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Holidays Tag
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Tag: Holidays

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December 21, 2022By Josephine Fitzpatrick

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

With just a hop skip and a jump 2023 will be here. Let’s be ready with some helpful holiday tips:

HOLIDAY TIPS :

1. WATER WATER WATER: Whether you are on the beach, the slopes 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 as soon as you wake up because 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 snack drink 8 oz of water before you eat. You will not only consume less food because water is filling — 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 each one. 

2. EXERCISE: Whether you are in the gym or out of the gym stay active on vacation. Home or away vacation is the perfect time to stay active. On the mountain go skiing, sledding, or shoe walking. On the beach take a long walk or jog on the sand. Go swimming. Do an outdoor yoga class or take outdoor boot camp. Enjoy your surroundings and plan activities according to the weather you are in. If you are staying home with the family play tag or hide and seek. Go bowling or ice skating. Take long walks in the park and maybe even go hiking.  It will be enjoyable and keep the mind and body in a great place. 

3. PLAN & PREPARE: 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 for Holidays & New Years:

  •  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 count it as your snacks. 
  •  Split the Holidays. We have multiple holidays and New Years Eve and New Years Day. If you split them and stay on program all day and only off at night – Dinner and Drinks or Dinner and Dessert. You do it for all Holidays with on program days in between. You will absolutely maintain but for many will still have a great chance of losing if you have amazing days in between. 
  • Home or Away – Maintain your Vacation– If you feel you need the break from the everyday mindset vacation is a good time to take advantage of it. Whether you are home or away you will choose one meal and one dessert or drinks each day. The remainder of the day keep on program. So for example you might do Muffin Breakfast, and light chicken salad for Lunch – and then cheat dinner and dessert or drinks. Then the next day you might want to do a Cheat Breakfast – and then on program remainder of the day.  You can choose how you want to do it but each day it’s one cheat meal with dessert or drinks (your drinks count as your desserts). If you do this you do not have a full cheat day before or after the holidays’s or break — because you are cheating a little each day. At the end of the holiday week go right back on program for a week and then get on the scale because it will take a full clean week before you see the maintenance of that week. So if you choose this option don’t weigh at the end of the week after having a cheat meal and dessert every day and expect to be the same weight you were at the beginning of the week. Im telling you now that won’t happen. But after the holiday week if you give yourself a solid on program week you will go right back to the pre-holiday weight.

While I wish food and drinks didn’t play such a big part in how we feel – the reality is it does. And I’m a big believer that it’s always better to face things then ignore them. Since what we eat and drink affects our mindset and personality, I think its super important to think through how you want to feel and what is going to make you happy. Do not cheat everyday if you know by mid week you will be miserable because that will just make everyone you are with miserable. As hard as it may feel to stay on program – think about how hard it is to feel bloated and uncomfortable in your body. Im not saying that you should stay 100% on program this holiday break but what I am saying is think it through and decide what you are going to feel your best doing. Honestly I know you all so well that I think 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 this holiday week. 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 doesnt matter how amazing you were up to this point. You will feel the effects of daily over doing it immediately. So make 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 Im telling you now so you don’t look back and feel like you should have made different choices. You have all been on holiday break before and you know what it does to you mentally and physically when you are consistently off program. Some are okay 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 back 100% on program. After one solid on program day you will feel back in control and feel so much better. I am always here for you if you need guidance – simple reach out. Remember this isn’t about being perfect it’s about being happy. 

 

HAPPINESS LOOKS AMAZING ON EVERYONE!

 

Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

INNOVATION WEIGHT LOSS

& HEALTHY MARKET

8031/8037 JERICHO TPKE

WOODBURY, NY 11797

516 802-5055

innovationweightloss.com

innovationjeff1@gmail.com
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December 15, 2022By Josephine Fitzpatrick

HEALTHY MINDSET = HEALTHY HOLIDAYS

HEALTHY MINDSET = HAPPY HOLIDAYS

LET’S TALK MINDSET: No matter the situation you find yourself in this year, you need to take time and ensure you have a healthy mindset. If you don’t know by now, everything in life has an upside and a downside—it’s your duty to look at the situation the right way and make the most out of what’s present. Remember, your perception of things frames how you will experience them. Follow these tips to ensure you have a healthy mindset so you can enjoy your holidays as much as possible!

