Posts filed under 'Body Image - Self Talk'
“Finish each day
And be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and
Absurdities have crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let Emerson’s words be a mantra for your success. Everyone has their ups and downs; its human. Just don’t let it deter you from achieving your goals and dreams! Concentrate on the positive and move forward. You can do anything that you set your mind to. Success is not easy, but attainable. Approach life with a dedication and perseverance to the things that mean the most to you!
August 2nd, 2007
Friends share secrets, laughs, advice…and now expanding waistlines. A new study by the Harvard Medical School suggests that our friends and social networks are influencing obesity. So, if your friend starts to pack on a few extra pounds, chances are you will pack them on too. With a social scene existing around food, surprisingly the article dismisses the monthly dinner clubs and Friday happy hour as a reason for friends to gain weight together.
According to the study, if a close friend becomes obese in a certain time period, there is triple the risk that you will also, says Nicholas Christakis, a coauthor of the study. What is interesting about these findings is the influence that friends have, even over family members and spouses. Even friends who are miles and miles away have a greater impact on determining obesity than family members who live under the same roof. This may explain the finding that only same gender friendships have an influence on weight behaviors.
As the old saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together”, but in this study it’s not the case. Heavy and thin people are not choosing to be friends with only people of their same weight; they are causing their friends to become more like them. It does not happen simply because you hang out together, but more because you and your friends have the same ideas on appropriate behaviors and also appropriate body image. Basically, if one of your friends gains weight and is OK with their body image, you will feel more comfortable to gain weight as well.
Still leaving many questions unanswered about the nation’s growing obesity epidemic, it is interesting to see how those close to us, both physically and emotionally, have such great influence on our choices. The good news is if gaining weight is influenced by friends, then losing weight is as well. A perfect reason to grab a gym buddy or start a weekly walking group!
July 27th, 2007
And we have a winner(s)! The results from A Healthy BET Fitness Challenge are in, and not only did one team meet their goals, but three teams came out on top. Not only did they have a chance to walk the red carpet at the BET Awards in June 2007, but each team lost at least 20 pounds and met other health and fitness goals.
Over the twelve week challenge beginning in March 2007, each team worked together to achieve individual and combined health and fitness goals. Kicking off their competition with a one week stay at the Institute, each team attended lectures, participated in fitness classes, and met with a Lifestyle Coach. During the competition, BET provided each team with a three month gym membership including six personal training sessions.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in this unique Fitness Challenge. Each team lost 20-40 lbs and met many of their other health and fitness objectives as well. H3I is extremely proud of their achievements and determination throughout their fitness journey!
Visit BET.com to read the entire story and for more motivational secrets! Look for a special letter to H3I from one team member in the upcoming newsletter; as well as a featured article!
July 26th, 2007
If the directions involve eating a low-fat, low-calorie diet and regular exercise, is the weight loss drug Alli really worth it? With its unsightly and uncomfortable side effects, it seems as though Alli is another false hope of a ‘quick fix’ for weight loss.
The newest over the counter weight loss drug, Alli, is meant for overweight adults trying to shed excess pounds. A smaller dose of the prescription drug, orlistat, Alli is used to promote weight loss by decreasing the absorption of fat in the intestines. With this being said, I am sure you can only imagine if it isn’t being absorbed, it has to go somewhere! (Here are those uncomfortable side effects I was mentioning.)
In a review by the Mayo Clinic’s medicine and nutrition specialist; Donald Hensrud, MD., answers a few common questions and concerns about the weight-loss pill, Alli.
The bottom line is this: Eat healthy and exercise and you will lose weight. You will also make a lifestyle change for the better, and move in a direction to keep weight off forever. Yes, you may lose a few extra pounds with Alli, but will you have permanent results? The key is to make a lasting change and with a Healthy Lifestyle you are on the right track!
July 24th, 2007
H3I helped me to get my life back from the brink of destruction. The fact that I lost over 200 lbs is just a by-product of living out this impossible dream. It was August 2006, and I was about to complete the Next Level Fitness triathlon in 100 degree weather. Tears of joy mixed with sweat streamed down my face as I ran toward the finish line. It happened to be in front of the main entrance — the same doorway I could barely drag my huge, unhealthy body through the summer before. The scene was surreal as my thoughts drifted back to that first day and the string of events that led me to this moment of personal triumph….
Read the rest of Chesley’s amazing story of strength and grace on the H3I website, on Chesley’s page.
April 9th, 2007
MSN online recently published an article about binge eating. It pointed out that 2% to 3.5% of the population suffers from binge eating, more than anorexia or bulimia. And it noted that binge eating is one of the main causes of obesity.
H3I weight loss spa has been dealing with binge eating for the past 15 years. It is an issue that nearly half of our guest population suffers from. Hallmark signs include: eating large amounts of food quickly, feeling “out of control” during the eating episode, eating in secret away from others, and experiencing guilt or depression after the episode. Although it is unclear what causes the disorder is it believed to be most prevalent in individuals who suffer from depression or anxiety and those that have difficulty in handling their emotions.
Deprivation dieting will not help those that binge lose weight. Deprivation may exacerbate the issue.
If you think you might have binge eating disorder, please understand you are not alone. Our experience at H3I shows that many people share this problem.
It is important to seek help from a trained health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It teaches them how to change the way they act in tough situations. It also helps them feel better about their body shape and weight.
Binge eating is something you can deal with. A place to start is talking with someone about it.
February 5th, 2007
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