Montel Williams was quite candid on The Dr. Oz Show

That’s right, when Montel gets anxious, sad, nervous or depressed, he turns to food. He even admitted to eating a box and a half of Girl Scout cookies before his last appearance on The Dr. Oz Show. Oh, do I know that feeling all too well. Sticking the Thin Mints in the freezer didn’t make me forget about them…it made them tastier and I wanted more and more and more and more.

A lot of people turn to food for solace; of course, that’s why it’s called comfort food. Montel made the point that once he started down this road, trouble wasn’t far behind. And then, as his life started to revolve around what he thought he looked like, it was a full-blown problem. Emotional eating took over. It’s ironic that for some of us who have a negative body image, we turn to food to dull the pain and suffering going on in our mind. What was it about those Swedish fish that I thought was going to give me the power to get to bed earlier, go to the gym in the morning and make me smarter?

Dr. Oz asked Montel about his negative body image. What was at the root of the bad feelings? Montel broke down as he told the story of being a 19-year-old marine; 6 feet tall weighing 142 pounds. People around him would joke that he needed to put on weight to be considered powerful so be began weightlifting. One day he worked out so hard that he tore a pectoral muscle and his chest swelled about two inches. He was taken to the hospital where doctors immediately thought he had breast cancer (this was nearly 40 years ago) and woke up eight hours later having had a double mastectomy, including removal of several glands and lymph nodes. Two weeks later he found out there was no cancer. He was so traumatized by this that he didn’t take his shirt off in public for the next ten years.

“If I walk by a mirror feeling a little down, my brain goes back to my 19-year-old self,” Montel told Dr. Oz. Montel has been able to gain control over his emotional eating and build his self-esteem by changing his diet, taking his medication at the exact time every day and working out daily. He no longer eats white flours and announced the next phase of his healthy eating plan was removing sugar from his food intake.

I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Montel Williams. I didn’t watch his TV show nor have I read his books. However, hearing another human being’s story of low self-esteem and a battle with food is heartbreaking for me.

Next week, I will write more about emotional eating and steps you can take to ensure that food is your friend and not your enemy.

Next Steps:

1. How would you rate your self-esteem?
2. Think about whether or not you turn to food for comfort.
3. Notice if you feel guilty after eating certain foods.
4. Write at least 20 attributes you like about yourself.

These steps will help you feel more confident and understand more about your relationship to food. If you are concerned about your diet or if your lifestyle is not supporting your health and well-being, Contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

Not now. I can’t do that anymore. I know better so I need to do better. I need to take responsibility for my actions and hold myself accountable. The bottom line is I didn’t manage my time and projects effectively; therefore, I wasn’t productive in all the ways I needed to be and that upsets me.

It should have been clear that May was going to be a busy month: a couple of speaking engagements, my first-ever webinar, two conferences, an important meeting with a big corporation, and, of course, supporting my clients. And all of these events weren’t just “show up,” they were be at your best and SHINE. The webinar, in particular, was a lot of work. Nothing I couldn’t handle, but a series of tasks that required planning, strategy and time.

One of the big problems is that I let my environment envelop me in clutter. First, it’s the paperwork around the apartment because I’m switching bags a lot and not putting things away every night. Then, it’s the books I’m using to research facts and statistics that get left on my desk “until tomorrow,” which never comes because I’m rushing. Why am I rushing? Because I am allowing myself to feel choked by my to-do list instead of taking time to plan each and every day and literally map out what needs to done first, second, third, etc.

The webinar presentation day was approaching and I still wasn’t feeling comfortable with my seminar. I needed to align my powerpoint slides with my word document outline. I wanted to be sure I was presenting not only the facts, but also very tactical and practical solutions for managing stress for success. I was getting easily distracted which was frustrating me. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it: my “iceberg.”

