When most people are ready to make a drastic change in their weight, they tend to think in desperate terms. “I’m not going to eat at all this week!” Or, “I’m going to totally eliminate carbs, sugar and salt from my diet and work out two hours a day, 7 days a week.” How does that usually pan out? Not too well, and as result of sacrificing basic nutritional needs from their diet (everyone needs some carbs, sodium and sugar) their body goes into super-survival mode, similar to a bear that’s spent all winter hibernating.
If you don’t want to have the robust body of a bear, don’t go the route of a desperate dieter in order to get a toned, thin body.
Happiness Inside Equals Toned Body Outside
Instead of sacrificing everything from your diet and working out compulsively, consider the alternative. Start by exercising your mind. Who are you? What do you love to do? What single activity would you do every day, even if you got paid nothing to do it? What makes you feel giddy? What makes you want to scream from the mountain top and shout, “YES!” for the entire world to hear? Is it when you give back to others, or when you make your best friend laugh or when you do something creative, as if it has just nourished your soul?
Focus on your happiness first, and get that killer body second.
Answer the following happiness questions on a piece of paper. The more you can clearly define what makes you happy, the more you’ll feel inspired to cleanse your body to rid yourself of toxins. The more you’ll want to stretch in order to feel in sync with your body. The more you’ll be motivated to take a new and exciting cardio class, eat whole grains, less dairy and more vegetables and have the energy to keep up with your kids!
- When are you the happiest? Is it when you are creating a new painting or writing a short story? Do you feel happiness when you meditate or self-reflect? Or when you are enjoying down time with loved ones or discovering new places in the world through travel?
- What is your true work, or life calling? What activity, job or creative pursuit makes you feel alive and in sync with your true path in life? Think about a dream you have or have had since childhood and when thinking about it, you feel happy, ecstatic, and excited – as if a rush of adrenaline (similar to the feeling you get after a great workout) is pulsating through you. You may have more than one true calling, and that’s great! Write each and every one down and in as much detail as possible.
- What gifts or talents come naturally to you? Are you a people person? Do you love making people laugh and do it daily, and effortlessly? Are you mathematically inclined, or skilled at anything creative?
Answer the above “Who are you?” questions and your body will begin responding in new and exciting ways. You’ll begin to go inward for every question you need the answer to. You’ll laugh more (which, studies show have the ability to decrease stress and less stress amounts to less stress eating!) You’ll delegate which foods will go into your body because now you know that in order to feel as happy as possible, only certain foods will boost your joy. The others you’ll have to pass up in order to feel like your best, happiest, most productive, creative, giddy self.
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to lose weight, eat right and workout, you can just never manage to have that body, that confidence, or make those types of healthy food choices in your own life that result in long term health, weight loss, and happiness?
Take a different exit than you’re used to on your health journey because one thing is for sure – when you start to go inwards – that is, looking to yourself for happiness, you’ll find it. Take a deep breath when you have even a twinge of negative thoughts that doubt whether you can lose that weight. Sit still, go inward and listen. All the answers you need are within you (no fad diets required!)
And remember, your ideal body comes in the form of a journey, not a destination. As you lose weight, you’ll discover not only thinner thighs, arms and a mid-section you’ll want to show off, but a gleaming, glowing smile as the result of true, unconditional happiness that no one can give you, but you. Enjoy the ride to get there. It’s worth it.
Would love to hear more about The Wellness Institute and how you can join our Wellness Goddess Revolution? Check out to www.thewellnessinsitute.com.au and download your Free “Wellness Goddess Transformation Guide” and embark on your journey today! You’ll also get weekly updates on valuable lessons on what it takes to be fit, fierce and fearless and will be updated on upcoming exciting events!
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Health is by Choice and not by Chance!
Sabrina Muller
Wellness & Fitness Coach
The Wellness Institute
Tel. 0414 821 156
Email: info@thewellnessinstitute.com.au
Web: www.thewellnessinstitute.com.au
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