Exercise - A Matter of Priorities

At 6:00 a.m. on Boxing Day, there were some stores already opening their doors to crowds of bargain hunting shoppers. People were lined-up around the block waiting to get in. If the crowds were already lined-up at 6:00 a.m., then how early did these people get up to shop?

For those early-bird Boxing Day shoppers who struggle with weight issues, my guess is that there are many who use excuses not to exercise such as "I'm too tired" or "I don't have time". I understand that exercising is difficult when you don't really FEEL like doing it or don't FEEL like you have the time, however, why is it that they are not too tired and are able to make the time to save money on Boxing Day? If it wasn't Boxing Day, would these same people even have considered waking up that early to do some physical activity?

The point I'm trying to make is that how we CHOOSE to spend our time all comes down to priorities. When someone who is unhappy with their weight or facing weight-related health issues, is able to get out of bed before 6:00 a.m. the day after Christmas to get some good deals at the store, but believes that they're unable to get out of bed to exercise, then what does this say? Could it be saying that for this person saving money is more important to them than saving their health and well-being?

In order to manage your healthy weight successfully long-term through proper eating, regular physical activity and positive living, then it has to be a priority every day. You have to make the time for it and make mindful choices even when you just don't FEEL like it. You'll be so proud of yourself once you get into this habit, and when you are proud of yourself, you will want to continue making choices that make you feel healthier, stronger and good about how you look and feel.

Saying NO to the Pity Party

In a recent counseling session with one of my clients, we were talking about her late night eating habits. This is her worst time of day for eating as it is for many who struggle with food and weight issues. It's like something takes over after dinner once the television is set to your favourite show and you're finally all comfy on the couch. In her case it was the Chip Monster. That's right, she'd dive right into the big bag of chips and as if something else had taken over her body and eaten right to the bottom of the bag, before you know it all the chips were gone. She felt terrible afterwards berating herself for losing control yet again.

I asked her what she thinks may have triggered the chip binge and she said that she was bored and lonely. She was feeling sorry for herself for not having anything better to do or someone special to be with. And so, she threw herself a pity party.

When you find yourself throwing yourself a pity party and breaking out all the junk food, or diving into your favourite high sugar, high fat, high calorie treats to help prove to yourself what a loser you are, I ask you to STOP yourself in your tracks. STOP and take a long hard look at yourself and what you're doing. How is eating going to solve your problems? Instead, ask yourself what the real problem is. If you're bored, then find something fun and interesting to do to distract yourself from thoughts of food. Better yet, find something to do that is hands-on so that you can't eat and do your activity at the same time. What kinds of things can you think of that you can do? Make a list. I'd love to hear from you. Send me your ideas to info@roslynfranken.com with the subject line "Positive activities to distract me from eating".

Roslyn Franken, cancer survivor, author and speaker

Welcome Message from Roslyn Franken

Why this Blog Page?

Because I'm excited to share with you the principles that changed my life and can now change your life too!

How do I know what I'm talking about, you ask? I know because I can honestly say that I've "been there, done that and wrote the book". I have overcome my own struggles with food, health, weight and lifestyle issues and have helped many others do the same not only through my book, The A List: 9 Guiding Principles for Healthy Eating and Positive Living, but also through my one-on-one telephone counseling practice and professional speaking services. That's right! I offer my counseling service by telephone so you can do it from anywhere!

I have also triumphed over cancer when just 30 years old. So I know what it means to lose your health. I know how difficult a fight it is to stay positive when life is throwing you those unexpected curve balls. I know what it takes to bounce back, stay focused and on track. My 9 principles for healthy eating and positive living help you to not only reprogram your relationship with food, but also with your inner self for a lifetime of greater health and happiness.

I welcome you to my online blog community and invite you to check back often for informative articles and tips, healthy recipes and much more. My goal is to see this community span the globe so invite your family, friends and colleagues to my blog. The more the merrier!

Wishing you continued health and happiness and looking forward to meeting you here!

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