The pile of The New York Times, New York magazines and Time Out New York magazines on the floor of my apartment. Oh yes, I’d read the daily Sports and Arts sections from the paper, but not always the main and business sections. What if? What if there was something I needed to know and hadn’t read it yet? (Hello Jodi from five years ago!!!) What happened to the “now” Jodi who realizes that she doesn’t need to know everything about all things, that she learns from connecting with others AND can access anything from The New York Times online?

Five, six, seven years ago, those newspapers and magazines were a staple in my apartment – almost a piece of furniture. Back then, I never felt as if I could relax because I always had a pile to sort through, a stack of newspapers and magazines with hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of facts I expected myself to comprehend and remember. Why couldn’t I? Wasn’t I smart enough? Thinking I wasn’t smart enough, I’d walk to the kitchen and eat some sugar. You can see where this leads – not a good place.

But that was then, this is now. I read what I can every day (depending on my schedule) and then recycle everything because I don’t want the pile in my apartment. It’s just not healthy for me. For some reason, this time around I lost track of my competence, and judged and berated myself for not being perfect. And missed my own deadlines! That’s enough to make me sick, seriously!

I am grateful for realizing what I was doing before I let anything else slip through my fingers. I live and work in my apartment and it is more important than ever that I allow my mind, body and spirit room to think, expand and grow. I owe it to you and the rest of my community, to look and feel my best so I can inspire, educate and empower you to be your best.

I know my triggers and I know how to “recalculate” just like the voice in our GPS devices. I know I say it a lot, but I am so grateful for everything I’ve learned along my wellness journey. I’m taking the right actions again to chart the course to success and accountability. I hope you’ll join me on the adventure.

Next Steps:

1. Take a look at your environment (home/office/car). Is it neat and orderly or cluttered and messy?
2. Think about how you are managing your to-do list. Are you in control or is the list managing your life?
3. Are you overwhelmed? Do you need help? If so, please ask for it. Check in with your spouse/partner or friend or colleague. Let them know you are feeling out-of-control and need help prioritizing your tasks and activities. Asking for help is a strength not a weakness.
4. Take a walk. Go to a yoga class. Take a deep breath and determine what your “iceberg” is and how you can “recalculate” your course and continue to move forward.
5. Breathe.

These steps will help you feel confident in your abilities, take the actions you need to keep moving forward and growing and manage your stress. If you are concerned about your diet or if your lifestyle is not supporting your health and well-being, Contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

In addition, artichokes are a no-fat, no-cholesterol treat offering a myriad of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, chromium, phosphorous, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B3 and B6, folic acid and vitamin C.

Individuals with hypothyroidism will want to take note that artichokes contain a high amount of manganese which enhances thyroid function. It supports the thyroid gland to convert inactive thyroxine into active triiodothyronine (T3), which boosts metabolism and mood (you can’t beat that).

Here’s where the artichoke reaches superstar status:

• They lower cholesterol! The fiber and nutrients found in artichokes help clear the cholesterol from your bloodstream. Bottom line: artichokes raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
• A medium artichoke has more fiber than a cup of prunes! A large artichoke has about a quarter of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Nice to meet you, artichoke.
• Got blood sugar imbalance? Eat an artichoke. There is evidence to show that artichokes help to balance blood sugar and are therefore a good food for diabetics.
• Artichokes stimulate the gall bladder and cause your liver to release more bile. Hmmm, what exactly does that mean? Artichokes are a great digestive aid and can soothe your stomach. And, the release of more bile means less fat in your blood. Good-bye, fat.
• Need help to cure hypertension? Artichokes are rich in potassium so they assist the body in dealing with excess sodium, and if taking anti-hypertensive drugs, can make sure that one doesn’t become potassium deficient.
• Aren’t you ready to go buy and prepare an artichoke for your next meal?

Next Steps:

1. Go food shopping and buy an artichoke (or a few).
2. Watch the videos here to learn how to prepare artichokes.
3. Read this informative blog post about preparing artichokes: simply recipes.com
4. Prepare the recipe for Braised Baby Artichoke with Olives, or simply steam like in the video
5. Enjoy!

