Recently in Fitness Category

Meet Helene, a woman who has lost 50 pounds and kept it off over 23 years. See if you can relate to her words...

"I was out on my own the first time (in my early 20's) and started to meet men and whatever; I didn't handle it very well. I didn't have the tools to cope on a daily basis. So...I found my comforter again, which was food. What happened is this kind of chubby girl grew into a kind of chubby, borderline fattish person, (I was about 50 pounds overweight). And then, as I went on and on and on in my twenties, I just felt very isolated, very much not a part of things, and the more I'd feel that, I would eat. And the food initially would bring a lot of quick pleasure, but it never did in the long run. I was really feeling very, very alone... and I remember being in my apartment and looking out a window and feeling at my lowest. At that moment I said to myself, what's the sense in continuing on? But there was that spark in me, and I believe that spark in everyone...that wants to live...the desire to live was greater than the part of me that wanted to check out."

Through belief in a Higher Power, Helene saw a way greater than herself; a solution bigger than her self-destructive feelings. That Higher Power she relied on was what helped her lose and keep the 50 pounds off.

What if doing something you dread could really be fun and pleasurable?  What would happen if you did not have a lot of fear, anxiety and trepidation?

If you simply don't believe the old mental programming that losing weight, becoming healthier, and making some positive changes in your life is a drag - then it can actually BE fun and pleasurable.  It's just that easy:  CHOOSE TO BELIEVE SOMETHING NEW.

Begin to believe that being healthy is a pleasure, because it honestly is.  It's not about depriving you or causing you pain and suffering.  Eating healthy foods is truthfully really wonderful.

Here's how:  the next time you catch yourself thinking the worst, just turn it around and give it to God (or Higher Power).  Here's a list of possibilities:

I can't do this >> I can do it with God's help.
I'll be too hungry >> I'll feed myself regularly and healthfully.
I cannot have dessert >> I can have a healthy dessert.
I'm tired >> I'll get more energy with healthy habits & give myself rest.
This is torture >> This is an act of self-love and care.
Gyms are hellish >> Gyms are temples of health and happiness.
Goodbye good food >> Hello great, better food.
I don't have time for changes >> I'm making myself a priority.

Let's add to this list together.  Please post a comment about how you're changing your old destructive beliefs into new, active, loving careful beliefs.

And please tell your friends about this daily column - treat them to some love and thoughtfulness!

Please share this blog with other blogs and websites.   Beliefnet.com/drnorris

Thank you!

The trend with little kids these days is to make "play dates." This is when the parents arrange for the their children to get together and have a good time.

I'd like to suggest that adults do it, too. Why not make a play date with a friend or co-worker today? Get together to do something active, like going for an evening walk or to a school or park playground, or shooting a basketball through the hoop or tossing a Frisbee.

Please don't think you're too old for that. Don't let anyone think it's a "pick-up" either (or may be it is!). It's really good for us to connect and be together. Just do it. Please don't think you're too fat, just do it.

What are some activities you love to play?  What are some you are planning to schedule a "play date" for?

Here's what I'm serving to some dear friends tonight for supper, a lasagna big in flavor but small in calories and fat.  It's a meatless recipe, using root vegetables from the garden; kind of the last of this year's harvest.  It's got a whole wheat pasta, too, so you're getting fiber and whole grains.  I have included a little cheese, for protein, but that could be omitted if you wish.

Dr. Norris Chumley's Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

1 box whole-wheat lasagna noodles
5 parsnips
5 carrots
10 big leaves of kale, de-stemmed and torn into pieces
½ onion
½ pound skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 can or bottle (16oz.) tomato sauce (I like the herb and vegetable combinations)
a few sprinkles of grated low-fat Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese
herbs: some fresh (or dried) oregano and thyme

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Boil a big pot of water for the pasta.  Lightly spread 1 tablespoon olive oil on a baking sheet, then on a second one. Place the baking sheets in the oven and heat them up for 10 minutes.  In the meantime, place the kale in a smaller saucepan with a cube of bouillon and ½ cup water, cover, and steam the kale.  Slice the parsnips and carrots lengthwise, about ½ inch thick, so they're long and thin - the size of your finger.  Slice the onion into wedges, about ½ inch wide.  Place the dried pasta into the boiling water, and cook for about 10 minutes, or for as long as it says on the box.  No need to add anything else: no oil, no salt, just boiling water.  Lightly stir occasionally.

