Health & Wellness Articles & Updates from Evolution Total Wellness's, Owner Alicia Kirscheneheiter
Monday, March 29, 2010
7 Worst Excuses for Not Starting a Diet
Last week we rolled out the 7 Worst Excuses for not Exercising. So it's only natural that this week we shine the spotlight on the 7 Worst Excuses for not Dieting.
See how many you've used (or ARE using) and learn how to overcome all seven.
1) I hate to cook!
Join the crowd! I am no chef either. But the last time I checked I found all sorts of alternate choices out there -- from take-out or delivery to supermarket meals to quick recipes for one in under 10 minutes. Oh, and don't forget Diet-to-Go -- our meals come ready to heat and eat... and they're delicious too! There's always opportunity to make better choices if we look.
2) There's no way I can give up...
Okay you can fill in the blank with your choice of chocolate, ice cream, potato chips... Go ahead and pick your evil. The truth of the matter is that no real healthy lifestyle asks you to give up anything. Just know there is a big difference between ONE Oreo and THE WHOLE SLEEVE. Learning moderation and rewarding yourself with an occasional treat... well that's just life as it should be.
3) I have no willpower!
The decision to become healthier is your first step to real change. Looking for the right support system is crucial. Maybe you can find a friend, a neighbor, or a family member to team up with. I am all for a little professional help. Why not consider a trainer, a wellcoach or a nutritionist for some sound advice and motivation?
4) I'll start for real tomorrow!
This statement is usually uttered by the dieter who frequently falls off the wagon. Have you ever known anyone who ever started anything "tomorrow" to do well? Every moment is an opportunity to begin again. So what if your your food choices for the day tanked? There's still the opportunity for some good choices over dinner. Begin again. The best time to start is NOW.
5) I live to eat, not eat to live!
There is nothing wrong with enjoying your food. I can relate. I have never met a Mexican food that I didn't like. But the key to enjoying your food is to mindfully eat. Mindful eating means savoring each bite, recognizing it and enjoying it -- and stopping when no longer hungry. It's about the quality of each bite rather than the quantity of an entire buffet.
6) I hate having to watch what I eat!
Yup, this one has been said to me by a client. Sorry, but EVERYONE needs to watch what they eat. It doesn't matter if you are a professional athlete or a child. We may not share the same dietary needs, but no one gets the free pass when it comes to healthy eating. A constant awareness of your food and the enjoyment of what it is you are eating can help lead to healthier practices.
7) I had no idea there were so many calories in that!
This is by far my favorite excuse. With all the information readily available today -- not to mention the actual serving size and calorie count of just about everything you purchase -- pleading ignorance is no excuse. I would rather have a client tell me that they made a decision to eat something bad for them than to have them attempt to pass along "I had no idea" excuse. Accepting the consequences of choosing to eat something high in fat and calories is far better than lamely pleading ignorance.
Be well.
Alicia
See how many you've used (or ARE using) and learn how to overcome all seven.
1) I hate to cook!
Join the crowd! I am no chef either. But the last time I checked I found all sorts of alternate choices out there -- from take-out or delivery to supermarket meals to quick recipes for one in under 10 minutes. Oh, and don't forget Diet-to-Go -- our meals come ready to heat and eat... and they're delicious too! There's always opportunity to make better choices if we look.
2) There's no way I can give up...
Okay you can fill in the blank with your choice of chocolate, ice cream, potato chips... Go ahead and pick your evil. The truth of the matter is that no real healthy lifestyle asks you to give up anything. Just know there is a big difference between ONE Oreo and THE WHOLE SLEEVE. Learning moderation and rewarding yourself with an occasional treat... well that's just life as it should be.
3) I have no willpower!
The decision to become healthier is your first step to real change. Looking for the right support system is crucial. Maybe you can find a friend, a neighbor, or a family member to team up with. I am all for a little professional help. Why not consider a trainer, a wellcoach or a nutritionist for some sound advice and motivation?
4) I'll start for real tomorrow!
This statement is usually uttered by the dieter who frequently falls off the wagon. Have you ever known anyone who ever started anything "tomorrow" to do well? Every moment is an opportunity to begin again. So what if your your food choices for the day tanked? There's still the opportunity for some good choices over dinner. Begin again. The best time to start is NOW.
5) I live to eat, not eat to live!
There is nothing wrong with enjoying your food. I can relate. I have never met a Mexican food that I didn't like. But the key to enjoying your food is to mindfully eat. Mindful eating means savoring each bite, recognizing it and enjoying it -- and stopping when no longer hungry. It's about the quality of each bite rather than the quantity of an entire buffet.
6) I hate having to watch what I eat!
Yup, this one has been said to me by a client. Sorry, but EVERYONE needs to watch what they eat. It doesn't matter if you are a professional athlete or a child. We may not share the same dietary needs, but no one gets the free pass when it comes to healthy eating. A constant awareness of your food and the enjoyment of what it is you are eating can help lead to healthier practices.
7) I had no idea there were so many calories in that!
This is by far my favorite excuse. With all the information readily available today -- not to mention the actual serving size and calorie count of just about everything you purchase -- pleading ignorance is no excuse. I would rather have a client tell me that they made a decision to eat something bad for them than to have them attempt to pass along "I had no idea" excuse. Accepting the consequences of choosing to eat something high in fat and calories is far better than lamely pleading ignorance.
Be well.
Alicia
Monday, March 15, 2010
7 Worst Excuses For Not Exercising
Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."
Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.
As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.
I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!
The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising
1. I hate to sweat!
But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.
2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!
Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!
3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!
This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.
4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!
Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.
5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"
Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.
6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!
Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.
7. I just don't have the time!
This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?
Be well.
Alicia
Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com. Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."
Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.
As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.
I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!
The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising
1. I hate to sweat!
But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.
2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!
Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!
3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!
This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.
4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!
Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.
5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"
Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.
6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!
Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.
7. I just don't have the time!
This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?
Be well.
Alicia
Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com. Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."
Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.
As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.
I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!
The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising
1. I hate to sweat!
But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.
2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!
Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!
3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!
This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.
4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!
Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.
5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"
Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.
6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!
Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.
7. I just don't have the time!
This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?
Be well.
Alicia
Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com.
Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.
As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.
I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!
The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising
1. I hate to sweat!
But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.
2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!
Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!
3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!
This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.
4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!
Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.
5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"
Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.
6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!
Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.
7. I just don't have the time!
This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?
Be well.
Alicia
Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com. Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."
Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.
As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.
I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!
The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising
1. I hate to sweat!
But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.
2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!
Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!
3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!
This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.
4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!
Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.
5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"
Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.
6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!
Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.
7. I just don't have the time!
This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?
Be well.
Alicia
Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com. Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."
Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.
As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.
I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!
The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising
1. I hate to sweat!
But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.
2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!
Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!
3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!
This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.
4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!
Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.
5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"
Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.
6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!
Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.
7. I just don't have the time!
This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?
Be well.
Alicia
Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)