urban:masala

InnerViews

urban masala on 06 7, 2008

My ultimate goal is to live a more disciplined life — conscious living in a state of balance. I am working to achieve new ways of eating, thinking, living, loving…BEING. By no stretch of the imagination am I perfect nor will I ever be, but I am striving for excellence in all areas of my life. On a general level, my primary focus is on establishing a fluid connection between my mind, body, spirit and soul. Specifically, regaining control of my physical self by refining my thoughts is my immediate quest. I am a strong believer in behaviour modification…one step at a time. Below are some of my thoughts on the adjustments I am making that will help me master this phase of my journey. It’s mostly common sense, but like the saying goes, “common sense is not always common.”

Keeping a journal and food log has helped me tremendously in the short time I’ve been doing it. The journal is a great way for me to come to grips with the reality of what I’m doing (and not doing) and deal with it. My food log allows me to see exactly what I’m eating, how much and make adjustments as needed. Also, establishing quantifiable goals, writing them down, and revisiting them regularly helps me monitor my progress, stay focused and keep my priorities straight.

Making better food choices has definitely been a winner for me. Case in point — the benefits of selecting leaner cuts of meat, especially red meat, became evident straight away, within the second week of my plan. Also, eating more veggies and fruit helps me feel full and aids my digestion/elimination. Reducing the amount of food I eat at one time…translation, “STOP eating when I am full,” learning to eat ONLY when I am hungry, and trusting my body to let me know when I’m really hungry (and what it needs) are three of the most valuable changes I’ve made so far.

My experience with various diets has been to lose weight, only to regain it when I stopped the diet. I can’t live like that; therefore, I am not about weight-loss diets. I also steer clear of diet pills, weight loss supplements and gastric surgical procedures. I’m not knocking those methods for those who desire to go that route, I just don’t roll like that. I don’t want to do anything to lose weight that I cannot continue indefinitely. I know myself and I can’t see taking appetite suppressants, carb blockers, fat burner pills, prepackaged meals and the like for the rest of my life. And I dang sure don’t want to have a stomach so small that I cannot enjoy normal portions of my favourite foods. Besides, reducing and maintaining my weight naturally doesn’t involve any additional costs, which leaves me more money to spend on the things I enjoy.

Another major key to my weight loss has been getting my body moving, regularly doing some type of physical activity (three to four times a week, daily when possible). My recommendation is to choose something you enjoy, be it walking, running, dancing, weight lifting, yoga, whatever…and DO IT! For now, my weapons of choice are walking, weight training, yoga and dancing. I try to avoid overdoing it, though. I monitor my activities and gradually increase the duration and intensity of my workouts as my fitness level improves.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of drinking lots of good, clean water. Staying hydrated, particularly while exercising, is absolutely necessary. Not only does drinking adequate water help you maintain youthful looking skin, hair, nail, etc., but it also helps flush away the fat your body sheds during weight loss and the toxins that are released when you work up a good sweat. Experts recommend drinking a minimum of eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day and I agree…WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

Replenishing vitamins, minerals and other nutrients on a DAILY basis is something that many people overlook. Eating clean, healthy, whole foods is an excellent way of getting vitamins and minerals, but sometimes, especially during weight loss, we don’t always eat enough or the proper mix of the right foods to ensure that we’re getting the recommended daily allowance. I find that taking a good multivitamin and mineral supplement not only helps me meet my daily allowance, but it also enhances my energy levels and I see improvements in my hair, skin, nails, etc. I’ve started taking additional doses of vitamins A, C and E to further enhance my appearance and reduce stress levels. Taking the majority of my vitamins at night with my last meal and within a few hours of bedtime seems to work best for me.

Eliminate as much negativity as possible and CUT out the DRAMA!!! This is my fundamental creed. It helps me keep my head clear so that I can focus on achieving my goals. I’m learning that it is certainly in my best interest to stay as far away as possible from negative people, places and things. I understand that this is essential to my physical, mental and emotional well being. In addition to being a big waste of time, toxic people and situations only serve to pull you down and undermine your progress…and that’s the last thing I need right now.

As often as possible, I surround myself with positive, forward-thinking people who are about the business of moving ahead, and making continual progress. I love encouraging others and find it comforting and fulfilling to do so, BUT I “DO NOT spend major time on minor people.” (I can’t remember who coined that phrase.) That may sound harsh to some, but I have to do what I have to do. I DO NOT waste my time on those who cannot be genuinely happy for me as I achieve my successes and/or those who are not willing to help themselves do the same. I can and will help as much as I can, but I cannot do the work for them! I’d much rather focus my time, attention and energy on those who are striving towards positive change…especially if they happen to be having a difficult time, but genuinely desire help to change and are willing to do the work.

Last, but not least, I’m learning to be kind to myself! I don’t dog myself out for making mistakes or not getting everything just right, and I certainly DO NOT allow others to do so. I remind myself that I am human and I WILL make mistakes from time to time…we all do. Instead, I focus on learning the lessons from my mistakes so I don’t have to keep repeating the same mistakes because the lessons get harder each time…trust me! On a daily basis, I speak kindly of and to myself, assuring my inner self that I am able to make good choices and make corrections and adjustments when needed. I remind myself often that I am worthy of the best life has to offer and then make it my business to make the best of what I have. I focus on being a good steward of what I have now, which will pave the way to more successes in the future.

I hope you found something here that will help you in your journey.

Namasté!