Once the baking sheets are hot, but before the oil is allowed to burn, quickly place the carrots and parsnips onto the pans and pop them into the oven.  Be sure to only have one layer of vegetables, allowing plenty of room around each piece. Bake for about 30 minutes, and then test to see if they're done.  If not, continue baking for 10-20 minutes or so.  

Lightly grease an 8x12 metal or ceramic baking dish with about a teaspoon of olive oil.  Once the pasta is ready, drain and immediately soak the cooked lasagna noodles in cold water.  Remove the roasted vegetables.

Layer the pasta, vegetables, sauces, herbs and shredded cheese in about 5 or 6 layers, alternating them, as you like.  Make the top layer a combination of a little sauce, some shredded mozzarella, and a few sprinkles of Parmesan cheeses, for a gratin. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or so, checking every few minutes to see if the top cheeses have melted and slightly browned.

Serve piping hot with a nice salad on the side and some friends and family to share it with.  Be sure to say grace or a silent prayer before the meal, thanking God for the food and all that you are blessed with.

PLEASE SEND THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS, and ask them to subscribe to my daily emails.

Always, comments are invited!
 
 

Congratulations, Mala, for really "getting it."  She commented on my Weight Loss Truths posting recently.  That's why I picked her for our Tip of the Week:"Not only did you not put on your weight overnight, it is more difficult to...

What do I think of "The Biggest Loser" TV series?  I think it's terrible and cruel, and merely entertainment, not a program that overweight people should do.  In its 8 seasons on the air, I have always found it to...

I recommend signing up for a recreation class, and faithfully attending it.  It's like going to a party!  You can quickly make some friends, and move, and stretch and feel good.  It important to find the right group, though, where...

That's the word the gatekeeper used at my gym the other day, as she let me in.  "Enjoy" she said, and my first thought was not nearly as positive.  My old negative thinking is still  buried so deeply; I was...

Whenever you're about to binge, look around, there's usually someone bigger than you nearby to remind you of your priorities. I hate to say it, but given the epidemic obesity crisis in America, and in many parts of the world,...

Have you, too, been the victim of weight loss quackery? Have you tried "miracle diets" and "magic bullet" quick-fix products or schemes?Did you buy any of those "revolutionary" exercise machines or appliances from TV infomercials? Did you buy any of...

I was interested in what Mary wrote here about the Food Lovers Fat Loss weight loss program, commenting about my Food Lovers Fat Loss System Review.  She seems to think that we don't need to buy any program, just observe...

Last week, I wrote about surrendering your problems to God.  Last month, I wrote about surrendering your problems to God.  Have you tried it yet?  I encourage you to right now.A way to really solve your weight problems (and all...

If I go just a few days without exercising or moving, I don't feel good!  I feel very tired, sluggish, and in need of long naps.It used to be when I was obese just getting up and taking a few...

Many overweight people use food to comfort themselves. After all, food is something we cannot live without, and it's one of the primary ways for people and families to connect with one another. The only trouble is, it can become...

Didn't do so well on your food plan yesterday? Today's a new day. Couldn't find time to be active, go outside, play, or have fun yesterday? Today's a new day. Make sure to take good care of yourself today, because...

My wife treated me to a special date last night.  We went to hear Jonny Lang, the amazing 20-something rock-blues singer-guitarist.  Amazing he was - we both said that was one of the best concerts we've ever been to.  If...

A study in rats released last week shows that eating a high-fat diet impairs memory and cognitive abilities.  The study was conducted in the UK, and published by The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.It's an interesting test: scientists...

Really? That's what an article in the New Your Times by Gina Kolata from 2007 stated.  I found this article the other day, and thought you might like to see it.   Not to be pessimistic; no, rather to be optimistic...