Reflect on What You are Grateful For:  You know I’m always talking about gratitude, and it’s for good reason. Gratitude is what creates a healthy mindset. Practicing gratitude is a great way to get and keep your mind right day to night. Gratitude allows you to center yourself and realize that while your life isn’t perfect, you have a lot to be happy about. Practicing gratitude is straightforward. You simply need to take time to reflect on what you have in your life- not what you don’t have.

STRESS: All of us feel stress at some time or another, but the holidays can push us even further. Between shopping, cooking, planning, visiting family, traveling, weather and holiday breaks — many of us are thrown right off our game. Disruption to our daily routines can distract us, so we have to find ways to stay grounded and in control. Make sure you are stocked with all the healthy foods you need, and look to the future to make sure you are prepared for holiday parties, dinners, vacations, events or other plans. Whether you are spending the day shopping, going out with family, hosting or attending a party or any other festive plans – be prepared.

SPEND TIME WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE: I can’t stress enough how important this one is. Just like the importance of being grateful for what you have – the holidays are all about spending time with the people you love and are grateful for. If you have family or friends you are close to – you should go out of your way to spend more time with them.  Keep in mind – the right people uplift you, appreciate and value you, they are there when you need them, honest with you and want the best for you, and want to see you happy and succeed in life. Being with people we love and care for is good for our mental health as they make us feel loved, and appreciated.

HOWEVER – and this is a BIG HOWEVER:  Just as the right people provide us with positivity — spending time with toxic friends or family drains us. Unfortunately, the holidays can be draining and unhealthy when we are spending time with the wrong people. And I understand sometimes we don’t have as much control over this during the holidays. But we do have control over how much time we spend with them and how much we let them affect us. So this holiday season, be mindful of who you surround yourself with to keep your mental health balanced. Always remember you are the gatekeeper for who you choose to invite into your life.

SNACKS: Having healthy snacks on hand is essential. When we are driving around from store to store shopping, spending hours walking around the mall, or spending time with our family and friends – a healthy snack will save you. We’ve all been there – we are shopping at the mall, completely exhausted and starving, low energy and just spent. Once you get to that point of starving you will grab without thinking. Don’t let that happen. Always have water and a prepared on- program snack on hand in case you need it. 

Focus on Creating Positive Memories: It’s important to remember that the holiday experiences you create now will be your future holiday memories for you and your loved ones. I know the stress can be overwhelming but if you take the time to step back – give yourself a 5 minute self meditation and just remember that this year is what will be remembered next year. Don’t focus on being 100% perfect – instead focus on  on giving yourself and your loved ones the opportunity to create positive fun experiences this season that you will look back and love and laugh about in the future. Try to laugh a little more at the things that might upset you. Sometimes when we laugh at ourself instead of getting frustrated it can create a completely different experience for everyone involved. I will never forget when I was about 7 years old. My mother and father cooked large pans of baked ziti for all of our relatives. As my dad was walking down the stairs with all the food he tripped and the pans of food went flying all over the floor and all over my relatives. And everyone just froze looking at my big Italian father who just spent the entire day in the hot kitchen. But of course my mother just burst out laughing hysterical and before we knew it everyone in the entire room was laughing including my father. I can tell you first hand that situation could have went a completely different way. But the fact that my mother laughed hysterically made all the difference in the room. To this day – there is not a holiday that someone doesn’t mention that memory in fondness. . It’s a memory we are all love to talk about. So during this holiday season remember everything we do creates memories. It’s up to you how you want them remembered by those you love.

Maintain Your Self-Care Routine: Between the time off from work, traveling to see family, and all the extra activities, it’s easy to fall out of our regular routines around the holidays. While it’s a great time to indulge in some of those tasty holiday treats, it’s important to maintain those healthy habits that you worked so hard to establish during the rest of the year. Make sure to prioritize your self-care habits like exercise, mediation, and hydration. You’ll have a much easier time fighting off those holiday blues if you’re feeling healthy and energized. You don’t need to go to the gym or complete an hour-long class each day. Something as simple as going for a 30 min walk outside or even doing a self workout at home counts. During the holidays my family self care tradition is to walk the neighborhood after dinners to take in all the beautiful decorations and reenergize for the remainder of the evening. Physical activity is important and good for us. Even 20-30 minutes of exercise can be enough to boost your mental activity, reduce stress, and improve your overall mood—something we can all use this time of year. So be sure to keep your body moving. 

