Sugar Detox – Testomonials

“I would like to say thank you, because I really liked being in the group and I think you are such a great motivator. I am going to keep going and meet my goals. Thank you so very much, you are an awesome lady!” ( Madeline – sugar detox challenger)

“Hi Michelle, The sugar cleanse is amazing, I feel so much energy lately, plus I have lost some weight. Thanks for doing the challenge.” – (Geraldine – sugar detox challenger)

“OMG, was looking over pics from my May vacay and can’t believe how much change has occurred since then! Thanks for the motivation and encouragement! I’ve been hitting the gym 4x a week at least, usually right after I drop my kids off at school since it’s right across the street and after watching what I eat and being consistent I can see a big change after only 3 weeks! Thanks for keeping me mindful of what I put in my body and how I treat it!” (Darleen – sugar detox challenger)

“Hello Health Zone! I recently joined and today is my first post. I am enjoying everyone’s daily contributions…some of them even make me laugh. Michelle has been spamming me with healthy hints for months and the sugar challenge motivated me to participate:). I love sugar. I quit drinking 4 months ago and body revolted by demanding sugar. In 3 months i put on about 25lbs. UGH! I am wearing the 25lbs very well i must say…okay, not really. The sugar challenge helped me stabilize and my weight is now it is on the decline. I have always been a healthy guy but my consumption of bad calories got the best of me this year. Through college and life i have always been able to shake off the pounds by adding in some additional workouts in. As i get older I don’t have the time to add much “additional” of anything to my daily routine. I suppose today’s post is to let the world or at least this group know i have finally surrendered to healthier eating.” (Brent – sugar detox challenger)

“I learned SOOOO much!! The #1 thing I learned…was that it is NOT hard to change, if you want to. I wanted to be healthier. Michelle brought forth this challenge…and boom. I saw what sugar was doing to me, how easy it was to cut it out, and how much better I feel without it. And…how I don’t miss all the sweets, how much yummier veggies taste, how much more energy I have. I learned so much from this challenge. Yes, I cheated–but that was even another learning experience. Introducing it to my body, the way I used to, after NOT eating any added sugars….totally WRECKED me. I was so addicted, I never noticed it, never put two and two together and probably never would have changed it. Getting healthy has been an emotional roller coaster for me. Beating myself up, cheering myself and others on, highs and lows. But my final output, is that I feel better and I know how to keep moving forward to stay on that path. Thanks for introducing this challenge, Michelle. I will never say that I have sugar beat (because I probably just need one major crisis to reach for the cupcakes! LOL) But in my day to day….I’m happier without it. Who knew?????” – (Kim – sugar detox challenger)

“I have learned that deleting sugar from my life is FAR from easy. Yes I stumbled..a few times… but overall I stuck with MY original plan for October and that was to stop eating candy. I did that and I lived LOL. I will continue and try to stay on the wagon and even expand the list of sugar items on my “Do Not Eat” list :) Thanks so much Michelle for hosting the group and all the hard work you put in!
Good luck everyone and I am sure we will see each other again! :) ” – (Peg – sugar detox challenger)

“What have I learned?….First thing that really stands out (and not related to sugar) is that I truely have an intolerance to corn in all forms. Not sure it would have been so obvious, though, if I hadn’t of reduced my sugar intake drastically. I had suspected corn all along, but wasn’t sure if the sugar may have been causing the same symptoms. I know for sure now! What else? I’m more aware of just HOW MUCH sugar is in most everything. Thank you Michelle for inviting me along, I’ve been feeling SOOO much better (aside from that one week that I’d like to forget about:)) since I started the challenge and will continue to ‘watch it’ more closely from now on. Can’t wait for next challenge group to start!” – Marie (sugar challenger)

Tagged: Posted in: Nutrition
February 5, 2013 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Managing and paying off debt….this is my story.

I started making money as young as 10 or 11 through babysitting. Never afraid to work and earn money, that was always there. What wasn’t there was the discipline to SAVE money. It was spent as quick as I made it. In my 20′s I discovered credit cards. I lived with my parents until I was 25 and didn’t have to pay rent. My paycheck went towards clothes, eating out, alcohol, cigarettes, clothes, car, clothes, vacation, clothes…….LOL I was a shopaholic to the extreme!! It got so bad that I would come home and would leave my bags by the stairs, then go in the living room to say hi to my mom. She knew better and would ask what I bought. UGH!! TRUE ADDICT. Things got so bad that creditors were calling my neighbor acting like long lost friends looking for me. I looked into debt consolidation, but after much thought decided to claim bankruptcy. I didn’t know what else to do, as I was already doing side accounting work, in addition to my full-time job. Back then I also didn’t have the smarts I later got on how to deal with something that big. This was 20 years ago, so I don’t remember how much it was. I included turning my car over in it. It was so humbling, that I made a promise to God that no matter how bad things would get in my life again, that I would never push my irresponsibleness out into society again. Moving out of the house was important to set up adult responsibility, so I moved in with a friend that the rent payment was manageable. By the grace of God, a dealership gave me a small car loan with a high interest rate, just a few weeks after the bankruptcy. They had me write a letter on how I got in debt and what I learned from it. I’m so grateful to them. I had ended up paying off that car early, then YEARS later buying my current Toyota from them.

So fast forward many years and I’m 35 just moving to Tampa, Florida. I had gotten myself in more debt, but used my 401k to pay most of it before moving. This was going to be a fresh start, until I suddenly acquired my nephew who was 13 at the time. Long story, but he needed a place to live and how everyone thought I was the best choice just moving to Florida with no job or place to live, still astonishes me. Anyway, I’m a hustler and got a job, apartment and him moved and enrolled in school in 3 weeks. Since this was put on my lap, I took what job I could which was roughly 23k less a year than what my last job was. What savings I had was used to move and live off for roughly 7 weeks, since I stopped in Texas to hang with my parents for a few weeks. It wasn’t long that I started adding to my debt. By end of 2006 I decided in my yearly goal setting to actually write down all my credit card balances, the interest rate and see just how bad it really was. I was very overwhelmed by the 20k that didn’t include my leased car. Already living paycheck to paycheck, I thought how can I do this. The rich employer I worked for had me moving his money all around every day, so that he was paying little interest rate on lines of credit and making money in money market accounts. I thought if I can help this rich man get richer, why can’t I apply some of these skills to getting myself out of debt.

Ended up searching the internet for info about how to go about paying off debt and put together a spreadsheet that would map out how I would pay everything off in two years. First start with the smallest balance credit card and knock that out of the way. It doesn’t matter what the interest rate is, just get it paid off. Then take whatever that minimum payment was and apply to the next small balance card until it’s paid off. Now you got two cards paid off and whatever you paid in minimum payment on them, can now go towards the highest interest rate credit card. It’s super important to have a budget all set up of all your income and expenses. Stop eating out and purchasing alcohol, both are a waste of money when broke. Well, they are a waste anyway..lol Personally when I’m really watching my funds I also eat a mostly vegetarian diet. This cuts down on my food bill a quite a bit. Find side jobs, sell stuff on Craigslist or eBay. I’m now good at doing my own hair, pedicures and minor car things like changing the air filter. I’ll “trade” services with people. Stock up on my favorite stuff when it’s on sale. Being an obsessive compulsive person, I just made this my obsession!!

It’s amazing that when I have focused on being responsible with my money, money just starts coming my way. I’ll get a bonus or raise at work, side accounting clients, etc. My goal was that once I got it down to around 10k, then I would apply for a loan that was half the interest rate. Having that one payment made it easier.

