January, 2008
To Exercise or Not...What Is the Right Choice?

I want to talk about this crazy weight loss subject that is everywhere. I really don't know how anyone can make a decision with all the choices on the market especially when they all say the same thing.

There are so many diets saying low fat, low sodium, low calorie, small servings, eat 6 small meals, eat three good meals and no snacking, eat and count your points, eat only vegetables and protein...it's endless! Then there are these fitness gurus saying 30 minutes aerobics, 5 times a week. No, it's 45 minutes three times a week. No, it's 60 minutes of long, slow-paced walking or jogging. No, running it really the only way to lose weight.

The thing that bothers me the most is how I've seen weight loss programs mess with people's head and cause all sorts of other problems (me included!). When I realized I was miserable, sore, grumpy and really had not lost the weight I was promised, I knew it was time to stop and reevaluate.

Are we all so disconnected from our hearts that we listen to advise from outside sources rather then our own inner coach? We try all these programs because it worked for so-and-so or because some famous celebrity/author tells you to. The TV talk shows buzz about this subject constantly just to keep you locked into watching them. This weight loss subject brings in millions of dollars every year for many people.

Good grief, what would happen if we made up our own minds, followed our own body signals, listened to our own inner motivation and stay connected from the inside out about what serves us best? We would put tons of people out of jobs, that's what!

Your body is unique. There is no one else like you. You process life in your own special way and the more you listen to it, the happier you will be. Are you happy with your self enough to trust your inner coach? Can you set aside all these "should be doings" to be healthy and follow what really FEELS GOOD to you? I believe you can. I did and I am having so much better results working with my own body rhythms, energies and responses then I have following anyone else's program.

Test it yourself. Before you eat something, ask yourself, does this feel good to eat? Don't think about the calories, the taste, the need, the hunger, the protein factor or the nutritional value.
Hold the food and see how you feel about it. If you resonate with it, then no matter what it is, your body will embrace it.

Do the same with your exercise program. Today you may feel really good about 45 minutes of work on the treadmill but tomorrow you may feel you need to rest. Can you rise above the guilt thoughts that you "should" be exercising every day?

The more you claim your power back from outside influences and belief systems, the better you can be in harmony with yourself. Being healthy will be effortless because you are in alignment with your mind, heart, spirit and body. Remember that you are a multi-layered being and every part of yourself needs to be considered if you want to walk this earth as a well-oiled being.

Have fun, make it a game and just love all of you as you emerge into a better you by choosing to listen to YOUR higher self and not the media. If you have any questions or comments, please email me or call me. I'd love to hear from you.

All is well.

Cynthia Christianson
Self-Help Coach


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