These steps will help you keep nutritious and delicious foods at your fingertips. If you are concerned about your diet or if your lifestyle is not supporting your health and well-being, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

- Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.

What is holding you back? Please, think about this question. What have you wanted to achieve that you have not? Weight loss? A new job or promotion? Meeting your true love? The answer is important because you first need to be aware of your thoughts – are you blaming someone else or are you taking responsibility for the choices you’ve made? This isn’t about being right or wrong. It’s about understanding where you are, where you want to be and what you need to do to get there.

On Sunday evening, I watched “Titanic: The Final Word with James Cameron.” Admittedly, I’ve been obsessed with what happened 100 years ago since I saw his movie when it first came out in 1997. There was one part in last night’s broadcast that really struck me (in addition to, of course, the discoveries shared by Cameron and his colleagues). In a scene, Cameron is on camera admitting he depicted something incorrectly in the blockbuster movie – the angle of the ship as it sank. Quickly, however, he added, “Well, we know it’s wrong now. At the time we made the movie, we did the best we could with the information we had.”

Seriously, I wanted to reach through the television screen and hug him. “We did the best we could with the information we had [at the time].” That statement is so liberating. It can free you from regret and shame and make it possible for you to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself. Again, thinking about what is holding you back, perhaps it is the idea that a diet didn’t work and therefore you believe you can never lose weight.

Reflect on a diet you previously followed. It could be that the plan you were on wasn’t right for your body. You didn’t know it at the time, but you weren’t nourishing your body with the nutrients YOUR body needed to thrive. Instead of losing weight, the food you ate caused inflammation and bloating. It’s natural you would be frustrated, but it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your goal to lose weight. And, you don’t need to tell yourself that you did something wrong on the previous diet. Telling yourself you didn’t follow it correctly or that you don’t have any willpower will support your belief that you can’t lose weight.

I encourage you to liberate yourself from these remorseful thoughts. Don’t deprive yourself of the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Understand and appreciate that in the past you did the best you could with the knowledge you had. Now you have new information so you can act in a different manner.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you have done differently? Answering this question can help you to uncover what’s holding you back from the life of your dreams. And remember, it’s about liberating you to see what’s possible, not depriving yourself because of what you did in the past.

Next Steps:

1. Write out a specific goal and why this achievement is important to you.
2. Jot down what you need to do to reach this goal. Have you tried any of these steps in the past?
3. Include notes on what you previously did and the results (positive or negative).
4. Now write about what’s holding you back – what can you do differently this time to achieve the results you desire?

These steps will help you live mindfully, providing you a strong foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. If you are concerned about your diet & lifestyle, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

Do you take life for granted? It happens. Certainly there are times I do (you know I’m not perfect), though I am much more mindful than I used to be. Years ago, I was so worried about the “what ifs” that I didn’t have much time to “stop and smell the roses.” Throughout my wellness journey, I’ve adopted many habits to ensure that I do make time for a spiritual practice. By doing so, I am able to give my body and mind the opportunity to appreciate all that I have and express gratitude; this has enhanced my life greatly.

Sometimes it’s walking around with the sun shining overhead, other times it’s watching the snow create a winter wonderland in New York City. Sometimes it’s going out to my favorite vegan restaurant, other times it’s shopping at the farmers’ market and then creating a delicious plate of vegetables at home. It could be an easy commute to work, a nice compliment at the office, spontaneous plans with a good friend – whatever makes you happy. Appreciate these moments. It’s not only about enjoying the moment; it is about having gratitude for the opportunity.

Have you heard this expression: Yesterday is the past; tomorrow is the future; today is a ‘present’ you give to yourself? We can’t change the past and worrying about what might happen tomorrow isn’t going to change what happens (indeed, planning for the future and possibilities is a very wise thing to do), but staying ‘present’ to the moment is an art and each day we’re alive is a gift. So then, why do we set an alarm to begin each day? Is that a way to express gratitude?

I recently read a story recalled by Chris Widener, a personal development and leadership expert and best-selling author. When he was in college he heard someone refer to an alarm clock as an “opportunity” clock. “It was something that demonstrated to me a positive attitude and the choice to take something that most people dread, and change it into a motivating factor,” said Widener. Think about it – what happens when an alarm goes off? Something bad! Waking up to a new day, on the other hand, is something very good. It’s a blessing and an opportunity – one for which we can all be grateful.

So go ahead, develop an attitude – an attitude of gratitude! Set your opportunity clock each morning to wake up to a new day of possibilities. Appreciate all that you have because it is your expressions of gratitude that will bring more abundance into your life.

Next Steps:

1. Take time to “smell the roses” and appreciate the beauty of life around you.
2. Keep track of your good fortune in a journal. (Remember, each new day is a ‘present’ so make a note of the gifts each day brings.)
3. Make a point of saying “thank you” when someone does something for you – holds the door or the elevator, gives up a seat on the bus, gives you a compliment.
4. Set your opportunity clock to wake you up in the morning for a new day.

These steps will help you live mindfully, providing you a strong foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being. If you are concerned about your diet and overwhelmed lifestyle, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

Good intentions.

Now I know better. I know that being uncomfortable is OK and asking questions is a smart thing to do, not a weakness. As I said last week, I have a lot of compassion for those who are afraid of the unknown. It’s scary and requires a lot of faith to move forward.

Let’s take a look at our health and well-being. You know you want to eat more nutritious food and really practice self-care. It’s just that the concept seems overwhelming because there’s a lot of work to be done. And the unknown: What if you change your eating habits? Will you like your food? Will people look at you funny? Will it be a lot of work? Will it be expensive?

Remember, the intention is there. You want to eat more healthily and take good care of yourself. But you’ve got questions. Take the first step…answer the questions.

What if you change your eating habits? If you do, you do. Good for you. You have the power to decide what to eat. If something doesn’t allow you to be your best (bloating, headaches, fatigue), why eat it? And if you know you need to stop eating at a certain time so you digest dinner before going to sleep, what if you change your late-night dinner time? If the end result is more restful sleep, isn’t it worth it?

Will you like your food? There are so many different foods to try when following a healthy diet. To be honest, some you may like and others you may not. You will, however, not lack for food. It’s like an on-going experiment. You try something new. If you like it – great – and you will eat it again. If you don’t like it – OK – you won’t eat it again. Haven’t you ever gone to a restaurant and tried a dish for the sake of trying something new and then not like it? You got over it, right? You tried and then knew you didn’t want to order it again. The same is true when thinking about new, healthier food options. It’s like the expression “live and learn” except it’s “eat” and learn.

Will people look at you funny? Hard to say – they might. And if you’re like I used to be, this may really bother you. I always felt judged and certainly didn’t want to do anything to put myself in a position to be judged. Now, I’ve learned that if someone looks at me funny, it’s more about them than me. They see something in me they want, so they judge me. I’ve learned to stand strong in my convictions. I know that eating the foods I eat helps me to live healthier and perform at my best. I need to stand in that space and sometimes that means bringing food with me to an event or family gathering. You do have the power and strength to stand strong for what you believe – especially if it’s about your health and well-being.

Will it be a lot of work? Like the previous question, it might be but it doesn’t have to be. Do you like to be in the kitchen and try new foods and new preparation methods? Do you have a well-stocked health food store in your neighborhood? Have you looked online at the many web stores that ship healthy food products? The key is to approach it as something you WANT to do not something you HAVE to do. Smart out simple. Vary your breakfast choices. Don’t go for the muffin and coffee every day. Try a smoothie, or an omelet, or granola. See, that wasn’t a lot of work.

Will it be expensive? It doesn’t have to be. There are foods you can buy in bulk such as quinoa, lentils and oatmeal. And there are lots of foods you won’t be buying anymore. When I think of the money I used to spend on gummy bears – oh my! Just because you may not buy everything organic all at once doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it to take a more healthful approach to your life. Follow the same rule as the previous question. Start simple. Make one change, then another and then another.

