Recently in depression Category

Each October, the majority of our nation's pumpkin crop are turned into decorative jack-o'-lanterns in celebration of Halloween. But, if you think that pumpkins are only good for carving, and maybe a holiday pie, think again.

Pumpkins, a fruit (not a vegetable), like gourds and other varieties of squash belong to the ucurbitacae family, which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. Indigenous to the western hemisphere, pumpkins have been grown in America for over 5,000 years. Native Americans called the pumpkin "isquotersquas."

Most pumpkins are bright orange as a result of high levels of carotenoids, natural precursors to vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains 2,650 IU of vitamin A. They are a good source of lutein and ziazanthin, which help to protect against macular degeneration. And most recently, a Finnish study shows that pumpkin helps to prevent diabetes in men.

Pumpkins contain the antioxidant vitamin C and are also high in potassium. A one-cup serving contains at least 3 grams of heart-healthy fiber.

Let Us Not Forget the Seeds.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are not only delicious, they are jam packed with nutrients that are needed to have a healthy body: protein, fiber, iron, cooper, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous, as well as the amino acids arginine and glutamic acid.

Pumpkin seeds also contain a fair amount of calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, folate and niacin!

Studies in the US show that pumpkin seeds may help reduce hormone damage to the prostate, which in turn lessens the risk of developing prostate cancer. They've been used in certain areas of Europe to treat learning disorders. In China, pumpkin seeds are used to ward off depression, and pumpkin seed oil has been used for treatment of prostatitis.

Rich and peanuty in flavor, pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack or added to salads, soups and stews. You can even grind them for use in lip-smackin' good sauces.

FATOID
The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.

More Fall Fabulous!
Autumnal Equinox RECIPES!!! Yum Delicious!
Miracle Pears

Spread the word ... NOT the Icing!
Janice
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Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write Janice!

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Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

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Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

I know from first hand experience that depression can move someone toward food. (Yes, this 'happy idiot' has had bouts of depression.) And I know - again from first hand experience - that 'eating for depression' is counter-productive and counter-intuitive.

Gaining weight only serves to intensity the depression and add to feelings of worthlessness. At this juncture, people often turn towards antidepressants to lift their moods. While I am not against antidepressants and have seen them do good for many, I am wondering if we might first incorporate some 'happiness' strategies into our lives.

Our Lady of Weight Loss's
Top Eleven Enthusiastic and Enlivening Ways to Move Past Depression and Straight Into the "Lite"

1. Sleep. Lack of sleep magnifies the effects of depression. Log in 6 to 8 hours each night, and try 15 - 30 minute catnaps throughout the day. Feeling rested, alert and awake is so important for feeling good. It is the foundation of a vibrant, dynamic life.

2. Move. If you are feeling low, move. Just the act of moving from one place to another creates 'movement,' and 'movement' can help to move feelings of depression out!

3. Exercise. When we exercise or are physically active the brain secretes chemicals, such as endorphins, which make us feel so much better.

4. Meditate. Meditation reduces stress, helps us to sleep better, thus alleviateing depression. Consistency matters. So if you can only 'sit' for 5 minutes a day, that's all right. Do what you can. Hint: when you meditate the same time each day you are creating a positive habit, which will anchor the positive mood that is activated by meditation.

5. Wear Red. Bill Blass says, "When in doubt, wear red." What great advice!! Dark clothing tends to increase the effects of depression. Color can stimulate positive feelings and red is a real energy color. Reds and oranges are traditionally worn by spiritual seekers in India and Asia: they understood that vibrant colors create a vibrant energy field around the wearer of these wonderfully bright clothes.

6. Eat Healthfully. You'll feel lighter. Isn't it a great feeling to know that you're taking care of yourself? Rather than doing yourself in??

7. Drink Water. Studies show that dehydration can be a cause of depression. So bottoms up!

8. Light. As the season changes from summer to autumn, so goes the light. Research shows that getting 20 minutes of sunlight per day, even by sitting at a window, helps fight depression. Don't we all feel so much better waking up to the sun's smiling rays?

9. Smile. What came first, the smile or the good mood? It's hard to tell. Famed spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hahn has advised that smiling leads to Godliness....and don't forget the mind-body connection. Our body often affects our mind. Just try this experiment: smile and see if you don't feel happier. The mind is conditioned to experience smiling with feelings of joy and happiness. Ha ha ha!

10. Breathing. Breathing helps release stress and anxiety which are components of depression. Focusing on the breathing and releasing tightness in the body and worry in the mind lifts the spirit. Breathing exercises have always be an important part of stress reduction programs. Take a few moments throughout the day to just exhale the tension out and breathe in some calm.

11. Pamper yourself. Take the time to see a movie ( a comedy of course!), go to a show, buy some flowers ( the color and scents provide color therapy and aromatherapy which lifts the spirits), talk to a friend--embrace life! You deserve it!

More Ways to Move Past Depression and into your 'lite:'
How to Pamper Yourself: BEYOND Cookies & Milk
How to Coach Yourself Happy
How diets don't work! Listening Does!!

Spread the word ... NOT the icing,
Janice

____________________________________

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

As a Weight Loss Coach and a 50 pound big-time-loser, I fully understand that sleep plays a crucial role in our obtaining and maintaining our healthy weight and on our general well-being.

A recent study conducted by the Harvard Women's Health Watch reports that sleep difficulties visit 75% of us at least a few nights per week. A short-lived bout of insomnia is nothing to worry about. However, the bigger concern is for those who suffer from chronic sleep loss, because they are likely to be affected in numerous areas:

1. Sleep helps the brain commit new information into memory; therefore lack of sleep can impair learning and memory.

2. Chronic sleep deprivation affects the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and alters the levels of hormones that affect our appetite: leptin (an appetite regulating hormone), and higher levels of ghrelin (a hormone produced by the stomach that sends the 'I'm hungry, feel me' signal to the brain.) (leptin and ghrelin)

3. Those who are sleep deprived are more likely to be irritable, cranky, impatient, and are all in all moodier than those who sleep!

4. Sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone level and irregular heartbeats.

Now that we know how important it is to get the proper amount of sleep, here 25 tips that can help you to get a good night's rest!

25 Bite-Sized and Delicious Tips to Better Sleep
from the Our Lady of Weight Loss Snooze Factory

1. Relieve Stress Daily. People who are stressed-out are more likely to suffer from insomnia. It's important to explore various types of exercise, meditation, and/ or yoga so that you find the one that best helps you to relax. Have fun exploring.

2. Exercise. Follow a consistent exercise (or movement) program. It will increase your energy levels during the day, improve your mood and help to regulate your sleeping patterns at night. Remember - even 10 minutes here and there throughout the day adds up to a restful night's sleep.

3. Exercise in the morning or afternoon. For many, working out within 3 or 4 hours of sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.

4. Light snacks. Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. Instead, if you are hungry, have a light snack but avoid protein-rich and caffeine containing foods and beverages.

5. Stop eating all together at least 3 hours before sleep. This will prevent heartburn, indigestion and energy boosts from the food. A good weight loss rule anyway. You've got to stop at some point, no?

6. Natural Root. Valerian root and Melatonin seem to be the most effective supplemental sleep aids. ALWAYS discuss dosage, risk and effectiveness with your doctor before taking.

7. Aromatherapy. Lavender and chamomile scents can be soothing and relaxing. Perhaps in spray form, or scented candle. Also, vanilla 'kills' appetite.

8. Eat at regular intervals during the day. This will keep your blood sugar levels even, thus keeping you alert all day and ready to sleep at night. And bonus, it will keep your 'hunger' in check, so that you don't go off the deep end, into that vat of chocolate that's calling your name!