Thanks to all who have been commenting.  It's so fun and full-filling to read what you write!  Your comments make me happy, even the tough ones.  So PLEASE keep them coming.  Also, tell your friends about this amazing, growing online...

Another entry in the "you may want to know" category: following a Mediterranean Diet and daily exercise may reduce later risks of developing Alzheimer's Disease.  Vegetables, Fruit, Fish, Whole Grains, beans - little or no red meat and poultry -...

When planning your day, make sure to keep it simple. Don't try to do too many things, eat too much, or forget to include some joyful activity. Remember your "Joy of Weight Loss" food plan. Pick foods that you will...

How would your life be different if you were able to lose 10, 20, 50 or 100 pounds?  I'm sure you've thought about that a lot, but I believe it's a good idea to "keep it fresh" as they say...

Sounds great, huh?  Rush Limbaugh recommends it; he experienced some quick weight loss himself, 90 pounds in less than 6 months.Limbaugh's weight loss success he attributes to Florida's Quick Weight Loss Centers.  According to Limbaugh, their programs combine low-calorie dieting,...

I want to assure you that it is possible to change, and make your life the best it can be with spiritual help and committed action. ALL IT TAKES IS THE DESIRE TO CHANGE, FOLLOWED BY ACTION. That combination is...

Sometimes, getting an energy boost during the day is necessary. A lot of people look to a snack or drink to give it to them. Sugar, or carbohydrates give only short bursts of energy, and then there's a downward, draining...

Here's a query for your day, today... What is overeating and being overweight giving you? Please think about this, in a very insightful, deep way, and share your feelings. Post them on a comment below, then come back in a...

Did you see the premiere of Fox's new reality dating show, "More To Love?"  What did YOU think of it?First off, I want to get this right out on the table, I work for Fox because it's Fox/News Corp. that...

I have some ideas for those of you who say they have tried everything to lose weight and get healthier.  Here are two:First, check with your doctor to make sure you're totally OK, and don't have some underlying health condition...

I hear this frequently: a loved one (child, relative, friend) has an obesity problem, and they want to help.  Here's what I suggest in such difficult situations.-- Realize that you have no direct control over them.-- Pick the best moment...

I saw an ABC news piece on how Safeway, the supermarket chain, is encouraging employees to eat more healthy food, exercise and watch their weight.  They save them money on insurance by reducing the amount contributed by employees to pay...

Let me ask you: are your overeating habits and pleasure more important than your life?It really comes down to that life or death question.Is the brownie ice-cream sundae dessert, and regular daily desserts worth a heart attack or stroke because...

Taking good care of yourself can give you some really good feelings. When you eat well and move, you plug yourself into life. That means the joy of learning, experiencing new things, getting enough rest, playing, sharing with friends and...

Are you extremely concerned with your eating - perhaps too much?  If you starve yourself, or follow extremely limited calorie consumption, or binge and then make yourself vomit, or compulsively overeat, it's time to get help.Eating disorders are very real,...

Some people do well in gyms and health clubs, but most of my clients and readers do not.  Most people I know who have zealously joined gyms have gone for a few days and then stopped, wasting tons of money,...

Florence Serecka wrote a very inspiring comment awhile back, commenting on my blog, "Lose Weight with God."  It stuck with me, and stayed with me for a month now, and I want to share it with you.  I wanted to...

Yes, it is possible to eat out at a restaurant and save money (and calories too).  The trick is to only order one thing - an entree.Skip the appetizer; they are often expensive, too big, and have lots of calories.Skip...

I have a surprise for YOU!  This entire month, I will be offering you ways to save money and lose weight at the same time.  I'll offer new recipes for cooking healthy, low-cost meals and snacks; ideas for filling yourself...

Two reader's comments struck me this morning as being on-target. One about mysteries of self-abuse, the other about the power of spiritual practice.  Not a direct problem and answer counterpoint, but somehow, these relate.  I hope they will for you,...

