivating, and they help us stay focused. These small successes also feed our obsession to keep striving and improving. So start with small goals and be obsessed about reaching them.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Here are some tips on how to become obsessive to achieve your dreams and goals:
  1. Make your dreams deeply enrooted and emotional. Making a committed decision about who you want to become and then working every day to become that person. It has to be emotional to you. Once you start living in harmony with your emotions it will create the actions needed, you’ll no longer have to rely on willpower. Because it’s so emotionally important to you – you’ll know what you need to do and just do it. The time you used to spend thinking if you should or shouldn’t will not exist. When you are obsessed about it – you just do it.
  2. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Obsession with improvement means that every day, without fail, you will relentlessly focus on completing your day and reaching your goal. You will do whatever it takes.
  3. Your obsessions should be what you are craving for. You know when you have a craving – your focus becomes on satisfying the craving. Let’s say you wake up in the morning with a craving for a latte. It’s the only thing you’re currently concerned about. As a result, you grab your keys and head to your local coffee shop to satisfy your craving.  Successful people have this feeling on a daily basis. But the cravings are on their dream and goals. When they want something, they devote their entire focus and energy to making it a reality. Until they achieve their goal, they’re not focused on anything else. Make your obsession your craving. If you want to lose weight don’t only want it crave for it. Crave for it like you would anything else in your life big or small. Make it your obsession to reach it.
  4. Make yourself a priority and stop blaming time: One of the  most common excuse people will often make is, “I don’t have enough time” but the last time I checked everyone lives by the same 24 hours. So why is it then that some people are able to accomplish so much more than others? The answer is because they live by their priorities and do only that which is most important. So make yourself a top priority. It’s not selfish it’s necessary.
  5. Stop the Excuses. I can never say this one enough…. like all other thoughts, excuses are only our perception of reality. They are not the truth, but rather just the reasons we tell ourselves for why we did or didn’t do something. Excuses are the little stories we try to make ourself believe why we decided not to do something and why we didn’t follow through with what we planned. Stop making them.
[dt_sc_hr_invisible]My Final Thoughts: I suggest that you become obsessed about living the life you want – otherwise, you are going to spend a lifetime being obsessed with making up excuses as to why you didn’t live it. It’s important to stop waiting for success and instead start approaching it as a duty, obligation, and responsibility.  The people I know who are at the top of their game didn’t get there by wanting to be better, they are there because they are obsessed with wanting it. And listen I know there are a lot of people who will disagree with me, and that’s okay. Everyone has to have their own beliefs and thoughts on what is important to them. But from what I see – when you take care of yourself and feel your best it gives you confidence and courage to live the life that makes you the happiest. And because of all the temptation in the world – you have to be obsessed about your goals and dreams because there is just too many distractions to take you off your path. And before you know it months and years have gone by and you are still trying to accomplish the same thing. Don’t do that to yourself. Be obsessive about what you want and reach that goal. When you reach it then you can move on to the next goal and next dream. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]I’ve learned it’s always a choice – your choice.
You can tell yourself all the excuses in the world about why you can’t do the things you supposedly feel are so important, but no excuse exists that can or will get you what you want. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
eatcleanExercisefamilyfeel goodFitnessgoalshappyhealthyHealthy TipsLifestyleMotivation

A Goal Should Scare You A little….

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]January is coming to an end. I want you to take a moment and look back. Are you where you thought you would be? Have you stayed true to yourself and your program? Do you remember December when you were convinced you just couldn’t wait to eat clean and go back on program and do all the right things? You were so upset with how quickly you put the pounds on and promised yourself that January was going to be your month to feel good and get back to the person you love to be. For those of you who did exactly that – I give you a big congratulations as I know there are so many that are doing amazing and I’m truly so proud of you all for working hard everyday. I know how hard this is. I see first hand the struggle is real. With temptations and pressures of work, jobs, friends, family. It’s so easy to give in. We all get weak sometimes. What you have to always remember is there will always be something going on…happy, sad, good, bad, quarantine, celebrations, peer pressure, job, family, friends, health. The list goes on and on. This is life and what makes life so truly amazing is the ups and downs we go through to get to where we are each day. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Did you set your goal this week? This week we have been talking about the importance of setting your goal. Why? Because goals trigger behavior.  Having a challenging but achievable clear, compelling goal mobilizes your focus toward actionable behavior. In other words, goal setting motivates you. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO STICK WITH YOUR GOAL[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]1. Promise and Commitment to Yourself…. Don’t think about the actual goal instead remember that your goal was a promise and commitment you made to yourself. It’s easy to say who cares I didn’t lose the pound, or the so what I ate the extra snack, or big deal I didn’t run that mile. It’s not the actual goal that you gave up on it’s yourself. You made a promise and commitment to yourself to do this one challenging but achievable goal this week. Don’t give up on the commitment and the promise because that is the same as giving up on yourself. And once you do that you are giving yourself the excuses and lack of discipline to break that promise and commitment every time something gets challenging in your life. The most important promises and commitments in life are the ones you make to yourself. Those are the one’s you need to keep.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]2. Don’t Give Up…. Remember before you give up on your goal because you are stressed or because of anything that is not going right in your life – remind yourself giving up on your goal is going to make it worse not better. The one thing you can control is completing this small challenging but achievable goal. If you don’t give up and you complete you daily goal you will actually feel more motivated and stronger to handle any obstacles that may travel on your path that day.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]3. Don’t Allow Setbacks to Destroy your Goals…. Unfortunately, many things don’t go as expected, no matter how much planning we do. Being patient with yourself is key to approaching bumps in the road in a positive way. Accept the hiccup in your plan and determine what you could have done differently and how you will now move forward in achieving your goal. For example: If you decided your goal was to stay on program no matter what this week….. then don’t turn one “weak” moment into a reason to cheat the entire day, night week, month. If you get right back on program after your slip up, it will keep you mentally in the game knowing that you didn’t turn a slip into a fall.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]4. PLAN – PREPARE &. FOLLOW THROUGH…. Yes most of you know this one and how important it is. It’s not just about food. Whatever your goal is this week you must Plan (know when you are doing it or how you are doing it), Prepare (make sure you know the time, or have what you need to accomplish it), and Follow Through with what you planned and prepared for each day. These three things are life changing when you incorporate them into your every day. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]5. Push Yourself…. Without pushing yourself to your limits you will never know how far you can can go and what you can really achieve.  It’s okay to be a little uncomfortable — that usually happens when you push yourself. If you are not a little uncomfortable you are not pushing yourself hard enough. This week give yourself that extra push everyday to complete this one goal, and don’t let yourself make any excuse why it’s not important. How hard you push is going to determine how much you want it. That extra push and being a little uncomfortable can make all the difference. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This is a journey – your journey. You don’t have to make drastic changes in order to notice an improvement in the quality of your life. At the same time, you don’t need to wait a long time in order to see the measurable results that come from taking positive action. All you have to do is take small steps, and take them consistently. Because reaching consistent small goals lead to big results.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]A GOAL SHOULD SCARE YOU A LITTLE
AND EXCITE YOU A LOT[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick