Thanks to everyone on tonight's call. I am thrilled we have a core group of committed AHL members!
"Thoughts become things" has been the focus of my reading and learning recently.
This is such a powerful concept and it supports our principle of Healthy Fit Thinking precedes being Healthy and Fit! I spend lots of energy thinking healthy fit thoughts and taking healthy fit actions. Each time I pass a mirror I look more and more fit! Sometimes the reflection actually surprises me.
So, think healthy fit thoughts and here's to a successful week for all of us. Love, San
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A GREAT THOUGHT FOR EVERYONE
THE ONLY PERSON YOU HAVE TO MEASURE UP AGAINST IS THE PERSON YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME.
-myra
Saturday, September 26, 2009
This is my first official blog ever with hopefully more to come. As I am in my first weekend of the first week session, I am approaching the journey with optimism and excitement. The scale is beginning to behave and my cravings are diminishing. My first week has been directing my food shift towards "fuel only" foods. This focus has allowed me to keep a food log daily and observe what I am eating. Wish me luck through the weekend. Myra
Weekend Strategies
Do weekends trip you up? They do for most of us. There's often less structure to the weekend. That's when we relax after the week, we 'give in' because we've worked so hard during the week. That's when exceptions can happen more easily, getting together with friends, special events, you name it. That's when old habits can rise back to the surface more easily.
So how do we handle them? Same way we do the rest of the week really. Be aware. Use the principles you're learning. Think ahead if you know a certain situation is usually a trouble zone for you? What new strategies can you employ? Pose your question on the blog and ask for suggestions. Ask your Arbonne consultant that invited you on this call and work it out together. That's what we're here for. That's how you can use the power of being in our Abundant Healthy Living community.
And in the end, don't beat yourself up if things don't work out exactly as you hoped. Do your best - with what you have - from where you are.
May you all enjoy an Abundant Healthy weekend!
So how do we handle them? Same way we do the rest of the week really. Be aware. Use the principles you're learning. Think ahead if you know a certain situation is usually a trouble zone for you? What new strategies can you employ? Pose your question on the blog and ask for suggestions. Ask your Arbonne consultant that invited you on this call and work it out together. That's what we're here for. That's how you can use the power of being in our Abundant Healthy Living community.
And in the end, don't beat yourself up if things don't work out exactly as you hoped. Do your best - with what you have - from where you are.
May you all enjoy an Abundant Healthy weekend!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Even the Smell of Peppermint Helps
Did you know....
- The smell of peppermint - People who regularly smell peppermint ate 23% less calories a week.
- Eating on blue plates. Research has shown the color blue suppresses appetite. Conversely, red, yellow, and orange make you eat more.
- Brush your teeth - Research has shown brushing after meals decreases eating in between meals.
Just some less obvious tips and tricks to help you out!
Monday, September 21, 2009
You Don't Have to Eat to Feel Good!
Think for a few moments, or perhaps you might like to journal, about some of the things that make you feel good. Your brain automatically knows what to do when this happens - it creates and secretes natural substances that flood your system with the necessary chemicals for you to feel joy. Your brain is a miraculous thing - and it knows exactly how to reward you.
I made a list of some of the things that make me happy, or that I associate with feeling good:
1. A long walk on the beach, wind blowing in my hair or on my face, the smell of salt air...either walking by myself or with a friend or two...
2. A chuckle at a good joke or a belly laugh at something really funny! Who doesn't love to laugh? We've heard that quote "Laughter is the best medicine". Well, it is good medicine. When was the last time you laughed til your sides hurt, or until tears came? That's good chemistry! Good for you, good for your brain.
3. A pleasant surprise - an unexpected gift arrives at your door. If you like to receive, perhaps gifting another will bring you joy. If you enjoy receiving a thank you note or a thinking of you, perhaps you could take a moment to do the same for another.
4. I know I love a great meal. Think of sharing a meal with friends, or inviting a friend to a light lunch or a cup of tea. Joy doesn't have to include food, but the social aspects of sharing a meal can bring enormous fulfillment.
5. How about a relaxing morning or day at the spa? Massage, sauna, or just an opportunity to allow someone to pamper you can bring amazing relief and relaxation. Joy! Take the time, perhaps, to treat yourself to our SeaSource Spa products - you can do this at HOME and still experience the most wonderful sensations of good health and appreciation.
6. Music! I know I love to sing and I love to listen to others sing. I like to sing songs to my grandkids and I love to harmonize. Music touches you in places that you cannot always predict... such as songs you remember from school years. You hear the song and you're right there! It takes you back. There is a wonderful book entitled Your Brain On Music which explains what and why this miracle actually happens. A lullaby, a rock and roll song, a sweet nursery rhyme, a piece by Bach or Handel, a jazz or blues piece that reminds you of a time gone by, or even the sound of wind chimes on a spring or fall afternoon can transport you to another time and place.
7. Dance! Kick up your heels and dance. Sway to the sound of the flute. Shed the jeans, put on a loose garment and turn the music up - now DANCE! Dancing frees the spirit and infuses the body with joy. Let go! Ever notice what toddlers do when they hear music? They move - they dance!
