Goals And Goal Setting In Weight Loss and Health Building

OK. OK. I admit it, the reason I have been posting so many weight related articles lately is that I was getting pretty chunky myself and it was time to start focusing in on dropping down to a more healthful weight.

I am in the process of dropping 40 pounds from my December 2006 weight. I was not doing my regular exercises and walking that is normally part of my daily schedule. Let's face it, my work has kept me pretty busy and I sacrificed fitness activities for business growth.

I do not feel bad about this. Sometimes my life does get out of balance and then I need to swing back and forth from time to time.

Overall, I do pretty well at balancing my hectic schedule with my personal physical fitness time. I choose my own schedule and commitments, and sometimes the urgency of business overwhelms the importance of healthful activity.

I never get that far out of shape, but performing more computer time has definitely caused me some grief as far as reduced calorie burning this time. So, it was time to get the old metabolism fired back up and get serious about my fitness goals! LOL!

There are some great articles on Paul Piotrowski's Blog that deal with the mind set needed to succeed with your weight loss goals. The links to the information can be found at the bottom of this post.

Weight Loss Tip: Why You Must Know Exactly What You Want to Look Like

Ok, I’ve got it: you want to lose weight. Yes, you want to “look good naked”.

But do you know exactly what you want to look like?

Maybe, just maybe that’s why most people never arrive at their dream( be it a body or a ‘place’). Their minds don’t know what they really want. They don’t know what they’re aiming for. You want to “lose weight” but you don’t have a clear picture of what you want to look like. Your poor mind does not know what you want.

How can you expect to ever get that body!

Remember This: You are never going to make any real progress towards getting the body you want, unless you tell your mind, your real, inner mind called your unconscious mind, what exactly it is that you want.

You see, everything we achieve in our lives, we achieve because of our minds. In fact, the (overweight or out-of-shape) state that you have arrived at today, is because of your Mind.
Now you may be saying to yourself: “I did not set myself the goal of getting my body to look like it does right now! That statement just can’t be true!”

Ok. Look at it this way.

Our minds are what are known as “goal-seeking servo-mechanisms”. That means, our minds need something to strive for, to work for, to achieve.

And if we don’t set a real goal for our minds, that mind of ours is always striving for goals that others have set for us. And it is always striving for our 'default goals'.

And how did these “default goals” get into our system?

Listen: Somewhere, somehow, in our past (or present) environment, we have learnt certain things, quite unconsciously. We have learnt:

What is ‘True’

What is ‘Important’ to us

What ‘Feels Good’ And these ‘Truths’, ‘Important’ things and things that ‘Feel Good’ set a kind of ‘default goal-set’ in our unconscious minds.

Let me explain with an example that I see happening today, right before my eyes:
I know a family, with a young son. That son is already showing the signs of becoming Big. On more than one occasion, when we went out for pizza with this family, I watched the parents and the son each consume a full pizza.

I could not believe my eyes!

My 3 kids were hard-pressed putting away 2 slices of the same pizza! My wife and I could hardly eat one pizza between us (and I am a bodybuilder who can eat quite a bit, though I draw the line at pizza...). But this family gobbled up 3+ pizzas like there was no tomorrow!

That young boy has unconsciously learnt from his parents the doubtful ‘joy’ (the 'Feel Good') of eating big amounts of food at one sitting. And it shows in his young body.

Unfortunately, it will take quite a bit of work for him to un-learn these lessons, lessons that are being reinforced daily by his family.

You see, you already have what I call ‘default goals’ in your unconscious mind. These default goals have been programmed into your mind from way back when through your immediate family and other influential people (your friends, school, etc).

And even one of those ‘default goals’ could have brought you to your current body shape, where you need to lose weight to live to see your children graduate … from Grade 2!

Remember this: It is your unconscious mind that really guides your body and your life, long-term.

Therefore, it is very important for you, especially if you want to tip yourself in favour of losing weight, to have a clear goal for what you want your body to be.

You see, a Strong, Clear Goal of your New Body, will over-ride your default goals, and set a new direction for you, so that you automatically start out on losing weight.

You have to have a clear picture of yourself, sitting right in front of your mind: "This is what I want to look like with my New Body". If you want to lose weight and get a great body, then you must have this picture constantly in your mind, not only now while you are reading this article.

And once you inform your subconscious about this body that you are targeting, you are going to lose weight until you look like that body. Almost automatically.

So, as part of today’s Weight Loss Tip, let’s set about getting a clear picture for yourself.

Get out all the magazines you have in your cupboard under the stairs. Leaf through the magazines. Tear out large images of the best bodies for display in those magazines. If you like those pictures, they are in the running for what you consider to be a great body.

Make sure that these pictures are very scantily clothed (and your gossip magazines are sure to have many images along those lines). You should be able to see pretty much all of the body (so that you can give your mind a very clear idea of what it must head for.)

Line up your pictures next to each other and then select the 3 best pictures. Remember, you need to be able to see the bodies clearly, so these should be the largest pictures you can find.

