Losing Weight By Having Fun (Part 4)

My month-long birthday blog! Focus: having fun like a 5 year old!

You must see this video! If you “do” your affirmations with this energy it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

Make sure that you see part #1 and part #2 – SO FUN!

Don’t forget: use affirmations – positive, personal, and present-tense statements to help you “look” for the fun.

Affirmations keep you focused on what you WANT.

“I love TODAY – how will I have FUN today” (5 year old you)

AFFIRMATIONS #4 – YOUR GATEWAY TO FUN!

One of my newest clients is constantly “talking” to herself with affirmations and “catching” the thoughts that don’t serve her.

She notices her negative thoughts that make her feel bad and CHANGES them to ones that feel good.

Example: Ginger the cat just jumped up on my chair – a distraction.

First thought about Ginger – “I need to focus on getting this written – go away Ginger.”

Next thought – “I CAN have FUN – and Ginger the cat can be my joy, and calming influence.”

Next thought: “This is a great way to get my work done!”

STOP and re-focus on what could be.

NOTICE: how you “treat” others is what you are doing/saying to yourself!

When I am intolerant of Ginger or others, I am impatient with myself.

SHOW EVERYONE LOVE! And you will be better able to love yourself!

Powerful Affirmations:

“I like myself.”

“I love myself.”

“I approve of myself.”

“I eat when I am truly hungry.”

“I deserve the best.”

“I am an excellent at my job!”

Want to add POWER to these – to get them into your subconscious where they will do the most good?

Add ENERGY like Jessica does in the video and HAVE FUN!

HINT: you must say it with enthusiasm to get it into the subconscious!

Please let me know how this is working for you: paula@ClaimYourBestLife.com

And if you love this stuff, please forward this on to 3 friends who are incredible women like you!

Today’s point: you can CREATE FUN every day!

To FEEL better – repeat the affirmations and decide to live in JOY!

Hint: Using affirmations ALL day will make you feel WONDERFUL! - - - Put your top 3 affirmations on index cards

• repeat them 2-3 times a day with ENERGY!
• Let me know how wonderful you feel!

WINNING STRATEGIES – “Eat Fun Foods You Love!”

Summer is almost over in the South (finally! I need a little break from the heat) but zucchini is still abundant. I like to make these, freeze them and warm them in the microwave (30 seconds at “5” power) for breakfast. Make sure that you add some protein to your breakfast – eggs, egg whites, high protein cereal with skim or soy milk – so that you will have sustained energy!

Enjoy!

Zucchini Bread

(makes 2 loaves)

3 eggs

2 tsp. baking soda

½ cup veg. oil

½ cup applesauce

¼ tsp. baking powder

½ cup

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. vanilla

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp Stevia powder or 1¾ cup Agave syrup or 1 ¾ cup Splenda

Stevia powder is a natural product and a great sugar substitute. I find it on-line or at “health food” stores. (Shouldn’t ALL stores be health food stores?)

2 cups coarsely grated, packed zucchini

¼ cup ground flax seed (optional)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup white flour

1 c. chopped walnuts

Mix all of the above by hand in a large bowl. Pour into bread pans that have been sprayed with Pam and floured, OR into mini-muffin pans.

Bake the loaves at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Bake the mini-muffins for 12-15 minutes. Since ovens are different, check the mini muffins often.

Enjoy!

Relaxation Response Technique

How to Do It

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. Try to relax your muscles.

2. Notice your breathing, and repeat a word or prayer silently to yourself as you exhale.

3. When your mind wanders (as it will) just notice it and bring your mind back to your breathing.

4. Do this for 5 -20 minutes a day (or even start with 1-2 minutes). The more you do it the more benefits you will notice. You may find it helpful to set a quiet alarm or chime so that you can focus on the meditation the entire time and come out of it peacefully.

The relaxation response embodies a form of meditation which has been practiced for centuries. This technique can be found in every major religious tradition. It is a simple technique, but one that you may initially resist; it seems a “waste of time” since you will find your mind wandering and you may grow impatient.

Hang in there! As you incorporate it into your life you may find the following benefits:

• increased calm and focus
• you will be able to relax more easily when you feel stressed (hint: go back to the breath)
• you may “hear” the answers to your most challenging questions (God often speaks to us through “intuition” or thoughts that we have during prayer and meditation).

And, for those of us who believe that we have to be “doing,” this non-doing will bring so much calm, peace and answers to you that you will wonder how you managed without it all these years!

Fast California Salad Recipe

I had a salad very similar to this at a restaurant with a friend recently who proclaimed it her “new favorite!” I love the combination of sweet and salty. I honestly threw this together (for just me – great way to take care of #1!) in 10 minutes or less. The key is (obviously) to have all the ingredients on hand. Enjoy!

Romaine or field greens

Large frozen cooked shrimp (5-6 per person)

Mandarin oranges (canned)

Fresh strawberries (3-4 per person)

Blue cheese crumbles

Sugared pecans, chopped

Balsamic vinaigrette

Thaw shrimp as per package directions.

