Recently in emotional eating Category

Are you genetically cursed? Are you stressed or tired? Do you suffer from S.A.D.? It's easy to get wrapped up in your stories and actually believe them, isn't it? And further, use them as an excuse to eat and eat some more!

Here's how you play the No Excuses November Game!
Read the list of excuses below and comment on them. Which excuses are a part of your 'Blame Game?' If you don't see your specific excuses, please add it to the list!

What's your excuse?
Slow Metabolism * Genetically Cursed * Addicted to Almonds * I Buy Cookies for My Kids * I Just Can't * It's So Hard * It's Too Hard * My Husband Is Skinny & Eats A Lot & I Have to Eat with Him * I Don't Want to Insult the Host * I Am Stressed * Tired * My Illness Made Me Eat * The Rain Made Me Eat * I'm Depressed * I'm Bored * I'm Anxious * I'm Sad * I'm Happy * I'll Start On Monday * Start Tomorrow * I Love Food * Food Equals Love * Addicted * Can't Quit * Can't Give Up Chocolate * Food Is My Friend * Simply Not Inspired * Food Calms Me * Guilt * Member of the Clean-Plate Club * Quit Smoking * I'm Hungry * I Can't Exercise * It's the Drugs I'm Taking * I'm Peri-Menopausal * I'm Post Menopausal * I'm Pre-Pubescent * College Food * My Lifestyle Is Not Conducive * It's Winter * It's Summer * No Time for Exercise * No Time to Food Shop *Not Motivated * I Can't Afford to Eat Healthy * Can't Afford a Trainer * Can't Afford to Join a Program * I Just Can't Afford it * I'm Healthy for a Few Days But ... * I've Tried Before * I Always Fail * I Eat Out a Lot * It's My Birthday * Lots to Celebrate * Travel Makes It Impossible * I'm Trying * I'm Too Busy to Focus * Not a Good Time * I'm Injured * I Always Fall Off the Wagon * I'm Doomed * I'm Overwhelmed * Too Old * Too Young * I've Been This Way My Whole Life * I don't just fall off the wagon; I lose track of the entire trail ride. Well, everything but the chow wagon. * Being a Mom (triplets no less) * I failed so many times, I am afraid to try again * sugar addiction * it's too hot to go out and exercise * it's too cold to go out and exercise * my TIVO isn't working and I'll miss my favorite show * just don't care anymore * I'm 60 and don't think it matters anymore if I am 50 pounds overweight.... BUT, really I do * I don't get enough sleep * I don't want to * My mother didn't praise me as a child. * My mother was an over-eater. * All the women in my family are fat. * Quality Control - I'm a Catering Director of a Hotel, constantly around food, talking about food, trying new menu items, etc. My excuse is "it's my job to taste the food" * The devil made me do it! * I'm big boned! * Most of the above! * All of the above!

This game is inspired by Sandy D., a participant in The Holiday Diet: Wake Up Thinner on New Year's Day! She got hip to her excuses and declared it "No Excuses November." Sandy realizes that her excuses are getting in her way as they weigh her down!

More Food for Thought!
Size Matters!
Miracle Water.
Irish Stew, Better than Vegetable Stew, for sure!

The Holiday Diet: How to WAKE UP THINNER on New Year's Day! is an ongoing e-program.

Spread the word ... NOT the icing!
Janice

If YOU Want to WAKE UP THINNER? then go to THE HOLIDAY DIET for details on the e-book, community and more!
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Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write 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

People write me and say that they stay happily on their 'healthy lifestyle path,' until the sun goes down. That's when the demons (Halloween or not) come out in full force, tempting, teasing and pulling them mindlessly into the kitchen. Mindless - the operative word here. They awake from their stupor covered in crumbs, and they wonder, "Where did my focus, determination and resolve go? Who was that alien that took me over?"

Mindless eating occurs primarily at night, after dinner, when - after a long, sometimes difficult day - you sit down and relax. What to do? Understand it and plan for it!