TRADITIONS OLD AND NEW: Enjoy your holiday traditions and try Starting Some New Ones – Traditions tell our family story. They enrich the holiday season by allowing loved ones to recognize the culture and history that has shaped their identities. They add meaning to our experiences and enhance a sense of belonging with others. In an uncertain world, we find security in something remaining the same over time that can also be passed down through the generations. When we move from one phase of life to the next, the traditions we cherish and our values can remain a constant. The smells, tastes, and sounds we look forward to each year are predictable, familiar, and comforting. But it’s also okay to create new traditions or be flexible in your own traditions.  The truth is I am big on traditions. I love ours and our family lives by them – and now that my children are older it makes me so happy to get to see them introducing our traditions to their significant others. And it’s even just as exciting and fun to incorporate new traditions.  For example. every year we do cookies, and gingerbread houses and this year my son’s girlfriend introduced us to Sip and Paint. It’s where you sip wine and paint a holiday picture on a canvas. With my children older it makes sense to include something that we could never do when they were younger. So now they have the nostalgia of doing our yearly tradition of baked cookies and gingerbread houses from when they were young and the twist of an adult tradition that we end the evening with Sip & Paint. Now our tradition has a new twist that we all love and enjoy. Adding new traditions and/or being flexible in your yearly traditions is just going to make it fun for everyone and more importantly it’s going to tell the story of your family past and present. 

The best things in life are spending time

with the people we love and the memories we make.

It’s not only about the food on your plate –

More importantly it’s about the love and laughter that surrounds your table. 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

INNOVATION WEIGHT LOSS & HEALTHY MARKET

8031/8037 JERICHO TPKE

WOODBURY, NY 11797

516 802-5055

Innovationjeff1@gmail.com

innovationweightloss.com

innovationhealthymarket.com
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December 7, 2022By Josephine Fitzpatrick

DON’T LET DECEMBER EXCUSES SET YOU BACK

DECEMBER CAN EASILY TURN INTO A MONTH OF EXCUSES. With holiday parties, get together’s and vacations it’s almost hard to know where to fit in an on program day. But if you keep your focus and mindset in the right place you will get closer to where you want to be. 

KEEP YOUR FOCUS IN THE RIGHT PLACE and keep your eye on the prize. Whatever you have going on right now use it to motivate you to stay on your path. Are you going away? Do you want to wear that awesome holiday outfit you have in your closet? Or maybe you just want to feel better going into the new year. Whatever your reasons are use them to stay focused and in control. 

HOLIDAY TIME CAN MAKE US CRAZY. Yes we are running around Holiday shopping – wrapping- holiday parties – it’s all extra added things into our already busy day. While they should be so fun they can also be exhausting. The very best way to get through the holidays is to plan and prepare your days. I know you are probably sick of hearing me say it but you also know it is what works the best. If you don’t plan and you have a crazy day – you will get to a point of hunger and reach for anything in sight. If you plan it then you are feeding your body throughout the day the foods you know will help you feel your best. 

PUT THE TIME IN.  You have two weeks until the Holiday Break. You can do a lot in two weeks. You can lose weight and you can feel in control and you can just feel better overall. So do not tell yourself that you will just start after Vacation or after the Holidays or in the New Year. If you do that you will absolutely end up gaining weight from now until then and then you will have to lose even more weight. If you don’t want to be 100% now and see some real results then at the very least be very mindful and maintain. 