Sprinkle thawed shrimp with seafood seasoning (Old Bay or other)

Spray frying pan with olive oil (Pam or similar) and sauté shrimp until warm.

Place washed greens in bowl.

Slice strawberries and add to greens with drained mandarin oranges, blue cheese and chopped pecans. Add shrimp. Drizzle with balsamic (or your favorite) vinaigrette and you are good to go!

Enjoy!

How to Lose Weight by Having FUN! Part 3

I got so much feedback from my birthday blog that I decided to continue the celebration ALL month long! Pretend TODAY is YOUR Birthday – how would you celebrate if you were 5 years old?

You agreed - at 5 years old you look forward to FUN!

I use affirmations – positive, personal, and present-tense statements to help me “look” for the fun.

Affirmations keep you focused on what you WANT.

“I love TODAY – how will I PLAY?” (5 year old you)

AFFIRMATIONS – YOUR GATEWAY TO JOY!

Quick reminder: affirmations are:

• Positive statements
• Personal
• Present Tense
• Believable (with a stretch!)

“I believe something wonderful is happening to me today!”

“I like myself” (one of THE most powerful affirmations – from the incredible Brian Tracy – repeat this 10 times and keep reading!)

Yesterday I was listening to one of Brian Tracy’s audio programs and realized that focusing on getting things done – with joy – affects every area of my life!

I got SO much done (important stuff) and felt great!

P.S. When you FEEL good you are less likely to overeat.

My goal: help you to recognize your good (and not so good) feelings and LIVE in the moment – that’s where all the JOY is!

Here are some of the affirmations that help me:

“I am incredible at time management “

“I am getting all the tough stuff done so I can have FUN!”

Sound a little “corny” or cute?

Your brain LOVES corny and cute – it “re-programs” more easily that way!

To change your brain for FUN:

Repeat POSITIVE affirmations again and again

With:

• Faith (know it will happen)
• Acceptance (of the now)
• Belief (that you are changing your reality)

Other statements:

“I am always on time for my appointments”

“I use my time well”

“I am well organized”

This will start to impact your behaviors – immediately!

Repeat them 3-5 times with EMOTION (excitement - happy)!

Here’s this week’s list – put them somewhere you can see them – repeat them daily and see the changes take place!

“I like myself”

“I believe something wonderful is happening to me today!”

“I am an AWESOME woman!”

“I am exactly where I am supposed to be on my life’s path!”

“I use my time well”

“I am always on time for my appointments”

“I deserve the best!”

“I am well organized”

“I am incredible at time management “

“I am getting all the tough stuff done so I can have FUN!”

HINT: you must say it with enthusiasm to get it into the subconscious!

Please let me know how this is working for you: paula@ClaimYourBestLife.com

And if you love this stuff, please forward this on to 3 friends who are incredible women like you!

Today’s point: you deserve FUN every day!

To FEEL better – repeat the affirmations and decide to live in JOY!

Hint: Getting more done will make you feel WONDERFUL! Make a list of the top 3 things you need to get done TODAY and start on them NOW! And ask, “How can I make this more FUN?” (Start NOW!)

WINNING STRATEGIES – “Eat Fun Foods You Love!”

I told you that I am not much of a cook, but this is such a crunchy salad that I love to have it around! It goes quickly at pot lucks and you don’t need a lot of the dressing.

Crunchy Cole Slaw

Salad

½ cup slivered or sliced almonds

½ cup sesame seeds (or you can use all almonds, as I do)

2 pkg. ramen noodles (break-up the noodles in a plastic bag)

(- don’t use the seasoning )

16 oz. Three Color Cabbage chopped (not Angel Hair)

1-2 Tbsp. butter or butter flavored Pam spray

Dressing

½ cup sugar (I use Splenda or Stevia)

½ cup Canola oil

¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Brown first 3 ingredients in butter (must stir constantly or it will burn)

Cool

Combine dressing and whisk until sugar dissolves

(Note: don’t dump all the dressing on the salad – this leaves you LOTS extra!)

Toss just before serving!

(I make the ramen noodles & almonds then freeze – if you have this and the dressing made ahead of time you can have a last minute salad just by buying a bag of cabbage)

Enjoy!

Tip: – You CAN eat foods you love and still lose weight! This is a great, healthy salad especially if you limit the oil.

WHAT’S PAULA UP TO (Do You REALLY Want to Know?)

I am hosting another “Losing Weight Gaining You” free informational call in a couple weeks. What is the difference with my program? The weight comes off forever because the focus is on connecting with and loving YOU. Look for details or find out more here: www.claimyourbestlife.com

Lose Weight & Have Fun (Part 2)

I got so much feedback from last week that I decided to continue the celebration ALL month long! Pretend TODAY is YOUR Birthday – how would you celebrate if you were 5 years old?

At 5 years old you look forward to every day and look for the FUN!

I use affirmations – positive, personal, and present-tense statements to help me “look” for the fun.

Affirmations keep you focused on what you WANT.