I used to trade in my cars every two years, WOW did that get me in trouble when I got my current car. Upside down trade in tacked onto new leased car, meant well over paid car. I also made a promise to myself that I wasn’t allowed to purchase another car until I was debt free. I’ll have that car now 10 years! Even though I got out of debt and paid it off I paid WAY too much money for it and extremely attached to it:-)

I almost started to go down the familiar road when I lost my job recently and thought it was a great opportunity to change my career now. My debt was about 7k. My boyfriend is REALLY good with money and straight out told me that I’m not getting any younger and should be more responsible by leaning on my accounting skills longer to put away money. I surrendered to it and now the work is just coming in. Not only did my Beachbody business pick up, but now doing consulting in accounting. God also blessed me with some surprise money recently, that wiped out my debt. So, as much as I want to pursue health/fitness full-time now, it’s just not responsible. I’ll be able to balance the two for a while so that I can put some money away and transition without going into debt. The old me would have just dived off the cliff, being the risk taker that I am. Right now being able to afford health/dental insurance, plan for retirement are the right responsible things to do. I have no doubt it all will be blessed and I’ll be able to go after changing my career in 2014. It won’t hurt taking a year to work hard and balance them.

One can keep a budget in Excel, but I would recommend getting an accounting software system like Quicken or QuickBooks. There is something about looking at every transaction and categorizing it that keeps one in truth. I have known people who refused to open bank statements and reconcile their bank account, like not knowing was going to fix it. Trust me that kind of behavior will never be blessed. FACING the truth is what sets us free.

Many of my friends have had great success with Dave Ramsey. I haven’t personally read any of his books, but probably should just to reinforce it in me more to be responsible with money. I’m sure there are many other great people and resources. I’m one of those people that learns better through self-teaching and application, then sharing with others.

Just like an addict with drugs or alcohol, one can never think so highly of themselves that they have mastered having their addiction under control. I’m a recovering shopaholic and sugar addict!! They will always be right there under my nose.

To summarize:
Get all your debt listed in Excel (total due, interest rate, minimum monthly payment)
Decide how long you want to pay if off by http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/debtplanner/debtplanner.jsp
Set up a BUDGET and stick to it
Pay smallest balance cc/debt off first, working towards highest balance/interest rate
Call credit card company and see if they will lower your interest rate
Find ways to make more money
Sell things
Learn to do things on your own, that you used to pay for
When balance is down to a few debtors, consolidate into one lower interest rate loan
Follow the rule, if I don’t have cash don’t buy it!!!
Stop caring about keeping up with the neighbors and friends (I seriously don’t care what others think about my car, I don’t have a car payment!!!)
Any unexpected money goes towards debt. Take 10% and put into savings. Treat yourself to something small.
Always put a budget on any new purchase. When I “come into money”, I’ll budget a certain amount I’m allowed to spend.
Close all store credit cards and just keep a couple older regular credit cards (I learned later this is important for credit purposes)
Believe that you will be blessed by your hard effort and be FREE one day!

Tagged: Posted in: Well-being
December 9, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Conquering my fear!

I’ve always had a problem learning in the traditional sense and test taking. This made me a bad student growing up. Sitting down for long periods, engaged in reading, rather absorbing something is not a strength of mine. I’m more the type that you just toss in a situation like at work and I’ll figure it out.

Last year after getting my nutrition certification, which didn’t require a test but case studies, I had thoughts of getting my personal trainer certification. My old fears came up of all the studying and the TEST came up, making me doubt I can do it. So I brushed it off, became a Beachbody coach and have been doing fine. Then my day job company closed down and found myself unemployed in one of the highest rates of unemployement……….LAS VEGAS! With my last job, I worked from home for quite sometime and the thought of going back to an office wasn’t exciting. I started looking for work and each interview, I found myself not really in the interview. I’ve always been great at them and got jobs easily, however this wasn’t happening. So I have been working on trying to figure out what to do. Then going through a string of comments on a post that someone posted about getting their personal trainer certificate, really got me thinking. So I looked into this particular school and asked questions. I couldn’t sleep last night, it was in my head all night and when I woke. It just was so heavy on me, like never before. Lately I have been feeling down because I’m not using my brain. As a former Accountant I’m used to demands of the job and really wanting to keep my brain active. I’m always posting about getting out of your comfort zone and facing fears, yet I was trapped in my own fears. I read something about only living once, so why not be remarkable. BAM, that’s all I needed to just jump over that fence. Felt a little impulsive, but this works in my favor so I don’t have time to talk myself out of it.