Next Steps:

1. Set your intention for the week. What is one thing you would like to accomplish between now and next Wednesday?
2. What has stopped you from accomplishing this goal in the past?
3. Identify the questions that come up for you.
4. Take time to think through the answers so you have the strength to proceed with your intention.
5. Celebrate your accomplishment!

These steps will support you to set your healthy intentions and follow through for the sake of your well-being. If you are concerned about your nutrition and lifestyle routines and know you want to do things differently so you can be your best every day, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

I’m happy. I love my life. I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to start my day.

But last week I thought, enough is enough! Stop saying it. Stop telling everyone. There’s so much sadness and tragedy in the world. People don’t want to hear about how much you love life. And for goodness sake, don’t post it on facebook.

Then I realized I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t share my happiness. There was a long period in my life when I walked around stressed and anxious, afraid of the next phone call and dreading Monday morning (not that I enjoyed the weekend because there was always more work to do). Gummy bears and Swedish fish were my friends and they were available whenever I needed them – morning, noon and night. And they were so non-judgmental.

Sometimes I think about that time in my life and it doesn’t always make sense. Why would a well-educated, successful businesswoman in a job she loved, living in the greatest city in the world (I’m a biased New Yorker), not love life? And not value her life to the point that she would sabotage her health and well-being in an effort to “be more” and “achieve more” in life? The saying, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” is often used for a reason; we’re conditioned to want what someone else has. I was at the front of the that line – on the curb looking across the street with the burning desire to do whatever I needed to get to the greener grass (while eating sugar and drinking a diet coke for energy).

I’d get to the other side and still not feel satisfied. There was yet another street and more grass on the other side. I had to work harder and harder to keep getting to the greener grass. It got to the point where I had to make changes. I could no longer live in fear of the unknown and wishing and hoping that I would be “pretty enough” and “skinny enough” and “smart enough” like “everyone” else. And I certainly couldn’t continue eating gummy bears, Swedish fish, peppermint patties and SnackWell’s cookies and drinking diet coke.

This brings up another popular expression – which came first the chicken or the egg? Which came first – the stress or the pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream?

I’ve worked hard to build my self-esteem, to understand who I am and what I bring to the world and to appreciate others for their unique gifts and perspective. I continue to invest in myself and am proud to be mentored by very successful people who have also turned their lives around. It can be done. Believe me; the effort is well worth it.

I know that our journeys happen at different times. Not everyone is on the same trajectory. It is for this reason that I support various charities and philanthropic organizations. I am happy to “give back” and encourage others to visualize their goals and dreams and create a path to their version of fulfillment.

When I share my happiness, whether with my Bravo! Wellness community or the world at large on social media, I do it with a lot of love in my heart for everyone who has and continues to support my journey. Gratitude is behind every word. So is compassion. I want to reach out and touch all those who aren’t feeling their best, who may not feel worthy of success and love, and, like a fairy godmother, let them know they have the power within to be and achieve all that they desire in life.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write a least 3-5 things for which you are grateful.
   
2. Breathe and concentrate on living life in the present moment.
   
3. Notice if you find yourself turning to sugar and other comfort foods during stressful times.

These steps will support you to see your value in the world and to those around you. What could be more nourishing? Would it help you to talk about this? If you are concerned about your nutrition and lifestyle routines and know you want to do things differently so you can be your best every day, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

Well, I could have, but I felt unbelievably guilty.

I met up with four friends from college with whom I started a dance company, Danceworks. It is now the largest student club at Syracuse University! I rode in a cab with Marie and she and I discussed nutrition (does that surprise you?). Marie had a lot of questions and I’m always happy to talk about healthy living. As we were getting out of the cab downtown, the driver turned around and said, “I loved listening to your nutrition talk. I eat wheat-free and dairy-free and I’ve never felt better!”  What a way to kick-off the night.