“My life is PLAY – everything I do creates joy today!” (5 year old you)

AFFIRMATIONS TO DESIGN A GREAT LIFE!

Do you want to feel better?

Affirmations are a great way to start.

Each week I will give you one (or 2 or 3) affirmations for JOY and achieving an exceptional life.

Affirmations turn on the powerful you and put the “critic” (that lousy voice in your head) to sleep.

To change only takes 7-21 days of positive thoughts.

You can do this!

“I feel great today!” will get you started!

When we are living in the moment – in joy – (enjoy) – we are more connected to ourselves and less likely to overeat, berate ourselves or otherwise create chaos in our lives!

Can you spare 30 seconds?

Today SAY at least 3 affirmations 3-5 times each – with energy & excitement!

Affirmations are:

• First person “I”
• Positive
• Personal
• Believable (with a bit of a stretch!)

Here is a list of affirmations to get you started!

These 2 from Brian Tracy will change your life!

I like myself!

I believe something WONDERFUL is happening to me today!

I deserve the best!

I am receiving the best today!

Every day in every way I get better and better!

I am giving love to everyone I see and they give love to me!

Today’s point: you deserve love, joy and FUN every day! Decide to live in JOY!

Hint: decide that you are going to approach today with the same gusto as you would if you were 5 years old! Life can be PLAY! Be goofy, laugh a lot and have FUN no matter what – they go out and approach everything you do with the question, “how can I make this more FUN?”

How to Eat Chocolate and Still Lose Weight! (Chocolate Chip Muffins with Whole Grains)

Paula’s Choc Chip Whole Grain Muffins!

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees

1. Mix in large bowl:

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or whole wheat flour)

6 cups old fashioned oatmeal

2 scoops “Super Seed” ground flax (optional)

1 ¾ Tbsp. baking powder

¼ Tbsp. baking soda

1 ½ Tbsp. cream of tarter

2. Mix in large bowl:

1/ ¼ tsp. Stevia powder (or 2 cups sugar, Agave Nectar or Splenda)

½ cup brown sugar

¾ cup canola oil

1 ½ cups applesauce

2 cups skim milk)

1 cup Egg Beaters

Zest of 1-2 oranges (optional – but adds a great taste!)

3. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients

Add:

1 ½ cups chopped walnuts

¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Optional:

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped (I use Ghirardelli or other high quality chocolate!)

Bake in mini-muffin pans that have been sprayed with “Pam” spray or similar for 15 minutes (conventional) or 12 minutes (convection) or until lightly brown.

Tip: freeze these and microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds. Great with coffee or tea! (Make sure you get protein in the am as well!)

Enjoy!

Tip: – You CAN eat foods you love and still lose weight!

These muffins are sweet enough to satisfy my “sweet tooth” but I always balance them with coffee with lots of skim or soy milk (protein) and then eat something “protein rich” for my next mini meal or I find that I get tired – not good when you are having FUN!

How to Lose Weight by Having FUN!

Happy Birthday to me! Today is my birthday – a day to celebrate!

OK, I admit it – I can be very hard on myself. But not today!

Today is my 50+ birthday – and it’s time to have fun!

They say that you teach what you need to learn.

I teach self-love, connection and acceptance of what is as the doorway to re-training your brain and getting everything you want in life.

So, starting today I am giving myself permission (why don’t you give yourself permission too?) to just ENJOY every moment!

That’s my birthday gift to me.

DELIGHT IN YOURSELF

Today is the day to stop “picking on yourself,” to recognize what gives you JOY and make a list of those things – then do at least one!

When we are living in the moment – in joy – (enjoy) – we are more connected to ourselves and less likely to overeat, berate ourselves or otherwise create chaos in our lives!

Today I will do at least 5 things on my list – what will you do?

Create your list NOW!

Here’s my JOY list: (OK partial list – it’s endless today!)

• bake muffins (see below)
• ride my bicycle
• call a friend
• have lunch with a wonderful friend
• call one of my sisters (I have 4!)
• call one of my brothers (I have 3!)
• get a pedicure
• walk in nature
• meditate in nature
• take a walk with a friend
• take a walk with my daughter (she’s 13 – good luck on that one!)
• take a bike ride with my daughter (better idea!)
• call a friend who lives far away who I haven’t talked to in a long time
• bake more muffins
• blast one of my favorite songs
• dance to my favorite songs
• dance with my husband, daughter friend
• sing at the top of my lungs
• chat with a friend who makes me laugh
• go to the beach
• swim in the ocean
• walk on the beach
• plan to go to the beach with my LWGY group
• plan to visit a friend – far away
• play with a child, the younger the better
• be silly – as silly as possible!
• take a kid to the park and see how many memories you can create!
• Cook something yummy just for YOU

Today’s point: you deserve love, joy and FUN every day! Decide to live in JOY!

Hint: decide that you are going to approach today with the same gusto as you would a vacation day. Have FUN no matter what – they go out and approach everything you do with the question, “how can I make this more FUN?”