8. BREATHE! Dr. Henry Emmons, author of The Chemistry of Joy, notes that just slowing our breathing is a form of meditation. Did you know that by just breathing deeply, we relax, blood pressure lowers, and we find we focus and think better. Dr. Emmons believes that simply breathing can become a meditation in its own rite! You don't have to sit in a cross-legged position on the floor to meditate. Walking, breathing, moving at a regular pace and breathing intentionally is a meditation in it's own rite.
9. Exercise! Good solid exercise fills you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Good exercise is GREAT for every aspect of your health and wellnes. It is the best! The runner's high is no joke, and neither is the swimmer's high - a sense of accomplishment for everyone who participates.
10. Read, write, express yourself.
11. Imagine yourself in a comfortable chair in a cozy corner with a fire burning nearby and a cup of steaming tea, snowflakes falling quietly outside your window. Does'nt it feel good to imagine yourself in that setting? Create some of those 'settings' for yourself.
Make a list of the things that YOU love to do - the things that bring you pleasure - and enjoy them. You don't have to go to the refrigerator or the pantry to feel good. Sometimes that little trip can cause unhappiness or remorse. Instead... try one of your tried and true methods for feeling good!
Have fun and perhaps share some of the ways YOU create feelings of joy and happiness!
I made a list of some of the things that make me happy, or that I associate with feeling good:
1. A long walk on the beach, wind blowing in my hair or on my face, the smell of salt air...either walking by myself or with a friend or two...
2. A chuckle at a good joke or a belly laugh at something really funny! Who doesn't love to laugh? We've heard that quote "Laughter is the best medicine". Well, it is good medicine. When was the last time you laughed til your sides hurt, or until tears came? That's good chemistry! Good for you, good for your brain.
3. A pleasant surprise - an unexpected gift arrives at your door. If you like to receive, perhaps gifting another will bring you joy. If you enjoy receiving a thank you note or a thinking of you, perhaps you could take a moment to do the same for another.
4. I know I love a great meal. Think of sharing a meal with friends, or inviting a friend to a light lunch or a cup of tea. Joy doesn't have to include food, but the social aspects of sharing a meal can bring enormous fulfillment.
5. How about a relaxing morning or day at the spa? Massage, sauna, or just an opportunity to allow someone to pamper you can bring amazing relief and relaxation. Joy! Take the time, perhaps, to treat yourself to our SeaSource Spa products - you can do this at HOME and still experience the most wonderful sensations of good health and appreciation.
6. Music! I know I love to sing and I love to listen to others sing. I like to sing songs to my grandkids and I love to harmonize. Music touches you in places that you cannot always predict... such as songs you remember from school years. You hear the song and you're right there! It takes you back. There is a wonderful book entitled Your Brain On Music which explains what and why this miracle actually happens. A lullaby, a rock and roll song, a sweet nursery rhyme, a piece by Bach or Handel, a jazz or blues piece that reminds you of a time gone by, or even the sound of wind chimes on a spring or fall afternoon can transport you to another time and place.
7. Dance! Kick up your heels and dance. Sway to the sound of the flute. Shed the jeans, put on a loose garment and turn the music up - now DANCE! Dancing frees the spirit and infuses the body with joy. Let go! Ever notice what toddlers do when they hear music? They move - they dance!
8. BREATHE! Dr. Henry Emmons, author of The Chemistry of Joy, notes that just slowing our breathing is a form of meditation. Did you know that by just breathing deeply, we relax, blood pressure lowers, and we find we focus and think better. Dr. Emmons believes that simply breathing can become a meditation in its own rite! You don't have to sit in a cross-legged position on the floor to meditate. Walking, breathing, moving at a regular pace and breathing intentionally is a meditation in it's own rite.
9. Exercise! Good solid exercise fills you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Good exercise is GREAT for every aspect of your health and wellnes. It is the best! The runner's high is no joke, and neither is the swimmer's high - a sense of accomplishment for everyone who participates.
10. Read, write, express yourself.
11. Imagine yourself in a comfortable chair in a cozy corner with a fire burning nearby and a cup of steaming tea, snowflakes falling quietly outside your window. Does'nt it feel good to imagine yourself in that setting? Create some of those 'settings' for yourself.
Make a list of the things that YOU love to do - the things that bring you pleasure - and enjoy them. You don't have to go to the refrigerator or the pantry to feel good. Sometimes that little trip can cause unhappiness or remorse. Instead... try one of your tried and true methods for feeling good!
Have fun and perhaps share some of the ways YOU create feelings of joy and happiness!
Friday, September 18, 2009
7 Day Cleanse - Getting Me Back On Track
I just started Arbonne's SeaSource 7 Day Cleanse yesterday. It really does make me even MORE aware of what I'm eating and drinking. I do feel like it's getting me back on track with drinking the water I should and getting away from some of the snacking (poison foods!) that had started to sneak in.
This is also great timing with us starting a new 6 week session of Abundant Healthy Living. Looking forward to everyone joining us next Monday!
Healthy and Happy Friday to All!