The five of us enjoyed a delicious dinner and great conversation. We went around the table and spoke up about our fondest memory of Danceworks. In addition to the feeling of “home” and camaraderie we all experienced each and every time we were in the dance studio, we smiled at the memory of performing “Thriller” outside during a fire drill. Yes, we were rehearsing in full make-up and costume for Michael Jackson’s masterpiece when we had to exit the dance studio because of a fire drill. What’s a dancer supposed to do in full make-up and costume? Perform! And so we did – think of it as a precursor to what we know today as a flash mob.

After this conversation we had to go out dancing, which we did until 2:30 in the morning. Seriously, on the night we “spring forward” and lose an hour sleep we stay out until 2:30? Oh yes, we closed the place (which surprised me since we were in NYC, the city that never sleeps).

At some point during the evening, my friend Nancy and I decided we were going to the gym together on Sunday. After not going to be until after 4, I slept until 11am. I woke up thinking, “Am I really meeting Nancy for a workout?” That’s the great thing about a buddy system – you support each other to do what is best. And it was a gorgeous spring day in New York, so I did want to get outside.

Nancy and I met at the gym, enjoyed a heart-healthy cardio workout and smiled as we spoke about the previous evening. We were both feeling on top of the world and didn’t want our time together to end. So, we took a nice walk down Third Avenue, first stopping so she could buy healthy vegetables for her dinner and then I went to The Juice Press to pick up my favorites juices to start off the week. At this point, it was time to say goodbye.

I walked home, holding my yummy green juices and soaking in the sun and warm weather. People were probably wondering why I was smiling so broadly. I was blissfully happy. I must add that while I was out with Nancy, Keith was home during the laundry. Seriously, does it get any better than that? I’m out enjoying myself and my husband is home doing the laundry. He is keeper! I started thinking about how I wanted to capture the feelings of joy and gratitude and share on Facebook.

And then I felt as if I’d been punched in the stomach. It was the anniversary of the devastating earthquake/tsunami in Japan. Towns in the middle of the United States have just recently been ravaged by tornadoes, not to mention Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which endured a similar disaster in 2011. So many lives have been lost in Afghanistan. And the list could go on and on. There is so much tragedy in the world. What would I sound like if I wrote on Facebook about how extraordinary my life is?

To be continued…

Next Steps:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write a least 3-5 things for which you are grateful.
   
2. Plan an evening with friends. Appreciate the people in your life and enjoy your time together.
   
3. Write a letter to a long-distance friend. Ask him/her how they are, what’s new and good in their life? Celebrate your connection.

These steps will support you to see your value in the world and to those around you. What could be more nourishing? Would it help you to talk about this? If you are concerned about your nutrition and lifestyle routines and know you want to do things differently so you can be your best every day, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

Overwhelmed – just writing the word makes me anxious.

Think about some of the technology we have now (depending on your age, you may or may not have lived without any of these): ATM machines, television with hundreds of channels, DVR, cell phones, digital voicemail, and, of course, the internet/email. All of this is supposed to make our lives easier, and in many ways it does. But, in other ways, all of this technology adds to our to-do list, often leading to feelings of worry, stress, anxiety and depression.

A key to overcoming overload is to take 100% responsibility for your life. That is not to say that being overwhelmed is “your fault,” but it does mean that you are the only person who can get yourself out of it. “Take 100% Responsibilty For Your Life” is the first chapter in Jack Canfield’s (co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series) national bestseller, The Success Principles. Why? Because it is the foundation upon which you can build the life you want.

Imagine this scenario: You joined a gym to get in shape. You haven’t gone yet because you are too tired in the morning – you are out late every night with friends who, you say, make you feel badly if you don’t join them. Or, you stay up late every night watching television and then hit the snooze button one too many times. Or, you work late every night, eat dinner late and then stay up past midnight to decompress from the long day. (I can absolutely relate to this one. Can you?)