Keep The Following Holiday Tips in Mind for the Remainder of December

INNOVATION TIPS FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS SEASON

  1. Don’t just do the program – live the program.
  2. Walk away from the temptation and remind yourself to choose your hard. – Hard to walk away or hard to deal with the results of your actions. 
  3. One alcohol drink is a snack. Before you reach for the second drink – remember it’s not the alcohol that makes you gain weight — it’s what the alchohol makes you do that makes you gain weight. Make sure to drink water in-between drinks to stay hydrated.
  4. Start with warm lemon water in the morning and continue with regular water for the rest of the day. From the time you wake up until bed. At least 8 oz before each meal. 
  5. It’s okay to be a turtle during the holidays. If you lose slow it’s still better than gaining. But the days you can be a Shark and have amazing 100% days then do it. 
  6. Be happy and enjoy everyone around you.
  7. Don’t live in the moment. While it’s fun to do something spontaneous – make sure it’s not with food – the results can be both mentally and physically draining. Plan, prepare and follow through it’s the best way to have successful weight loss days. 
  8. Everyday you will either lose weight, maintain or gain. The choice is always in your control.
  9. Less is always better when trying to lose weight. If you don’t need it don’t eat it.
  10.  If you want to feel amazing you must act amazing. Stay on program, work hard and do the right things. 

The better you feel the better you will live the happier you will be. 

Stay on program!

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

 

INNOVATION WEIGHT LOSS

& HEALTHY FOOD MARKET

8031/8037 JERICHO TPKE

WOODBURY, NY 11797

516 802-5055

www.innovationweightloss.com

EMAIL: innovationjeff1@gmail.com

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March 23, 2021By Josephine Fitzpatrick

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]

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December 29, 2020By Josephine Fitzpatrick

WINTERPAUSE

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]How can one week be so easy to stay on program and then next week be so hard?! Everyone is struggling this week between Christmas and New Years and that is okay. We are in a time of transition. One year is ending and another beginning. Holidays, kids home, mini vacations…. All fun things but hard to stay on program when you are not on your normal schedule. When you find yourself in this pattern you need to just continue moving forward. Stay mindful and continue to make the very best choices that are available. Even if they are not as good as you would like, they will be better than if you are not mindful at all. Stay positive and remember a 50/50 day is better than 100% off program day. Remind yourself this is the week where we have happy times and hopeful times. It’s about family, love, laughter, health and a little down time to rest the brain. But it’s also not about treating everyday like a Cheat Day. This is the balance that we will always strive to master. Sometimes it’s easy sometimes it’s the most difficult thing to do. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you find that you have let yourself make bad or hasty decisions in the last couple of days or weeks – you need to let it go and just move on. Don’t waste energy or time on things you did wrong or how good you did and then ruined it. Focus on the here and now. It doesn’t matter if it was two minutes ago or two days ago. Don’t waste your energy on things you can’t change — you need to put that energy on the here and now and on the things you want for today and tomorrow and next year. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Let it go… and move on to better choices and stay on your path. Maintaining is better than gaining. If you are not in a position to be perfect, then be mindful. Your healthy program will keep you on path and when you fall off you get right back on and it will always take you back to the place that you want to be. It will take you to where you are in control, happy and feel good…. but in order to do that you need to let the past be the past and the future be the future. You can’t change yesterday but you can change this moment right now. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Don’t waste time… One thing I notice that we all take for granted is the time that we have and what we do with it. We focus so much on where we are going and what we are eating that we forget to focus on what we are celebrating and why we are there. We spend time on what we did wrong instead of what we can change to make it right… It’s what I call wasteful energy. You must keep your energy positive and keep moving on to a better place. Every minute that you worry or waste on what you should have or could have can be put into the energy of what you are doing right now. Let all the wasteful negative energy go and focus on the positive and happy energy of today and tomorrow. Make sure that you are making the memories of today better so when you look back tomorrow you have less regrets than today. It’s all about being mindful on what you are doing right now. And in order to do that you have to let go of whatever you did wrong yesterday. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]We all know how short life is… We all know that there are so many out there that have “real” problems that many of us could never ever imagine or want to imagine. We sometimes forget how lucky we are to be able to plan for the future. . It’s easy to forget and take for granted the simple things like how lucky we are to be healthy to enjoy these moments. When I tell you to stay mindful it’s not always about food. It’s about life. The idea is to stop focusing on food as your main attraction and start focusing on life as your main attraction. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]You need to focus on the happiness. There will always be weeks like this and you don’t want to confuse the happiness that is going on around you with you being miserable because you didn’t choose the right foods or because you had an extra snack or you woke up a little bloated. Change the day immediately and move on to whatever better choices you can make today. We know we have easy weeks and hard weeks, and an easier on program weight loss week will be around the corner – but for now some weeks will just be like this and you have to look at them for what they are – busy happy weeks that you are doing the best to stay mindful and make the best choices you can so you can enjoy and maintain. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]DON’T WAIT FOR THE PERFECT MOMENT
MAKE THE MOMENT PERFECT[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 
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December 16, 2020By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Integrity is the Essence of Everything Successful

