Recently in Mindful Eating Category

Oh My! Halloween is only 10 days away. I don't know about you, but I want to stay awake and aware in the face of all those little mini-chocolate bars! With that in mind, here are some fun exercises that we can do today that can help us to exercise our 'awake and aware' muscles!

6 Ways to Build Your Awareness Muscle
from the Our Lady of Weight Loss Fitness Center!

1. Be Present in the Shower
A simple and fun way to start integrating "being present" into your daily routine is in the shower.

The next time you are in the shower concentrate on feeling the hot water cascading over your head and body. Pay close attention to the aroma and sensation of the soap and shampoo on your skin. Take note of your surroundings. That's right ... what does your showerhead look like, the curtain and the tiles.

A beautiful, meditative and aware way to start your day!

2. People Watch
Most of us are on "automatic pilot" when it comes to paying real attention to the people in our lives. Today note those whose who are close to you as if it were the first time you've ever laid eyes on them. Note their unique way of walking, the cadence in their voice, their mannerisms, the crinkles in their faces.

3. Look Around You
We have pre-conceived perceptions of our surroundings, too. When was the last time you noticed the unique features of your home, office, car, or gym (if you have membership!)? Today notice the colors, sounds, shapes of rooms, windows, blinds, floors, ceilings, furniture. What are you noticing that's new? The thing is, whatever looks new to you has been there for quite some time! Today you have chosen to be conscious and notice.

4. Really Taste and Savor Your Food
I know I've written about this before, but it's worth repeating. Really pay attention to what you are eating. Today pay close attention to the smell of the food, the texture, the multitude of tastes as you slowly roll each bite you're your tongue. There is no question that when you pay attention and slow the pace, you will eat less.

5. Smell Something
Smell is one of our God-given senses that is often overlooked. Unless something smells 'bad,' we rarely focus our attention on it. So today, start taking in deep breaths. Take in the walls of your home! Your office! Your car. Yes, that's right ... smell your car. And while you're at it, the street, too! I am taking in a deep breath now and while I cannot tell you how my office smells, I can tell you that there is a difference between my office and the hallway.

6. Listen with Heart
When we are talking with others, we seldom really listen. We're more concerned with what we are going to say when they are done talking. Talk about not being in the moment! Today, when you are engaged in a conversation, try just being there for that person. You don't have to fill in the blanks, the silences. You can leave space for the other person to continue with their thoughts. Imagine ... just listen and with heart. Dare to care about the other person.

If you were paying attention, then you may have noted that used the word "today" in each and every awareness tip. You know, there's no time like the present!!!

More Halloween Tips and Tricks.
Halloween Ghosts Goblins Pumpkins ... and more!
Halloween Orange: Dieter's Friend or Foe?

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

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

Janice Taylor, Spiritual Weight Loss Coach, Guided Imagery Innovator, author and 50 pound loser offers 28 diet tips, a take-away from her 4-week program!

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The holiday weekend is over. It's time to get serious! This weight loss riddle will get you back on track, back on the wagon ... presidential style.

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