Can you find any that are “all-round” views of the same beautiful body? Then that’s the body (and the set of pictures) you choose!

Now stick those pictures up on a board in your private room, in a position that you can see every day.

And from today, for the next 60 days (or until you are sure your mind is “set” in the right direction), look at that collection of pictures for 2 minutes every morning, and 2 minutes each evening before going to bed.

And while you look at those pictures, say to yourself: “That is the body I want for myself. And I am taking action right now, each day, to get myself that body.”

And watch yourself take action to lose weight, and start moving in the direction of your fantastic body!

This weight loss tip alone is worth its weight in gold to you.

Now get cracking! Put this tip into practice, right now!

by Melroy d'Rego

Melroy d’Rego is the author of the book “Why Your Mind Keeps You Fat and How You can Fix It!” as well as the “Fix the Mind that Keeps You Fat” Workbook and dozens of articles (both audio and text) on getting the Mental Attitude + Action mix that can make anyone’s body permanently lean and strong.

Melroy is an award-winning public speaker and a bodybuilder. He loves to teach people to use their mind to Lose Weight and get the great body they deserve.

Visit http://www.winnerology.com/ or call 61-2-9466-7545 to get your copy of “Why Your Mind Keeps You Fat and How You can Fix It!”, the Book that will Help you Lose Weight, and Keep it off, Permanently!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melroy_Drego

--------------------------------------------------------------

Looking To Get Into Shape Before Summer?

Here is a series of great articles on Paul's blog which really helped me get serious results at the beginning of this year . . .
Getting in Shape Series - Step 1 - No Holds Barred
Getting in Shape Series - Step 2 - The First Few Steps
Getting in Shape Series - Step 3 - The What, The Why and Beliefs
Getting in Shape Series - Step 4 - Getting Leverage
Getting in Shape Series - Step 5 - Shifting Your Identity

I hope you enjoy them. A successful mindset can keep you in the game when all else fails.

Salt - Good Or Bad? Depends On Your Product Choice

As usual, the difference between good and bad salt is down to whether we choose our processed product rather than an organic source. I thought this article would illuminate some of the positive attributes of salt, that is unprocessed Sea Salt or Celtic Salt, of course.

Our bodies do require salt to operate properly and taking in the optimal amount and type of salt is critical to whether we are helping or hurting our systems. Check this article out:

Salt of the Earth: The Real Story Behind Salt

It’s everywhere. It always has been. I’m talking about salt. You see, salt is a primary source of minerals for our bodies. Minerals are vital to every chemical transaction in our body – 35,000 of them, per second, per cell. Multiply that by the body’s 100 trillion cells!

Salt has been traditionally derived from sea water and, like gold, used as currency around the world for almost all recorded time. By now you’re probably thinking, “So if salt is so important and it is everywhere, why the article, Doc?”

Like many of our foods today, salt has been hijacked and adulterated. Almost all salt you see today (table salt) is made of just three minerals, sodium, chloride and iodine. Sodium and chloride give off that salty taste and iodine was added in the mid 1900’s to help reduce thyroid goiters (swellings).

In contrast, whole, un-processed grey salt gently combed from the sea contains 84 minerals and trace elements in all their natural ratios. Grey salt is not iodized, as it naturally has a small amount of iodine.

Many, if not most, of the chronic health problems we see in America today are in part contributed to by the lack of minerals in our daily diet. Worsening the situation, our over-sugared, over-worked, over-stimulated, under-rested lifestyles lead to adrenal gland distress, further pushing minerals out through the urine.

Utilizing a moderate amount of grey salt (sometimes called Celtic Salt) can help improve the body’s mineral balance. The benefits of a healthy mineral balance may include: better, more restful sleep, better energy and stamina, better weight and blood sugar control and reduced sensation of stress/anxiety.

Because farming soils have been so significantly depleted over the last 50-75 years, it is increasingly difficult to get all of the minerals we need for optimal health. So the addition of grey salt to the diet can have terrific health benefit.

Additionally it can also have a great culinary benefit—most people find that “table salt” (sodium chloride) often makes foods taste salty, where grey salt brings out the flavor of the food.

by Brett Saks

Dr. Brett Saks is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD), author and lecturer. His book “The Bio-Logikal Diet: Your Guide to Optimal Health” helps readers develop the knowledge to make better, more informed lifestyle choices that they can implement in their daily lives. For more information, or to order a copy of his book, please visit http://www.bio-logikal.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Brett_Saks

The Body's Acid Alkaline Balance And How It Affects Your Energy And Weight Loss

Is Acid Weighing you down?

The body is naturally acidic. This is a true statement. However, the foods we eat add to this acidity and the fat in our body stores the additional acid, which results in overweight problems and an unhealthy body.

There are specific foods that are alkaline and help to flush the acid and fat from the body. These alkaline foods replace the acid and rapid weight loss is inevitable.