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Integrity is the Essence of Everything Successful[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This weeks theme is to stop complicating our own lives. It’s amazing how easy it is to do that. It all starts with our mental strength. When we are mentally strong we can get through anything but when we let ourself start to weaken, get overwhelmed, stressed…. we can turn a good day into a bad one in seconds. For example, when we talk about the holidays or snow days we think it’ so challenging to stay on program. Yet, we know that staying on program makes you feel the best? So where is the challenge? When you don’t do the right thing you don’t feel great. It should be a no brainer and yet, somehow the temptation to do the wrong thing can overcome us in a heart beat. But the truth is, when you are mentally strong and in a really good place you will stay strong. When you are seeing the results you will stay strong, and the longer you love to live healthy the easier it is to stay mentally strong. The temptations will always be there and they will only win if you let them. It’s you against them. It’s feeling good against feeling horrible. It’s feeling thin against feeling thick. When it comes to doing the right thing and feeling your very best it’s simply making the right choices against the wrong. Most of you know what they are and you know how to stay on program and what works for you – It’s all about doing it. And when you know it makes you feel the happiest, lightest and thinest then there should be no thinking about it and no complicating it – you just do it. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]When we stop doing the wrong things
and start doing the right things, life is simple.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you look at those around you and see the clients that make it look so much easier than it is and wonder how do they get through the snow days and how do they stay on program continuously through holidays without fail? It’s because they already went through the challenges that you are experiencing but they learned very quickly that not being on program or doing the right thing makes them feel out of control and unhappy. Once you come to realize that is not who you want to be – or how you want to feel – especially over food – then you will start saying “no thank you” and realize that saying “no” or simply walking away is such a better feeling than eating something that you didn’t need or want.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Here are some tips to keep you Mentally Strong:[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
  • Stop making emotional decisions. – Before you grab something because you are upset or overwhelmed. — start by taking a few steps back so you can think things through. When you’re caught up in the moment and your emotions are soaring, you’re bound to make poor decisions that will lead to regret. The best advice here is simple: Don’t let your emotions trump your intelligence. Slow down and think things through before you grab something in front of you. Just give yourself 60 seconds to think it through and then make a decision.
  • Stop waiting for things to be perfect. – The perfect day, the perfect week, the perfect month and year. You will have those perfect days but many days will just be off. The best advice here is don’t throw in the towel every time you don’t have a perfect day. Keep it simple and just keep going. Because moving forward on non-perfect day will make you mentally stronger when you get through them. You just get right back on your path and keep moving forward. Don’t throw a whole day away because of one trip-up. Instead focus on the next positive step forward.
  • Stop obsessing over the past and concentrate on the present. – Start being present. Paying more attention to the current moment can make a huge difference in your mental strength and simplifying your life. You can’t change yesterday and you can’t get upset over what might happen next week — but you can do the right thing today. The best advice here is to let go of yesterday, anticipate tomorrow and realize the importance of enjoying and having control of your today.
  • Stop doing things simply because you can. – Start being honest with yourself and plan, prepare and follow through with doing the right thing. When you do the right thing it is a less complicated way to live. Integrity is the essence of everything successful. When you break the rules you invite complications into your life. Keep life simple and enjoyable by doing what you know in your heart is right for your mind and body. My best advice here is to don’t just do what you can — do what is going to make you happy. Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Have the courage to do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to success.
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]My final thoughts.. Positivity. The very best way to keep yourself mentally strong is to stay Positive. Because the power of positive thinking is remarkable. In fact, studies show that when you think positive it provides self confidence in one’s ability to perform and make decisions in a healthy mind. Your  mind and how you think can change your world. Healthy, happy people think about what they want, and how to get it. My final advice here is stay positive because a positive attitude can truly change your entire life[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]If you are tired of starting over…. stop giving up.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
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December 9, 2020By Josephine Fitzpatrick

