Weight loss

This is, unfortunately, a very common problem, especially in America. CNN actually called it an epidemic. My dad has this great saying: "It's the food, dummy". We're always looking for quick fixes, diet foods and whatever easy way we can find to lose weight. The truth is really simple - we've all got to start eating less. When I was growing up, I was always taught that restaurants served you the proper portions, but that's all changed now with the super-size, all-you-can-eat buffets and extremely oversized portions. I was recently out for dinner in North Carolina with my father and we all ordered this simple pasta dish. When the bowls were put in front of us it was ridiculous. One serving was enough for the three of us. It's not ok to eat everything in front of you... not these days. Some say you should never eat more than the size of your hand and that's not such a bad standard.

Personally, I've been up and down with my weight throughout the years and when I'm on the high side I feel terrible about myself as well as physically lethargic. Being overweight puts unneeded stress on your body, which can lead to physical illness, uncomfortableness and a feeling of general heaviness. When I'm in a good weight place I feel so much better. Life feels and looks more beautiful, I can breathe easier and everything seems to fall into place. I think when we're not happy with our bodies we try and ignore it, but that just adds to our own isolation within the delusional world of self-criticism and that committee inside our head that loves to point out all your shortcomings. I lost a lot of weight with Weight Watchers over a two-year period but that was only the beginning of the journey. Losing weight is a transformation of body and mind. I had to change how I used and eat food, nutritionally versus emotionally. It's hard, I know... I'm an emotional eater, but once you really have an awareness and connection with your body you get in touch with how it feels to overeat. Not only is there the physical discomfort of eating too much but you feel guilty and bad about yourself. It's a terrible cycle. The truth is, you can have whatever you want, just watch your portions.

There are many weight-loss programs and if something works for you, great, but a true success is a change of lifestyle. Because once you're off a diet old habits can come back; but if you've had a lifestyle change you will continue to lose weight and feel satisfied. And once you're down to your ideal weight you'll feel so good that maintaining will be easy, or easier, I should say, than starving yourself and then gorging. Also, studies have shown that people who eat less live longer and are happier. Our bodies were not made to be inactive while pigging out. We can be very abusive to our bodies. Being overweight can lead to diabetes and many other physical as well as mental lethargies, so make that intention to change your ways. Once you start treating your body with respect and as something you want to care for, you'll see everything differently. I did. I now really evaluate what I want to take in. Whether it is food or energy, I ask myself, "Is it in vibration with what I want?" Nobody is saying it's easy, but it does get easier if you stick with it. As Nike and my father say - just do it. (see energy exercise / weight loss visualization and state your intention.)

Fasting
It's good to do a seasonal tea or juice fast. I've been told once a week is best but I personally don't do that. I do a week-long juice fast at the change of every season. See cleansing programs. Digestion takes a lot of energy and most of us eat too much most of the time, so it's good to give your body a break once in a while. It's best to consult a nutritionist because each body has different needs and she can design a smart fast specifically tailored to your needs.