Here, Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach and Our Lady of Weight Loss, the patron saint of permanent fat removal (she who guides her), give you:

10 Ways to Curb, Conquer and Control Nighttime Eating

1. Awareness First. Nighttime is often a vulnerable time of day. You might be tired. You may have said, "No, thank you," numerous times throughout your day, and you're worn down. It could be, more likely than not, that this is the first time that you are able to focus on your personal life and it's bringing up anxiety. Know that you are not alone. We could all (me especially) blow a day of healthful eating within 10 minutes of nighttime snacking! Just knowing what to expect is helpful.

2. Keep Low-Fat, Low-Cal Snacks on Hand. It seems that our evening meals and snacks are higher in fat than breakfast or lunch, so it is especially important to make healthy nighttime choices. Perhaps some air popped popcorn, or a 1/2 cup of low-fat ice cream, or a little bit of protein.

3. Late Night Tea. Brew yourself a pot of delicious, decaffeinated tea and make it your end of night ritual. Nothing passes through your lips after the tea!

4. Get Creative. Like to knit, crochet, and/or cut & paste? Keeping your hands busy is helpful. The trick is to set up your 'craft' ahead of time. Just like you plan your meals; plan your after dinner activity. If you don't have the yarn and crochet hook right there, next to the sofa, you are likely to take reach for food instead.

5. Get Busy. Many people eat at night because they are bored. Take a dance class or join a book club. Make your nights fun and interesting. Get out of the house!!! Socialize.

6. Turn Television Commercials Off. If seeing food is a trigger, mue the food commercials, switch the channel or turn it off!

7. Eat Breakfast. One study after the other shows that those who skip breakfast end up eating more calories by the end of the day.

8. Take A Breath. Step outside and breath some fresh air for a few minutes.

9. Stretch It Out. If you are watching TV, stand up, sit down and shake it all about! Get on your stationary bike or the treadmill.

10. Play Musical Chairs. Sometimes the simple act of 'moving,' 'moves' a craving, 'moves' a mood. Moving changes your internal state. Move from one chair to another.

More Weight Loss Wisdom, Creativity and Fun!
Halloween Orange: dieter's friend or foe?
What's YOUR Stay Fat Strategy?
Simple Strategies to give a boost to your mood!

Want to fill up on more happy? 21 Simple Ways to Be Happy (a Beliefnet special!!!)

Spread the word ... NOT the Icing!
Janice

Reserve your seat at the Holiday Table!
The Holiday Diet: Wake Up Thinner!
________________________________

Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write 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

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
________________________________

Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write 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

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

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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

I realized, while schmoozing at a party, that I was having such a good time talking to everyone, one by one, sometimes two at a time, that food became secondary. Before I knew it, the evening was over, and I'd only ingested a small bowl of chili and some fruit. I didn't have anything to confess to Our Lady of Weight Loss. Miracles do happen!!!

I invite you to work the room, chit the chatter, and leave the chips and dips behind. The ability to be a great conversationalist can be cultivated. Here follows a few conversational tips that you might want to mull over.

Talking Tips for Great Conversationalists from Our Lady of Delightful Dialogue

1. A conversation is not a monologue. Limit yourself to 4 sentences or 40 seconds, whichever comes FIRST.

2. Silence is golden. Just as a pause is important in music - so is a bit of silence in a conversation. Give others an opportunity to jump right in.

3. Be interested in the other person. Be attentive. Ask them questions. Draw them out.

4. Do not offer advice. Hello, did anyone ask you for your opinion?

5. Look for visual signs. If you see any eye-rolling, clock watching, foot tapping - you've overstepped your bounds and more than likely your time limit.

6. You don't have to be right. No, really - you don't.

7. Stick to the topic at hand and roll with it.

8. Don't tell jokes unless you are truly skilled at it.

9. Be tactful, alert and sympathetic.

10. Always be in good humor. No matter what!

11. Don't preach or take yourself too seriously. Do not dwell on moral issues.

12. Be positive. Negative talk will make you a negative person. (YIKES! We don't want that to happen, do we?)

Tips on how to ... be happy, fill the empty void and stop eating! Wow!!!
10 Tips: Happiness Centered Weight Loss
Fill the Empty Void
How to Stop Eating

Spread the word ... NOT the icing!
Janice

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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