9. Write it out. Before bed write down all your thoughts in a journal without judgment. Stream of consciousness. Let it rip and roll. It will help clear your mind, as you can close the book on the day. It works!

10. Turn off the lights. It can be difficult to sleep with the lights on. You might even want to wear a sleep mask (I have a leopard one!). Be sure to close the blinds, shades, drapes!

11. Sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Your body will get into its automatic rhythm.

12. Put the clock where you cannot see it. Clock watching can create anxiety.

13. For a light late night snack, try dairy products. Milk contains the sleep inducing amino acid, tryptophan. (Go organic, please! So that the milk is coming from a healthy cow ... Eat Healthy: Be Political!)

14. Avoid tobacco. Tobacco products contain nicotine, a stimulant. You shouldn't be smoking anyway (sorry, but for goodness sake!).

15. Don't oversleep. Too much of a good thing can actually make you more tired.

16. Think positive. People who focus on the positive tend to sleep better and experience better health in general. Remember: thoughts are like the clouds; they float in and out - you don't have to attach to them!

17. Do not hit the snooze button. Simply get up. Get up! GET UP!

18. Plan for a healthy 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Set your mind as you climb into your comfy bed.

19. Nap wisely. No more than 20 minutes. But do nap if you can!

20. Limit caffeine during the day. Try for less than 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages during the day.

21. Schedule some down time every day. Stretch, take a hot bath, read. Stare into space!

22. Add white noise and/or wear ear plugs. Most people can't fall asleep when things are too loud. Sometimes even the crickets are screaming.

23. Drink in moderation. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it will likely wake you in the middle of the night.

24. Rule out medications. If you are taking medication, ask your doctor about its side effects.

25. Check the thermostat. If it's too hot or too cold, it may be difficult to fall asleep. That's for sure!!!

More helpful tips:
10 Tips: How to be fabulous!
6 Simple Tips to Lose It!
Foods that Boost Your Happy Neurotransmitters

Spread the word (NOT the icing!),
Janice
____________________________________

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

This week's jigsaw puzzle was inspired by the Our Lady of Weight Loss Internal Clock that I recently created!

It is a miracle clock if ever there was one! I keep it right next to my alarm clock and at night, when I set my alarm to wake up early, I also set my 'internal' alarm to wake up happy.

Try it! You might be surprised to learn just how effective this simple device is!

More Sundaes:
How much does Whoopi weigh?
Love your Inner-Child!

Spread the word ... not the icing!
Janice

------------------------------------------------------
Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

I tuned into last night's episode of FOX's reality TV series "More to Love" just as the girls, under Emme's tutelage, were rating each other: Would Kristian, Mel B., et al. make a "Good Wife" or "Bad Wife" for Luke?

The "good/bad" rating system only serves to make people feel badly about themselves. Poor Kristian, as if she doesn't have enough issues, was up first and was slam-bammed by the group. Labeled 'bad' given her emotional instability (so they say), she dissolved into tears. Mel B,. up last, was also shaken to her core, as the votes rolled in ... bad, bad, bad, bad, bad, bad. Yes, that's right: 6 bads/1 good.

As a Weight Loss Coach, I hear the words 'good' and 'bad' spoken quite a bit. "I was bad today, because I ate brownies." "I was good this week, because I said no to cake 5 times." You are neither good nor bad. You ate brownies. You said 'no, thank you.'

I encourage people to let go of the judgement. It serves no purpose, and can often - on a 'bad' week - send you careening down, down, down.

What we're really doing is creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle. We can only do our best at any given moment. Go easy on yourself, and on Kristian and Mel B. for that matter! Please!

More Celebrity Weight to Love!
Whoopi Goldberg weighs in at 174 ... and you?
Kim Kardashian: Sex tape and weight loss products
Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Accused of plagiarism?

Spread the word ... not the icing!
Janice

------------------------------------------------------
Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

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