This week I wrote a lot about workouts, that dirty word "exercise," and the motivation to just get up and do it.  It starts with the mind, and the body follows along.   This is the link to my original article,...

Put your thoughts about moving your body aside, and get up and do it.  Don't think about it.  Don't think about finding the time, the time is now.  Don't think about how hard it will be, just simply move.  Don't...

Are you making sure to be active every day? I don't mean vigorous exercise (although that's great if you're in a regular habit you've built up to)...I mean at least walking for a minimum of 10 minutes per day. Start...

Do you think fish is boring, tasteless, and unexciting?  I used to think so -- but no more. Fish is so healthy I just had to create a way to make it great without making it fattening and unhealthy. The...

The next time you are about to overeat, just stop. Stop and remind yourself that you're about to overeat--something that you really do not want to do. Be conscious. That's the first step in stopping the problem right in its...

I've had a few thoughts about what to do with nighttime eating problems since I wrote about it awhile back.  Click here to take a look at the previous article. Putting emotional causes aside and focusing only on physical aspects,...

Overeating is a form of self anesthesia. What we're trying to do is find other non-destructive methods to feel better. Here are some other, less self-destructive ideas for managing the pain and difficulties of living: Try moving. Flexing your...

Oh my, yesterday I just did not want to go to the 4th of a 6-week yoga intensive class.  I'd had a big lunch with a business client, and truthfully, a couple of glasses of wine.  I felt too full. ...

This past week has been a very active one on this website, and I for one am impressed and inspired.  There have been quite a few comments posted, especially in response to my articles on Scales, Fasting, and the major...

For many Christians, this is a time of great awareness, a time in the year called Lent, a preparation for Easter.  It's the annual time to be aware of our beliefs and faith, to love the many gifts that God,...

Thinking about the recent study on most diets being basically equally effective; read what I wrote about it here, these are my simple thoughts:When it comes to food, eating less is more. If you're trying to reduce your weight consistently...

This morning I was all flustered because I had to pay bills.  Gosh, those expenses are high!  It's an exercise in stretching, moving money from one place to another, shuffling, leaping and moving forward.  Kind of like dancing: you stretch,...

This morning I jumped on our bathroom scales, as I do every month.  I like to check to see what I weigh, to keep my 160-pound weight maintenance on track.I only weigh myself once a month, because I know that...

This comment from Dino just reached out and grabbed my attention:For me, the big change in my thinking came one day. I realized I was a creation of God; made in God's image. What I had been doing was trashing...

Have you, too, been the victim of weight loss quackery? Have you tried "miracle diets" and "magic bullet" quick-fix products or schemes? Did you buy any of those "revolutionary" exercise machines or appliances from TV infomercials? Did you buy any...

Thank you's to everyone who read this blog regularly, and big thank you's to those who posted this week.A lot of people ask me questions; too many for me to answer here although I will from time-to-time if it seems...

A lot of folks commented recently here about what's working and what is not in their lives, in order to be their healthiest.  Lori wrote, "At reaching 60 you can imagine I've tried every diet out there over the years. The...

A tip of the hat to all of you who visited and commented in this blog this last week on several subjects: New Year's Resolutions, being with God, exercise and going to the gym, and Janice and my first online...

I know it's sooooo 80's, but do you remember those exercise videos you used to workout in front of the TV with?  Jane Fonda? Richard Simmons? Dancercize?Why not get them out, dust them off, and give them a spin again? ...

When I lost the last of my 160 pounds, I liked to say, "I danced it off."  It's true!  I had enrolled in a hospital program for overweight people, a behavior modification technique oriented class.  Part of it was a...

If you do nothing else for a New Year's resolution, call your physician or health care provider and schedule a complete, annual checkup.  Be assured you're OK.Resolutions are in general very hard to keep, but without your health you won't...

I want to encourage you to begin a regular "physical re-creation" schedule.  The hardest part is getting going.  Hopefully, you've had a recent and complete checkup with your medical doctor, before beginning any activity or making changes to your diet...