It’s not going to be easy and I know that. I’ll have to be disciplined and patient with myself, taking one day at a time. Thankfully I get 6 months to take the exam. Deep breath…………I CAN DO THIS!!

I feel like I have a focus and deeper purpose now. Knowing that I had this window of opportunity, with not having a lot of financial responsibility, how could I let it slip by??? I surely would have regretted not utilizing this time to better myself.

I’ll need all kinds of prayers and positive thoughts/vibes my way:-)

Tagged: Posted in: Fitness
October 24, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Oh no, another sugar challenge!!

Since the first one had a great response and changed peoples lives, I have started another challenge group. In all of the challenges that I do, this one is the hardest for people. Sugar is like a drug and it’s in so many things that we are unaware of. In the group I help bring awareness to the hidden sugars and we keep a daily accountability. As with anything, I like to stress these challenges are about progress NOT perfection. Breaking long term habits take time, then there is the physical withdrawal from it. Totally not fun at first, but if really serious and diligent in following the guidelines, one will feel so much better.

Some people come to find out that they are very addicted. We work on stress management, forgiveness and working through the reasons one may run to the sugar. It can be boredom, comfort, stress and in many cases a defficiency or Candida.

If interested in upcoming challenges, please email me at: michelleshealthzone@gmail.com and I’ll fill you in on the requirements. Depending on the number of people interested, I’ll decide whether to do one right after this or after the new year. The challenge last 3 weeks.

Michelle:-)

Tagged: Posted in: Nutrition
October 23, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Group Nutrition/Fitness Support

Get support, recipes, fitness tips, motivation and coaching, for a healthier lifestyle.  This is a private FB group “Living in the Health Zone” with me, as your nutrition and fitness coach.  My philosophy is to make small changes every day, that leads to big long lasting changes.  No dieting, but compassionate guidance towards learning a healthier lifestyle.  Losing weight is the side effect, of making these life long changes. No unrealistic expectations!

You go at your own pace.  It took you years to get where you are, so don’t expect to change over-night.  There are many people with serious health issues in this group, as well as those just needing to learn a healthier lifestyle to avoid possible health challenges and lose some weight.  Everyone has the same goals and that is to lead a healthy lifestyle.  If you are looking for some extreme diet, then this isn’t the place.  I don’t mind helping with a detox/cleanse or a jump start to weight loss, so long as you know that there are no gimmicks, just eating foods that fuel, heal and nourish our body.

I believe many people need more than just healthy foods and supplements may be needed.  It’s difficult to get everything we need from food alone.  With the knowledge I acquired getting my nutrition certification, I’m able to provide informaton on different benefits of vitamins and herbs.

You can join for one month, to get you started or three months discounted, for that extra support in building those new habits.

Plan

Member and previous challengers testimonies:

” I have had an amazing ride of knowledge, growth and then even truth in myself on this journey. I really never expected to find myself 27 lbs lighter and feeling better than I have in a long time. I also didn’t expect to learn about myself in a way that can help me be stronger in my fight for a better me. Michelle D’Ambra has been a positive role model for me. She has a way of understanding and caring and yet still challenging you in a way that encourages you to want to do better for yourself. There is no bashing, condescending attitudes, or fear based directives and she won’t want you to do more than you can handle. Being wise about your health is extremely important to her. She lives by example and has had and continues to fight through health battles of her own. She encourages expressing your fears and concerns and fighting through them instead of jumping on a negative band wagon which helps no one. What an inspiration…..thank you Michelle!” (Melanie L.)

“Guess what! I’ve officially lost ten pounds in almost 60 days. I’m super stoked. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your help. I really appreciate you guys and this group for keeping me motivated and accountable. I can’t wait to see how the next two months go.”  (Jenn L.)

