Secrets of Success

Plant a tree - in your honor

When you reach your goals, plant a tree to honor your hard work. As you nurture the tree (and yourself) and watch the tree grow and blossom -- just as you did -- you'll have a gorgeous reminder of your own strength and determination.

Some Oprah food for thought...

"Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." --Oprah Winfrey

Plateaus can be a great thing!

Are you frustrated because you're in a plateau? Don't be. Think about it: you're at a plateau at a new, improved weight. Your body is resetting its norm. If you want to break the plateau, this is the time to reevaluate your program. Consider strictly tracking your food and looking for patterns. How can you improve your nutrition? Try some new and different exercises to shake things up. Drink more water. Then, relax and give yourself some credit for all you've accomplished so far.

Smile, smile, smile

Even if you don't feel like it, when you see people, family, friends, neighbors and even strangers -- give them a smile. You never know what something so simple can do to lift someone's spirits -- including your own.

Consider using music only on the treadmill

While exercising, it's important to be present in the moment and keep full attention on what you're doing.

If you're on the treadmill and you're watching t.v., or reading while working out, your attention becomes divided and the workout won't be as intense as it could. However, choosing music that motivates you will keep you energized and moving to the beat, making the workout more fun, and all your focused attention will payoff as your fitness level improves.

Steve Jobs' quote...

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma -- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And, most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Psyche yourself out

Let's face it, we know exercise is essential for our health, but some days we just don't feel like doing it. If this happens to you, here's a thought... Whether you feel like it or not, change into your exercise clothes and shoes. Do you feel like working out now? Yes? Then you're dressed and ready to go. No? Then keep the exercise clothes on and walk around in them for a while. Since you went to the trouble of getting dressed, odds are you'll fit in some time, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Through the looking glass pep talk

First thing in the morning and the last thing before bed, stand in front of your mirror and tell yourself, "I am strong. I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to." Believe in yourself and your world will change.

Behave on weekends!

The weekend rolls around and here comes temptation. Remind yourself that you worked all week at being healthy. Why blow it just because it's Saturday or Sunday? Be kind to yourself and remember: WE ARE STRONGER than our cravings! Healthy eating over the weekend guarantees a guiltless feeling when Monday rolls around.

Use Your Noodle

Think before you eat. Is your food choice healthy? Does it move you toward your goal?