Making a New Year's Resolution to lose weight, diet, exercise, save money, etc., again? I encourage you to just be sensible and moderate this year, and perhaps not go on a crash New Year's Diet or radical new program.  Simple...

There's a new fad for this New Years, and for Common New Years Resolutions -- of course, there's a new diet fad every New Year.  I'm skeptical.It's called "Sassy Water," a part of a new book titled "Flat Belly Diet."The...

I continue to be completely delighted with our community and all the really great comments.  Many thanks!  We are soooo cool and connected!This week, my hat tips to Bobbie, for the comment written in last week's "Comment of the Week." ...

A friend has been singing the praises of detoxing and cleansing for the better part of a year.  He even gave me his old vegetable and fruit juicer, along with a list of supplements he swears by. Every time I...

It snowed last night, so this morning the kids and I went sledding down our hill.  I rousted them out of bed, so we could go out before it melted.Once out the door and gathering and dragging the sleds up...

Feeling a little down after the Thanksgiving holiday?  Turkey's done, family and friends gone away, back at work, back to the same old grind?Go outside, move and breathe.I think that using your body, being physical and getting the blood and...

Another reader's inquiry.What do you do if small portions don't fill you up?I recommend eating six small meals throughout the day: one serving (USDA Food Guide Pyramid size) of grains, protein (meat or dairy), and a fruit or vegetable. This...

I've always said that you don't have to work out at the gym all day in order to control your weight. All you need is a minimum of 30 minutes a day filled with consistent, moderate movement or activity. And...

I meant to go to my gym over last weekend, but didn't.  So I went on some walks and a fast hike.Start of the week, gym in mind, work demands got in the way.  So I did a yoga video...

If you find yourself ravenous, go fibrous.  Eating foods with a lot of fiber in them, along with plenty of water, can give your stomach a delightful feeling of fullness.  Often, we seek out high fat and high-calorie foods that...

My message the other day was about eating too much at night, inspired by B. who wrote me an email.  I was impressed by her making small changes, like not bingeing at night, and walking - nothing else.  Because of...

Here's a start-of-the-week wake up call.Ask yourself, how bad are things?  How much do I need to cut back: spend less, eat less, save more, take time to do things well, be good to myself?  The list can go on...

Here's a quick discussion starter for you:What's your favorite fast food restaurant, and what do you like to order?Yes, I believe in fast food once in a rare while (don't forget there is nothing forbidden on my Joy of Weight...

Yes, I know I need to exercise, but I hate to exercise!I do, however, love to move because it makes me feel so good.  It's become a daily habit; a discipline, just like flossing and brushing my teeth.I feel good...

We are all so happy that you are reading my new blog!  Thank you.  Thank you, too, for the many comments you're writing.  Please write more.As you are aware, I write about a lot of topics related to life in...

Are you one of the millions of people taking medications to lower cholesterol, such as statins (Lipitor, Crestor, Pravachol, Crestor, et al)?  If not, you may want to speak with your physician about taking one, even if your cholesterol levels...

From time to time, I'll share a prayer I pray with you, to help you through your day.  This one is about facing the realities of what needs to be done, not only to make a living, but also to...

What's some easy limit that you could experiment with today?  Try one, only one limitation, and see what happens.If you are used to having seconds after your first helping of something, skip it.  Just say to yourself, "I'm satisfied with...

Welcome.  You've come to the right place.  Let me assure you that you are valuable, and that everything in your life is just fine - although things may not appear to be so fine right now.  As a matter of...

BEFORE - at 400 poundsPeople said I was the nicest, happiest guy they knew when I was 18 years old and 400 pounds.  Inside, though, I was terribly unhappy.  I felt completely unsatisfied, and no amount of food filled me...

After decades of being told such things like "reach for the stars," "you can do anything," and "you can have it all!" from an all-pervasive consumer advertising-driven culture, perhaps it's time to rethink those ideas.  A lot of us are...

Not that I advocate anything approaching "diet" food, or specially-altered recipes in order to lose or maintain one's weight.  I do, however, highly recommend making and eating simple, highly flavorful, highly healthy food.  This is an example of an entrée...