“Thank you, Michelle, for your patience & dedication. Lost a total of 25 lbs and this is all because of changing the way I eat. Not much exercise to speak of yet. Does that tell you what a mess I have been?? I can hardly believe I have come THIS far. Eating yogurt smoothies and green smoothies every day, boiled eggs for breakfast, no pizza, no spaghetti — who IS this person??! I am so thankful that I found you when I did.”  (60 day challenger)

“I would like to say thank you, because I really liked being in the group and I think you are such a great motivator. I am going to keep going and meet my goals. Thank you so very much, you are an awesome lady!”  ( Madeline)

“Hi Michelle, The sugar cleanse is amazing, I feel so much energy lately, plus I have lost some weight. Thanks for doing the challenge.” – (Geraldine – sugar detox challenger)

·         “OMG, was looking over pics from my May vacay and can’t believe how much change has occurred since then! Thanks for the motivation and encouragement!  I’ve been hitting the gym 4x a week at least, usually right after I drop my kids off at school since it’s right across the street and after watching what I eat and being consistent I can see a big change after only 3 weeks! Thanks for keeping me mindful of what I put in my body and how I treat it!”  (Darleen – sugar detox challenger)
·

“Hello Health Zone! I recently joined and today is my first post. I am enjoying everyone’s daily contributions…some of them even make me laugh. Michelle has been spamming me with healthy hints for months and the sugar challenge motivated me to participate:). I love sugar. I quit drinking 4 months ago and body revolted by demanding sugar. In 3 months i put on about 25lbs. UGH! I am wearing the 25lbs very well i must say…okay, not really. The sugar challenge helped me stabilize and my weight is now it is on the decline. I have always been a healthy guy but my consumption of bad calories got the best of me this year. Through college and life i have always been able to shake off the pounds by adding in some additional workouts in. As i get older I don’t have the time to add much “additional” of anything to my daily routine. I suppose today’s post is to let the world or at least this group know i have finally surrendered to healthier eating.” (Brent – sugar detox challenger)

“I want to thank you for all your motivation and encouragement. I am doing my morning stretches now with regularity and then some extra exercises. I’m even starting to get more regular with evening stretches too. It’s not easy to learn to pace with the fibro and Lupus and i over do it here and there and end up having to rest or i sleep it off. Motivation is difficult to maintain when one’s body fights against me so. Thing is, over all, although I’m not doing gym workouts or heaps of training like I used to once before the accident and becoming so ill…. I am getting more done here in my life. With the encouragement I’ve had from being included in your group, I’ve managed to change my life. I’ve gained better pacing skills and regularity with certain things. I don’t just lay on the couch all day now. I am doing more around the house, spending time outside with my dogs, I’ve even started cooking more again and I’m better able to cope. So thank you so much.” (Living in the Health Zone member)

Tagged: Posted in: Nutrition
September 16, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Food Allergy or Intolerance

A food allergy is an immune response.  The body mistakes an ingredient in the food, as harmful and creates a defense system.  These are antibodies to fight the food.  The allergy symptoms develop as the antibodies are battling the food.  The most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, soy products and wheat.

Symptoms of food allergies can be rash, hives, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, itchy skin, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of airways to the lungs and anaphylaxis.

Food intolerance is a digestive system response, rather than immune system response.  It will occur  when the food irritates a person’s digestive system or they are unable to properly digest or breakdown the food.  The most common intolerance is found in milk and other dairy products.

Symptoms of food intolerance may include nausea, stomach pain, gas, cramps, bloating, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, headaches, irritability or nervousness.

People with food allergies, should avoid the triggering food completely.  On the other hand, with food interolances, there may not be as much as a disturbance if consuming small amounts.

Food intolerances are found through keeping a food diary and looking for common factors.  It’s a trial and error thing.  You can also do a food elimination diet.  Remove the suspected food intolerance, for several weeks, then reintroduce the food you were avoiding into your diet.  This is difficult at times, because you may not have a reaction immediately.  You’ll have to be diligent in writing down the foods, reading labels and watching for bodies repsponse.  It can happen within an hour or take a day or so.

A doctor can also run allergy tests, should you be suspicious of certain foods.  I didn’t know I was allergic to peanuts, until I had a skin allergy test done.  The doctor said that my response could be as minor as a stuffy nose.  Well, my nose is stuffy a lot of the time.  I continued to eat peanuts, until my sister-in-law had a severe allergic reaction to peanuts herself.  It was life threatening.  That scared me enough, to decide to avoid any obvious peanuts!!