HELLO DECEMBER

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]As we travel through December – we know December is a month of baking cookies, chocolate coins, candy canes and marshmallow Santa’s. For someone out of control, it can be a month of pure over indulging resulting in plenty of extra bulges YIKES! And while so many of you are in total control — others are still struggling. If you are struggling — please do not be embarrassed about struggling, gaining weight or losing control. I promise you that you are not the only one. You just have to keep moving forward and keep getting back on your path.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Wherever you are today and moving into this week I want you to be positive and confident about what you can achieve and why you want to do it. Think about feeling good, happy and alive in your mind and body. Don’t focus on just today think about tomorrow, think about next week and think about January. Think about how you WANT to feel going into the New Year AND think about how you DON’T want to feel going into the New Year. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]This is your path… your life and your journey to get to where you want to be. Only you can make it happen. Everyone has different reasons for losing weight and feeling great. Whatever your reason is, you need to keep it close to your heart. You have to realize that life is short and you want to enjoy it fully every single day. Don’t be upset about things you have the power to change. Use those emotions in the most positive way and change the things that do not make you happy[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Slips and Falls… Regardless of where you are or how many times you slip up – the most important thing you can do is get right back on program and keep going in the right direction. Whether it’s a little slip up or a big one – it’s not about the slip – it’s about getting up. We all slip and we all fall but the sooner you get back on your feet and on your path is the sooner you will feel so much better and be back on track. The longer you lay down the longer you will feel terrible and the longer it will take to get back to a better place. Life is not perfect and it will never be perfect. We will always have times that will be more difficult than others and they are usually times that feel different from everyone else. It doesn’t matter – what matters is right now. Wherever you are you have to focus on where you want to be and keep moving in that direction. If you keep getting up every time you fall, you will get there. Yes, it might be slower than someone who doesn’t fall as much but who cares – the most important thing is you are in the right direction and you will get to your destination.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Stop Thinking So Much…. We focus on “why do we keep doing this” or “how can I be better” or “isn’t there a magic pill” – just stop thinking. Instead of spending so much time and energy thinking about an easier way out – or thinking about why you keep slipping –put that energy into the change. Just keep getting up and keep trying to make the right choices. Don’t worry about where your weight is today – don’t even think about it. Just follow your program and you will feel better tomorrow. The program is the program – you know it works — when you follow your menu you lose weight. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Everyone is different….. Sometimes the scale will take longer than a week to see a change. Some see a pound a week others see the loss every two weeks. Some can cheat a little and lose a lot and others will be 110% strict and lose very little. You have to stay focused. If you are eating right and staying on plan you need to stay focused and on your path. Your body is shrinking everyday and the scale will catch up to where you want to be. You have to have patience and remember that being in control of who you are and what you are doing is just as amazing as seeing the scale go down. Your body will decide when and how much – you will decide how close to 110% you will be every day.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]The Journey…. Something I think is important to share is how important your journey is. I know I say it all the time but it’s very easy to get caught up in feeling sorry for yourself and bad about the mistakes and choices you make. But what I want you to focus on is how happy you are on the journey to feeling your best. Every step you take in the direction of eating clean and losing weight is one more step to feeling great both mentally and physically.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Final thoughts…. December will give us Challenging days but the bottom line is the days and weeks go by fast. Before you know it will be JANUARY and it runs right into a very short FEBRUARY and then just like that it’s MARCH and we will be shopping for shorts and summer clothing. A really good habit to get into is when you see you are having a bad day – make a promise to yourself that when you have a hard day your food will 100%. Because it’s the hard days we need the most strength to stay on program. Some times we can’t control whether our days are hard but we can definitely control if we make that day harder than it has to be. And going off program is going to make any bad day – worse.  [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]”You Don’t Have to Go Fast
You Just have to keep going…..”[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
  
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
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November 25, 2020By Josephine Fitzpatrick

THANKSGIVING – HAVE A PLAN

[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]As many of you know because I mention it all the time — Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. In fact, I love the whole weekend.  It’s a time that we enjoy our families, and traditions, and we are truly grateful and thankful for everything we have and those we love. While we should feel like this everyday (and hopefully most of us do) Thanksgiving Day gives us a day to celebrate it.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]NOT A VERY SOCIAL WEEKEND…… When it comes to Thanksgiving and Weight loss it’s usually not just about Thanksgiving it’s about a very social weekend. However this year and this weekend we are in a much different place. Social is not high on the list of activities with the world we live in – so while we are keeping everything more low key it should be easier, right? Maybe for some but for others it’s going to be a lot more indoor and a lot of left-over temptation to deal with. Which wouldn’t be terrible if we only went for the left-over turkey, but it’s usually the sides and desserts that we tend to gravitate toward. So while you are making your plans for Thanksgiving it is probably a good idea to make plans for the left-overs too. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Some Left-Over Options:
1) Freeze everything immediately after dinner – do not leave it out for the next day. You don’t want anything tempting left out where you can taste, bite and pick….
2) Soup kitchens – we have a list on our website. Call for covid instructions.
3) If you want to keep them and eat them – plan the exact day you will be doing that so you can look forward to it. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Throughout the four days you want to maintain control and enjoy. I think for many of you the importance of taking one day at a time — planning, and knowing what you are doing in advance is key to your success. Think before you grab – and think again before you eat. Think about your plans and know where you are going, what you are doing and when you are cheating. Don’t just plan your cheat days. It’s also important you are planning what you are eating when you are staying 110% clean and on program.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]When we are celebrating and following traditions it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and before you know it Monday morning comes and you look back and think oh no… what did I do??[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Here are some options to help you have a Happy Monday After [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]1. WEIGHT LOSS: Cheat Thanksgiving Day and Stay on program and clean the rest of the weekend. While this is a little challenging it’s doable. You choose Thanksgiving day as your Cheat Day and you are 110% the remainder of the weekend. Just remember it’s always harder to stay on program after you already cheated when you still have a long weekend in front of you. So you must really be in a good mental place to do this and follow through with it. Plan where you are going and what you are eating on program the remainder of the weekend.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]2. WEIGHT LOSS:  Eat Clean Thanksgiving Day and Cheat one day on the weekend. This is challenging but very doable. You can have your Turkey and Vegetables and you save everything else on the table that you love for your cheat day. Having your cheat day later in the weekend is always easier. Once you get through eating clean Thursday and Friday – then you choose your cheat day and before you know it the weekend is over and you made it. — JUST BE SUPER CAREFUL. It’s usually not the turkey that is the issue…. It’s the sides, the desserts and the alcohol that causes the binging. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]3.  MAINTAIN:  This is a little more realistic and if you are not in shark mode this might be the best option for you. You split the Cheat Day and you choose two nights out of the four days.  So for Example – you choose Thanksgiving and Saturday to be your cheat nights. You would eat on program Breakfast and Lunch and then Cheat Dinner, Dessert and Drinks. You would do that for Thanksgiving and then again one day on the weekend either Saturday or Sunday. The remaining two days you would be 110% clean.  This is a realistic way to stay on program and enjoy the weekend.  You won’t lose but you won’t gain and that’s great. Then you go right back on Program and give it 110% clean week and weigh the following weekend. Again very important to plan and know where you are going and what you are doing so you can plan and prepare for your on program days. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]There is always a choice and you are the only one that can make
it because you are the only one who has to live with the results.[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]  
 [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]While you have many options – you really only have two choices:   1) You will plan in advance and follow through with your plans or 2) you will go through the weekend mindless and no plan and end up cheating a little or a lot each day. RESULT #1: Monday morning you will either be super happy and feel good and in control and eager to get back to your 110% week of eating on program — RESULT #2  you will be miserable walking around in tight clothes mentally knowing that you didn’t do what made you happy you did what was easy. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]My Final thoughts:  Thanksgiving comes once a year but so do many other holidays and birthdays. Don’t look for excuses to sabotage yourself. Think about what makes you happy today, tomorrow and the day after. Keep the focus where it should be – not on what you can’t have – focus on what you do have. It’s a beautiful holiday with a lot of celebrations – Enjoy all the love, family, friendships and memories this holiday has to offer – because that is what it is truly about. [dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]Much Love, Health and Happiness
To all of you 
From all of us xo[dt_sc_hr_invisible_small]
Happy Thanksgiving
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
‌
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December 21, 2018By Josephine Fitzpatrick

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!

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December 13, 2018By Josephine Fitzpatrick

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.

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