Here are some foods from the alkaline food list:

1. Vegetables
2. Wheat Grass
3. Fruit (grapefruit, lemon, lime are good)
4. Nuts (almond)
5. Fish oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil and liver oil
6. Grains – Buckwheat, quinoa, spelt7. Condiments – red chili pepper, sea salt, most herbs and spices
8. Goat milk
9. Beans and legumes
10. Pumpkin seeds and Sesame seeds

In addition to these foods, water is very essential in our daily diet. We can also supplement our food list with products that already contain all these ingredients above. There is a product called Energy Green that has all these alkaline foods as part of its ingredients so there would be no need to consume each item on the food list - there would be everything all in one product.

The body requires more attention to survive longer and remain in good health. Our health is a product of what we eat. Taking back control of our health and weight requires more awareness of our food consumption.

Here are some strong acidic foods to avoid or eat in very low moderation:

1. Dried fruit
2. Mustard
3. White sugar
4. Soy Sauce
5. Cashews and peanuts
6. Barley, corn and rye
7. Beef, organ meat and pork
8. Cottage cheese
9. Ice cream
10. Whey protein powder

The key to taking back our health is education and knowledge about food intake and its effect on the body. Weight loss is the primary goal of most people, but pursuing a weight loss diet will not necessarily meet the long-term goal of keeping the weight off.

Healthy eating and moderate exercise should become a lifestyle. Taking a supplement is also recommended if the foods we eat don’t contain all the right amounts of alkaline to assist in healthy living.

Learn all you can about the effects of alkaline versus acid in the body. Here are some effects that will give you a head start:

1. Acid –can cause overweight problems, indigestion, acid reflux, loss of energy, stores the fat

2. Alkaline- gives more energy, natural and safe weight loss, eliminates chronic digestive problems, regulate blood sugar, strengthen the immune system, gets rid of the acid.

Acid overload drains so much of our energy that the body doesn't have enough energy to fight off viruses and disease. In other words, the immune system is weakened. More so, when the body is overly acid there is more vulnerability to germs, yeast, bacteria, molds and fungi.

Why? Because all these microorganisms thrive in acidity! In an alkaline environment they are weakened and cannot multiply as well. Therefore, by keeping the body alkaline it can prevent colds, the flu, and many other illnesses.

To protect against acid buildup, the body begins to create and store fat. Even if you are on a weight loss diet and you exercise, your body will try to hold on to this fat because it is important for protection against acids.

That is why many people who restore alkalinity in their body find it incredibly easier to lose weight. There are so many weight loss pills available today. Hoodia is a very popular one. However, more pills are not the solution.

The true way to lose weight is to do so naturally and with permanent results and a healthier body.

by Cheryline Lawson

Cheryline Lawson, author and owner of http://www.alkalinedietdetox.com

Managing Weight Loss Motivation Levels To Persist To Your Goal Weight

Staying Motivated While Losing Weight

Anyone who has ever had to lose weight knows first hand just how difficult it can be. And for those people who tell you just stop eating or just cut back, you can rest assure they’ve never had to struggle with weight issues in their lives.

The truth is losing weight is hard work and the more you have to lose the harder it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s not achievable. There are many, many people who have achieved weight loss and are living happier and healthier lives.

One of the biggest struggles of weight loss is staying motivated. Sure most of us start out with great enthusiasm and usually have great results the first week or even two but once the weight loss slows down that’s when our willpower has to work overtime to keep us from reverting back to bad habits.

Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated during your weightloss:

Picture It
– Visualization has been used for years by many and it works. Take 5 minutes out of your day to visualize the pounds melting off, but don’t stop there.

Imagine what your life would be like if you were thinner. Would you have more confidence, would you buy new clothes, start dating again, what would you do? Visualize it and stay motivated.

Journal It
– Start a journal at the beginning of your weight loss journey, write how you’re feeling, what your goals are and what a difference it would make to your life.

Then take a picture and stick it to that page. Depending on how much weight you’d like to lose you can update the journal weekly or monthly (as difficult as it may be, you should probably do it weekly).

Take the time to take a new picture every week and stick it in a new page along with a few notes, if you hit a plateau, look back through your journal and see just how far you’ve come.

Reward It
– Set small goals throughout your weight loss and rewards to go with it. For example 5 pounds can be a nice body lotion, 20 pounds can be a fab new outfit.

Make the rewards whatever you want but try to stay away from food rewards as this is not constructive to your weight loss.

Instead do have little treats here and there throughout your weight loss phase (don’t deny yourself completely) and see these treats as everyday part of life not something to use as a reward, just make sure you eat them in moderation.

Flaunt It
– Why not? You’ve worked hard, share your thoughts with friends and family members. Let them know how proud of yourself you are and bathe in their compliments.

You’re taking steps to change your life and doing something that’s not easy at the best of times, so be proud of yourself and share it with others.

Keep yourself focused on the big picture, the prize at the end of the program, not the process. Managing your motivation properly will be the key to attaining your goals in weight loss. Good luck!