Now, let’s envision the above scenarios and change the outcome by taking responsibility for our lives:

1. Friends want you to join them for dinner and then hang out at the bar. Though you enjoy spending time with your friends, your goal is to get in shape and you really want to go to the gym in the morning. You know you will be too tired if you go out after work. Instead of allowing peer pressure to overwhelm you, explain to your friends that you will join them one or two nights during the week, but the other nights you want to get home early, relax and get to sleep early so you can go to the gym in the morning before work. That is an example of taking 100% responsibility for your life and then you can have the best of both worlds – time with your friends and time at the gym.  The result: a happier, healthier more physically fit YOU.
2. You stay up too late watching television and then hit the snooze button too many times in the morning. Now, you have to get ready for work and once again you missed the opportunity to go to the gym. Think about what you are watching – are you engrossed in history-making programs that will change the course of the world as we know it? Or, are you watching dramas about other people’s lives to escape the realities of your own? Get real with yourself and take responsibility for your life. Watch a comedy that makes you laugh and relax, then get into bed and read for a bit. You will fall asleep earlier and be rested to get up for the gym the next morning. What result can you generate in this scenario?
3. Overwhelmed at work – working late every night becomes the norm and you are not eating dinner until 8, 9 or sometimes 10 o’clock in the evening. Take control. Think about why you are working late. Are you getting enough support from your boss, colleagues and staff? Have you talked to your boss about how stressed you are because you cannot get your job done in a reasonable amount of time during the workday? Of course, this may be a difficult conversation, but one that is necessary for you to take 100% responsibility for your life. I can tell you from experience, this conversation can yield greatness in you that you never thought possible.

I understand the above scenarios, in which you take 100% responsibility for your life, may not seem easy to do. Start slowly and create habits which shift your perspective on your life. Taking responsibility for small shifts will give you the confidence to make a transformation for your best life.

Next Steps: 

1. First and foremost, breathe. Write down some excuses you’ve used for not being your best you.
2. Now, write out ways you can eliminate those excuses to create healthy, nourishing habits.
3. Pick one to concentrate on for the next month. Once you are comfortable with this new habit, start with another modification to take 100% responsibility for your life.

These steps will help you understand how you can take responsibility for your health and well-being. If you are concerned about your nutrition and lifestyle routines and know you want to do things differently so you can be your best every day, contact me or call 413-282-7286.  At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.

[Did you miss my interview with Dr. Mark Hyman Monday night? If so, register here and I'll send you the recording.]

Dr. Hyman coined the term diabesity to refer to the combination of these symptoms – slightly elevated blood sugar and a few extra pounds around the middle. It is a progressive condition which spans a broad spectrum of serious metabolic dysfunctions that are triggered by the emergence of insulin resistance.

Diabesity may begin with a hardly noticeable spike in your blood sugar. Left untreated, however, it is the single biggest cause of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, dementia, and premature death in America today! The fact is this sugar problem can kill you long before it reaches full-blown diabetes. The good news, there is a healthy, simple way to reverse high blood sugar AND Type-2 diabetes and counteract the insulin resistance that is often the root cause of weight gain, fatigue, mental fog, depression, and overall weakened immune system.

The book I’ve been talking about, Dr. Hyman’s The Blood Sugar Solution, is now available. It is based on decades of clinical experience with over 10,000 patients. It begins with a series of quizzes that enable you to look inside your body and determine which systems are causing your blood sugar imbalances. Your answers will provide you with a personalized set of dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations that you implement one at a time during the eight-week program.

Keep in mind, genetic research shows that insulin resistance is almost 100% preventable and curable, even if diabetes has run in your family for generations. With this extra day in the year, isn’t it time to take a quantum leap with your health and wellness? With The Blood Sugar Solution, you really can:

• Pass every blood test with an A+
• Melt away the extra fat and end junk food cravings forever
• Feel years younger with energy that surges through your veins
• Lift your spirits and get off the emotional “roller coaster” for good
• