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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
January 22, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Stop Looking for Excuses

 

There are so many reasons to take it easy this season but now is not the time to hibernate! Excuses to stray away from your weight loss plan are everywhere. But this year isn’t going to be the same as the last. It may feel impossible to spend your time and energy on getting fit, but now really is the best time to focus on your weight loss.

 

One of the most common excuses this season is the weather. Being bundled up and feeling sluggish in the cold temperatures isn’t exactly the right environment for outdoor activities or heading the the gym. But believe it or not, this is exactly the reason why you should exercise regularly – what better way to warm up than to work out? Instead of sitting on the couch under a pile of blankets, get your body moving to warm yourself up. The best part is, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to fit in a workout. Try some of our at home work outs (https://innovationweightlossandfitness.com/portfolio/4230/) or check out our Pinterest for more ideas (http://www.pinterest.com/innovationny/).

 

Another seasonal condition that can keep you from working out can be the lack of sunshine. Less daylight can make you feel like the day is over by 4 p.m. Again, just because you don’t want to go outside int he darkness to get in a workout doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. It can also be a good idea to switch to morning workouts if you have the time. You can get in some sunshine and start your day right, which means you have a better chance of having a good rest of the day.

 

Feeling under the weather? Cold and flu season is in full swing, but you don’t have to let minor symptoms get in your way. Dealing with the sniffles is likely to be part of your winter season, so don’t let it be an excuse to cancel a workout. Many time exercise can actually help you feel better. Exercise at a lower intensity or pick something low impact and slowly build back up to a regular workout as you feel better.

 

You may not want to think about it now, but warm weather isn’t as far away as you think. Skipping a workout or deviating from your weight loss plan for a day or a week may not seem like a big deal when spring and summer feel so far away, but now is really the perfect time to get ready for warmer seasons. You don’t have forever, you have a couple months and you can do a lot in this time. Make it count! You will feel great and look great when it’s time for shorts and t-shirts.

 

Turn your excuses into reasons to motivate yourself. Winter is no excuse to stop working towards your goals. Keep a positive outlook and soon even the smallest healthy choices you make will have major results.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8301 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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FitnessHealthy TipsLifestyle
January 19, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Is Someone Trying to Sabotage Your Resolution?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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January 12, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Winter Recipes That Won’t Hurt Your Weight Loss

 

Just because this time of the year is associated with heavy winter foods, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t an abundance of recipes that won’t hurt your weight loss. There are many dishes that can be made in a healthy way, and some surprising ways to take advantage of fruits and vegetables that are in season.

 

When you think winter, the first food you may think of is soup. There is nothing like a warm bowl of soup after a long, cold day, but many soups are just as high in calories and sodium as some meals that you would never think of ordering while trying to lose weight. Keep it simple with a Vegetable Soup made from vegetable broth and your favorite vegetables like onion, celery, carrots, green beans, peas, tomatoes and more. Add just a teaspoon each of salt, thyme, and oregano and one bay leaf, and you have a simple, delicious soup that will satisfy your hunger without negatively affecting your weight loss.

 

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Slow cookers are a great way to get a delicious meal without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. You can use a slow cooker for this recipe for Quinoa and Veggies: Rinse and add one and a half cups of quinoa to the slow cooker. Add one tbsp of olive oil then add three cups of vegetable broth, one chopped medium sweet red pepper, one cup of fresh green beans, one chopped small carrot, one chopped small onion and two minced garlic cloves. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours.

 

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Salads are a no brainer when it comes to weight loss, and winter is a great time to mix it up with healthy and flavorful ingredients. Try something zesty and fresh with a Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Salad. Simply combine shrimp, two tbsp olive oil, two tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp lime zest, one tsp ground cumin, one tsp dried oregano, one tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl and toss until each shrimp is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Cook each shrimp for about 4 minutes on each side then allow it to cool slightly. Serve on top of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing.

 

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Vegetable chips are a great snack and can be made from a variety of veggies and seasonings. When you’re looking for something to munch on, try Zucchini Chips. To make these, thinly slice one medium zucchini then lay the slices on a paper towel. Sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and then let them sit on the paper towel for 10 minutes (this will help draw out the liquid so they cook faster). Lay out the slices evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with seasonings of your choice. Bake for about 2 hours, let them cool, and enjoy!

 

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Smoothies may not sound like an obvious winter suggestion, but they are a great way to to get some fruits and vegetables into your day. Kale is a super healthy food that is currently in season that is great for smoothies. Blend one cup of kale, one cup of water, one medium apple, the juice of one lemon, two sprigs of mint and one cup of crushed ice for a delicious and healthy Green Winter Smoothie.

 

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~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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January 5, 2015By Josephine Fitzpatrick

How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolution

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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December 18, 2014By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Healthy Holiday Recipes

 

With two of the biggest holidays this month, it can seem impossible to stick to your weight loss plan in December. Traditional and seasonal foods are so important to the meaning of both Christmas and Hanukkah but there are a couple ways you can make your holiday meals healthier without feeling like you are missing out on any of the celebration.

 

Instead of replacing traditional holiday foods, try making existing recipes a little healthier. Latkes are usually made with regular potatoes, but can also be made with zucchini, sweet potatoes, onions and carrots. Though it is traditional to fry them, you can bake them in the oven instead. Simply prepare them to your liking and bake at 425 degrees for 5 minutes on each side.

 

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You can buy applesauce to pair with the latkes or you can make some with just a few simple ingredients and flavor to your taste. Peel, core and quarter whatever flavor apple you like and add to a large pot filled with water. Add whatever spices you choose, such a cinnamon and nutmeg, or leave as is. Heat until apples are tender and cooked through then mash or blend them to however chunky or smooth you prefer.

 

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Brisket is another recipe that can easily be made lighter. Use the “first-cut” section as opposed to the fattier “point cut” to start. Use a dry rub to marinate and bake in the oven. Serve with sauce on the side.

 

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Before you even sit down for Christmas Eve Dinner you have a great opportunity to serve some healthy and festive appetizers and snacks. Spiced nuts are great for the holidays and are delicious and simple. To prepare, warm nuts such as pecans, walnuts, pistachios and cashews or any combination, in the oven then drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and toss with seasonings of your choosing such as salt, thyme, rosemary, pepper, or cayenne pepper.

 

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Go with a red and green theme for Christmas with this clean and gluten free recipe. Chop red and green peppers into thin slices then add a dab of hummus. It’s simple, healthy and festive all in one.

 

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For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a simple roasted chicken. It’s healthy and will please almost anyone at your table. Dress it up for the holidays by laying skinless chicken slices on a bed of pomegranate farro salad. For the salad, cook then cool the farro and add with arugula, romaine, celery, pomegranate seeds, almonds and a vinaigrette of your choosing.

 

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 There are so many seasonal sides that can be a fantastic addition to any holiday dinner. Roasted winter vegetables are a great go to. Beets, turnips, carrots, fennel and onions can be combined with thyme and extra virgin olive oil for a simple, colorful side dish.

 

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Try a fresh twist on quinoa with this recipe for Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios: Prepare quinoa as usual. Meanwhile, combine olive oil, lemon juice and pepper separately then add this mixture to the quinoa. Mix in dried sweet cherries, dry-roasted pistachios, fresh mint and parsley.

 

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If you’re looking for something sweet, try one of these recipes: Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad (pictured left) and Pear and Arugula Salad with Walnuts (pictured right). The first salad calls for cider, pear, raspberry or other fruit vinegar to be whisked with a small amount of honey and salt for the dressing. Then add diced pears, celery and pecans to the mixture and season with pepper. Serve on top of a lettuce leaf for a beautiful presentation. For the other salad, simply toss arugula, pear slices and walnuts with mustard vinaigrette.

 

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Putting even just one healthy recipe on your table or bringing it to your host’s table can take away some of the stress of holiday eating. When your mind is less concerned with what you’re eating, you can embrace the holiday and the people around you so much more. Enjoy!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodybury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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December 15, 2014By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Happy Hanukkah

 

Tomorrow begins the Jewish holiday Hanukkah and a week-long celebration. It is an eight-day holiday packed with festivities and traditional food. The meaning behind it celebrates the symbolic meaning of a candle that was lit with enough oil to last one day but miraculously it lasted eight days, which is the reason why it is also known as the Festival of Lights. Because it is such a long holiday, some families celebrate one or two nights while others celebrate every night. There are several traditional aspects of the holiday that are usually present such as the driedel, the menorah, gelt and the traditional foods that can include chalah bread, brisket, kugel, matzo ball soup, latkes (potato pancakes) and other fried foods to highlight the importance of oil. Cheese and dairy foods are also common. For those of you who are celebrating, this can be a tough holiday when it comes to your weight loss plan because of the importance of dairy and oil. Here are our top three tips to enjoy the holiday without derailing your weight loss.

 

1) The first is to go with the tasting method. Start with a tablespoon of the heavy dishes and go back for second helpings of your favorites. It may be difficult to find something healthy to fill you up, so try bringing a salad or healthy side such as roasted winter vegetables, quinoa or applesauce.

 

2) If you know you’re going to be attending or hosting more than one dinner, pick and choose what you put on your plate with a little more scrutiny. When you’re going to be having the same or similar meal the next night or a few days later, consider skipping seconds.

 

3) Compensate for the extended feast during the day leading up to dinner and on the days in between. Eat clean on a day you know you will have a big dinner, and stick to your routine on the days you aren’t celebrating with eating healthy and exercise. If you are only celebrating one day and make it your cheat day, that’s great, but either way, don’t let it become a cheat week.

 

To all of out clients celebrating this week we wish you a happy and healthy Hanukkah!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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December 12, 2014By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Happy and Healthy Holiday Parties

 

Tis the season. The hustle and bustle has started and each day that passes we find ourselves closer to mayhem than the day before. I myself have been experiencing the craziness of running from the city to Woodbury, attending school functions and holiday events. It’s amazing how much we can fit into a month that seems to fly by in a blink of an eye. Yet everything we experience seems to feel a little easier, lighter and brighter. For example, last night my normal 2 hour commute took 4 1/2 hours to get home from my New York City location. There were no accidents. The tunnel was just gridlock and bumper to bumper in the daily rush hour traffic. But most commuters around me took it in stride. Holiday music blared from car windows and everyone seemed more relaxed in what would have been a usual night of frustration. For many, the month of December brings happiness and cheer along with many scheduled and unscheduled events. Traffic, holiday parties and unplanned eating. While the average person can gain 10 pounds over Thanksgiving, in the month of December you are packing on between 12-15. So here are some thoughts to get you through the unplanned and planned parties you have coming up.

 

Let’s start with the smartest decision of all…Don’t go hungry. I know you want to fit into that dress or suit, but if you go to the party hungry you are setting yourself up for disaster. Because we know all it takes is one glass of alcohol and you will feel ten pounds lighter and the food will be ten times more tempting. So on the day of any holiday party, have your breakfast, lunch and snacks. Even if you plan on drinking alcohol it’s best to have your snacks. You may not lose, but more importantly you will not gain. After all, if we can get through December and maintain, you should consider yourself a success.

 

Moving on…When you are faced with the holiday hors d’oeuvres table, the best thing you can do is be choosy. The phrase about one’s eyes being bigger than their stomach comes to mind. Don’t get seduced by the food! At the end of the day it’s just food. It will be there at the next holiday party you go to. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it, but let’s taste instead of indulge. Visualize the difference between tasting everything and indulging in everything. Not a pretty sight for those who are indulging in everything. Most important, never eat to please others. If you know you have had enough then own up to it and be done with it. Focus on what’s really important – spending time, laughing and enjoying the people around you.

 

When it’s time for you to dive into the food table, here are a couple of helpful tips to remember portion sizes. You can enjoy all that the party has to offer, just start small. A fist is around one cup. Your thumb is the equivalent of about an ounce and your palm is around three ounces. Two thumbs are around a tablespoon and the tip of your finger is about a teaspoon. Choose carefully when serving yourself or eyeballing a portion. Remember alcohol can impair your vision so when eyeing sizes it might be best to eat before you drink. You can also help yourself out a little more by using a smaller plate when you have the option. A bigger plate my cause you to fill it up even though you only want or need part of what you dished out.

 

For most of us, celebrating and consuming tend to go hand in hand. There are a few things you can do to keep yourself from overeating mindlessly or unintentionally. First, take your time before eating when you arrive. Don’t go straight for the food. Instead, socialize before you get a plate. Also, once you have started eating or have had your fill, move away from the food. Don’t linger when it can be so easy to grab one more. And again, remember to watch what you drink. It can be easy to refill your glass and lose track when you’re eating and socializing. Start with water or soda before having that glass of wine or eggnog. Make sure to drink a full glass of water between each alcoholic drinks, it will not only keep you hydrated it will help your headache the next day. And of course make sure you have a designated driver.

 

Most of all, remember this time of year is about enjoying old and new acquaintances. It’s a fun and festive month and when it’s all over you want to find yourself with fond and fun memories, not the 10-15 lbs it’s left behind. Be mindful – make good choices. Everything matters. At the end of the day and year – it’s still only food. It’s will all be there in 2015.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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December 8, 2014By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Start Thinking About Bathing Suit Weather

 

Let’s take a break from the cold weather and holiday talk and think about spring and summer. Going to the beach, barbeques, green grass and blooming flowers, swimming at the pool, long sunny days. Just thinking about it can be a momentary mental vacation from the cold and dark months ahead, but are you going to be ready when it’s time to put on that bathing suit? It may feel like winter will last forever, but now is the time to start thinking about where you want to be when summer comes around. Some of you may even be taking a tropical vacation in the coming months, so instead of dreading the moment you peel off your winter layers, make a plan and look forward with confidence.

 

Even if you lose just half a pound each week, by the time June arrives you will have lost over 12 pounds. It may not seem like a lot, but even the smallest things you do now will add up. The consistency you cultivate will help you when you weigh in this weekend and also in the future. It’s all about consistency. When the warmer weather comes around and it’s time to bring back the shorts and t-shirts, sticking to your weight loss plan will make sure you are ready. A balanced routine will work when you give it time. The last thing you want to do is go on some kind of crash diet or spiral into stress eating when you approach the time you had planned to reach your goal. Having a healthy breakfast, going to the gym even when you really didn’t want to, ordering a salad when you really wanted a burger or taking the stairs instead of the elevator may seem trivial, but they are what will take you across the finish line in the end.

 

It may be a tough battle to lose a little one week and gain a little another week, but thinking about the big picture can really help give the day-to-day effort more meaning. Think about where you were when you started. Think about all the good weeks you have had. Even if you just started today, remember that you can’t climb this mountain overnight. It takes time, which you have plenty of in the winter before summer arrives. Having the right mindset can ensure you have good weeks ahead. The same way you look forward to a cheat day each week, look forward to the summer after a long and challenging winter.

 

2015 is going to be the summer you work hard for, and the summer you deserve to feel fit and comfortable.

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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December 1, 2014By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Don’t Get Caught Up In Festive Eating

So you’ve gotten through Thanksgiving weekend and whether you are happy with how the holiday went or not, it’s time to get back on track. It’s easy to get caught up in festive eating all weekend and beyond when it comes to leftovers and seasonal foods, but it’s important to get out of the holiday haze. This time of year can provide you with plenty of excuses to overeat or fall off the wagon, OR it can strengthen your resolve and sense of self-control. Confidence and determination will help your mood and subsequently, your success. Anxiety and regret can cause you to stress eat under pressure. It can be an unfortunate cycle that can intensify during the holidays, but preparing before and getting your momentum back after are just as important as what happens during a holiday.