Love - Gerri
This is also great timing with us starting a new 6 week session of Abundant Healthy Living. Looking forward to everyone joining us next Monday!
Healthy and Happy Friday to All!
Love - Gerri
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It's September!
It's September!
New beginnings ... New Session ... New Goals!!
Gerri Two more pounds and lower body toning. Size Six by year end
Tee New Race Goal and injuries under control
Prue Ten pounds, Daily exercise and asking Santa for a Rebounder
Rod Mix it up ... biking, walking and get back to running three to four miles a day
Betty Work on time management, multi-tasking and continue to use the AHL principles
Yonghee Three more pounds, exercise five times a week. Work on scheduling time
Jo Ellen Fifteen pounds, feel better and be accountable
Joyce Spinning Class three times per week
San Five more pounds, back to basics ... water intake, supplements and more exercise
New beginnings ... New Session ... New Goals!!
Gerri Two more pounds and lower body toning. Size Six by year end
Tee New Race Goal and injuries under control
Prue Ten pounds, Daily exercise and asking Santa for a Rebounder
Rod Mix it up ... biking, walking and get back to running three to four miles a day
Betty Work on time management, multi-tasking and continue to use the AHL principles
Yonghee Three more pounds, exercise five times a week. Work on scheduling time
Jo Ellen Fifteen pounds, feel better and be accountable
Joyce Spinning Class three times per week
San Five more pounds, back to basics ... water intake, supplements and more exercise
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Healthy-Lowfat Crab & Shrimp Gumbo
Great conference call and perspectives shared last night (9/14). The emphasis on recommitment was helpful to me especially. I'm looking forward to a brand new 6 week session and opportunity to fully recommit and stay focused on those important goals I have set for myself. I wish everyone strength and success as we continue on our journey. In celebration of warm foods & soups for the fall and winter mentioned last night I thought this was a great recipe to share - Love & abundant healthy living to all - Betty Robinson:
HEALTHY-LOW FAT CRAB & SHRIMP GUMBO
Total Fat (g) 5 per serving
Saturated Fat (g) 1
1 pound fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1-1/2 cups chopped green and/or red sweet pepper
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 14-ounce cans lower-sodium beef broth
1 cup water
1 recipe Cajun Spice Mix (see recipe below)
1 16-ounce package frozen cut okra
2 6-ounce cans crabmeat, drained or fresh lump crabmeat
3 cups hot cooked long grain rice or brown rice
Green onions (optional)
Bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)
1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. 2. In a medium skillet, cook flour over medium heat about 6 minutes or until brown, stirring often. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside. 3. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, sweet pepper, celery, and garlic; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender. 4. Slowly whisk broth into browned flour. Add broth mixture, water, and Cajun Spice Mix to Dutch oven. Stir in okra. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Add shrimp; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp is pink. Gently stir in crabmeat. 6. To serve, spoon gumbo into 8 bowls. Top each serving with rice, a shrimp, and a green onion, if desired. If desired, pass hot pepper sauce. Makes 8 (1-1/4 cups gumbo plus 1/3 cup rice) servings. Cajun Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
HEALTHY-LOW FAT CRAB & SHRIMP GUMBO
Total Fat (g) 5 per serving
Saturated Fat (g) 1
1 pound fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1-1/2 cups chopped green and/or red sweet pepper
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 14-ounce cans lower-sodium beef broth
1 cup water
1 recipe Cajun Spice Mix (see recipe below)
1 16-ounce package frozen cut okra
2 6-ounce cans crabmeat, drained or fresh lump crabmeat
3 cups hot cooked long grain rice or brown rice
Green onions (optional)
Bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)
1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. 2. In a medium skillet, cook flour over medium heat about 6 minutes or until brown, stirring often. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside. 3. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, sweet pepper, celery, and garlic; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender. 4. Slowly whisk broth into browned flour. Add broth mixture, water, and Cajun Spice Mix to Dutch oven. Stir in okra. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Add shrimp; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp is pink. Gently stir in crabmeat. 6. To serve, spoon gumbo into 8 bowls. Top each serving with rice, a shrimp, and a green onion, if desired. If desired, pass hot pepper sauce. Makes 8 (1-1/4 cups gumbo plus 1/3 cup rice) servings. Cajun Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
Friday, September 11, 2009
My New Day
It's interesting how skipping a week of our Abundant Healthy Living calls can make it so easy for 'old' habits to creep back in.
Even after a year, I still need that weekly reminder and infusion of empowering principles, reminders of what I really want and deserve in terms of my health, and the strength I draw from knowing I'm not in this alone.
I am looking forward to next Monday's call, and the Monday after that, and the Monday after that!
In the meantime, today I will be more aware and present to the choices in front of me.
Love you all!
Gerri
Even after a year, I still need that weekly reminder and infusion of empowering principles, reminders of what I really want and deserve in terms of my health, and the strength I draw from knowing I'm not in this alone.
I am looking forward to next Monday's call, and the Monday after that, and the Monday after that!
In the meantime, today I will be more aware and present to the choices in front of me.
Love you all!
Gerri
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