Food allergies and intolerances can happen out of nowhere.  This can be upsetting, confusing and life threatening.  Should you have a bad reaction or be suspicious of a food intolerance, then look for the most obvious food allergies, to see if you consumed any of them.

I have had many digestive problems, due to a leaky gut.  What is normally considered a “good” food, passes through my digestive system, then a small piece exits the gut, into the blood stream.  The body then starts attacking it.  This has caused fibromyalgia pain and chronic inflammation in me.  I try to avoid dairy, soy, gluten, hops, peanuts and white wine.  Yes, I developed a bad reaction, to white wine a few years ago!!

Doing something like this by oneself, may be difficult, if there is more than one intolerance.  I would advise seeking the help of a professional.

When I removed most obvious gluten, like bread and beer, my belly bloating went down significantly.  I’m actually able to tolerate a small amount of bread.  So, I’ll indulge in my favorite pizza place, here in town.  However, I have definitely removed beer, due to the wheat AND hops.  That was a double whammy and severly aggravated fibro pain.

So just because you are not falling over in pain, doesn’t mean that you are not consuming something daily, that is causing a bad reaction.  Food can be both healing and damaging to us.

 

 

 

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September 3, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Eat like crap, feel like crap!

This holiday weekend, ended up more than one cheat day for me.  I feel like crud and want to take it all back…lol  I’m pretty sure my current life circumstances, had me indulging.  I know better, but frankly am human and well it is, what it is….  I’m sitting here and feeling pretty gross, from the bad eating.  I found it interesting, that people enjoyed me eating the crappy stuff.  Guess it makes them feel better.  I’m downing a ton of water tonight, to flush out the crap……literally!!  Now that I reminded myself why I don’t eat that stuff, time to dust myself off and get back to my healthy lifestyle!

Tomorrow is a new day and I’m ready to start a new workout program.  There was also a part of me that didn’t care, because I knew I would be burning tons of calories this week.  However, baked beans, pulled pork, chips and a couple cookies, are not exactly fuel for the body!!

 

If you did the same, no worries, you are human.  Forgive and move onward!  If you did the “sugar detox” you may have wanted to “reward” yourself, because you were “off” it.  That is normal.  The “sugar detox” revealed just how much sugar you consumed and what foods it was in.  Also, that you SURVIVED with a lot less sugar, than you allowed in your life before. For the next week, allow 2 servings of any fruit and no more than 40 grams of unnatural sugars. So don’t think of this as a detox, but how to live with less sugar.  Two weeks really isn’t enough to break YEARS of habits and sugar intake.  Again, this is not about perfection!

Now that we had the weekend to spurlge and remind us, how crappy food makes us feel, let’s get on with our road to a healthier lifestyle:-))

 

 

Tagged: Posted in: Nutrition
September 3, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Day 11….I don’t want to blog and I still want chocolate!

My chocolate addiction, will not be cured, in a two week sugar detox.  Your sugar addiction will not be cured.  BUT, awareness has happened and less sugar will be consumed going forward.  This weekend when we venture off the “detox”, most likely a headache will occur, not long after consuming too much.  I call them sugar hangover’s…lol

Today I was feeling kinda down.  Partly life circumstances, partly hormonal and partly the detox, yep not a good combo!!  I really feel like my fan page, coaching groups and things like this challenge, help keep the focus off myself and stay consistant with my goals.

I’m not sure if I’m depressed and want chocolate, or not having chocolate, is making me depressed!!!  LOL  I’m serious…

Tomorrow is my last day at work and it will be a busy day, getting my stuff organized to ship out.  It’s been quite a week and I’m looking forward to going on a little trip out of town. I also need a break from being on the computer.  Who invented these things anyway??!!  I want to thank them for bad eyes and contribution to my neck and back pain!

I’m am very off subject and that should tell you the state that I’m in.  Not sure if I’ll have time to blog tomorrow.

Hopefully, you learned something and will make healthier choices, that has you consuming less sugar.  I wrote a blog for my friends page, that she’ll be posting next week.  Since sugar has been the focus, I wrote my article on the subject of it.  I’ll share, her link and the post next week on my fan page.

Please follow me on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/michellshealthzone

It has been great meeting new peeps and being on this journey with you!!  Think I’ll get take a chocolate bath!!  XO

Michelle:-))

Tagged: , , , , , , Posted in: Nutrition, Well-being
August 30, 2012 Posted by: Permalink

Day 10…What replaced the sugar snack?

I have to confess, I have been eating tons of nuts, like cashews, almonds and pistacchio’s!!  Thankfully, they are a healthy fat!  However the quantity of them has increased, since I’m not grabbing for dark chocolate or other healthy snacks, that were higher in sugar.  Then times like now, I want to do the oral thing, munchie to mouth…munchie to mouth.  Right now it’s Veggie Chips, yes they are not healthy, but I want the fixation.  That is probably the thing I enjoyed most about smoking cigarettes, many years ago.  When I quit, boy did I chub up with all that hand to mouth thing…..  I’m sure it’s my new stress, that is causing it.  I would have DEFINITELY, polished off a chocolate bar today, if I wasn’t doing this damn sugar detox!!!  LOL

Stress and boredom, probably account for most impulsive/addiction behaviors.  We all are guilty of it!   Too much of ANYTHING, is not good.  From eating too much, to working out too much.  Yes, there are many fitness peeps, that are pushing themselves too much.  What makes them any better, than the person drinking too much??  Any addictive behavior, takes time away from loved ones, causes some kind of negative effect on our body/health.  So what do we do????????  Try and find BALANCE.  I struggle with this, because I like to throw myself into things.  However, I will also get bored and switch to something else.  I remember working at a company in Florida and was talking to one of the owners, about my healthy eating and running.  He said “I notice that you get on kicks about something, that last about six weeks”……..yikes…….called out!!  Funny, how people removed from us can see things so clearly.  We don’t see it, because we are “IN IT”!!  I’ll do this with my workouts, lasting about 6 weeks, then change.  But I guess in this case it’s o.k. to do!!  I’m pretty sure, if I didn’t start my fan page and engage myself into coaching others, I may have slipped off this, along the way.  Especially, since I’m not surrounded with people, who support my health and fitness life.  I found for me that because I have commitment issues, I need to tie myself in someway to the commitment.  This helps me stay focused and accountable.  Work with your weaknesses and set yourself up for success!

Think through your life and see what area’s, are not in balance.  Are you doing too much of one thing and not enough of others?  That’s another reason, that I always tell people to have a cheat day or day that you just enjoy, things you shouldn’t eat all the time.  Life is short and we need to find a level of balance, between what is good for us and enjoying life’s little pleasures:-))

Keep going!!!

Michelle:-)

Tagged: Posted in: Nutrition, Well-being
August 29, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink

Day 9….Life tends to not care, if you are on a detox!

Today was full of ups and downs.  Ironically, leaving a job interview, I got a call from one of my V.P.’s.  He was delivering news that I knew was coming one day……  My job was ending this Friday.  I thought I had another month and was trying to prepare, but that wasn’t the case.  I’m super grateful for the people that I worked for.  It was quite a ride and glad that they kept me, as long as they did, after closing in February.  I have to admit that a piece of chocolate and glass of wine, was being entertained in my head.  Then I thought, I could totally get through this.  We have choices every day, on how we respond to things.  Perhaps my body being clean of food toxins, gave me the coping ability today.  I do think that unhealthy food, contributes to an unhealthy mind and/or emotional imbalances.  We run to them, thinking they will stabilize our mood, but it in fact does the opposite.  You feel good for a few minutes, but the sugar, alcohol, sweets, etc., messes with our neuro-transmitters.

I know many of you are having slip ups and that is o.k.  It’s easier for me, because I have been doing this for 7 years.  I don’t expect you to be perfect.  However, I challenge you to not ignore what is going on, when you choose to indulge.  It’s part of breaking the cycle and patterns, that you have had for many years.  Every time you struggle and not give in, you get that much stronger!!  I’m in the battle with you:-))

 

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August 28, 2012 Posted by: Leave a comment - Permalink