 

This is going to be especially true this month with two of the biggest holidays of the year just a few weeks away. And with a fresh start around the corner on January 1st, many people feel tempted to just give up and start over in the New Year. December can be the hardest month of they year for these reasons and many more, but there are a few things you can do to keep yourself in the right mindset.

 

One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll have a good day is by starting with a healthy breakfast and/or exercise. Even if it’s a simple meal or a short workout, the morning will set the stage for the rest of your day. During the day look for healthy alternatives in ordinary situations. Try taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator when possible, choose the healthiest option even when dining out (consult our Healthy Restaurant Choices page), and make sure you’re getting enough water when you may want to choose something warm like coffee or hot chocolate. Get excited about exercise – make a new playlist to listen to during a workout, try a new class or activity, or get involved with a friend or family member.

 

Remember that we have plenty of healthy recipes on the blog in the “healthy recipes” tag (https://innovationweightlossandfitness.com/tag/healthy-recipes) or on the coldest days when you can’t make it to the gym or outside, there’s the at home workouts here: https://innovationweightlossandfitness.com/tag/healthy-recipes/. This is an important month – make it count!

 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11979

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018

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November 27, 2014By Josephine Fitzpatrick

Be Thankful…

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It is a time when friends and family come together and enjoy the company of each other. It’s not about gifts or shopping…it’s a stress free holiday that focuses on great food, lots of laughs and the people we love. I believe it’s a time when many people reflect about the past year and think about all the obstacles and challenges they faced.

 

THIS THANKSGIVING I am truly thankful for many things…..My Three Beautiful Boys who are the air that I breath and the joy and happiness that surround me everyday; My Two Beautiful girls, my boys brought into my life. My Husband who is my best friend, who believes in me and stays true to me in the good and bad times of my life, regardless of how difficult things get or how difficult I am – at the end of the day, he is always there for me.  My Job…as it not only gives me the opportunity to do what I love, it also brings the most wonderful people into my life. For the loved ones I lost. The pain is always there, but I have learned to be thankful for the time I was so truly lucky to have with them.

 

I believe that sometimes we experience the really difficult times in life so we don’t lose focus on what we have that is good and great.  How we must realize that many things we go through are not nearly as unfortunate as others. It’s wonderful to be thankful for all we have, but we should also recognize and pray for those less fortunate – who have lost their homes, jobs and people they love. Think about the families that have dissolved from the stresses of life that were placed before them and loved ones that have passed from illnesses, accidents, military and suicides.   Reflect on the sadness and unfortunate events that are happening in the world today. Our neighbors, who this year have lost spouses, children, jobs…and their hope. Pray that God keeps them safe and gets them through this holiday season.   If you don’t believe in God, then just take a moment in your day to think about them, and have hope for them.

 

This Thanksgiving…learn from your mistakes and strive to be a better person.  Don’t lose yourself and your spirit to those who are angry and bitter – instead give yourself and your spirit to help those who are in need. Tell the people around you how much you love them. Appreciate each breath that you take. Be true to yourself. Be a leader not a follower – and always live, love and laugh like there is no tomorrow. Don’t think or worry about what you don’t have, instead take a look around you, and be thankful for all the wonderful you do have. Reflect and Remember that you are the only person who can make the life you want, and be the person you want to be. Leave yesterday behind and begin a great tomorrow.

 

 

WE WISH ALL OF OUR INNOVATION FAMILY 

 

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING DAY

 

 
 
MUCH LOVE,
 

 

JOSEPHINE, NORA, JEFF, DEBBIE, LORI, ELYSE, AIMEE, JEANETTE

 

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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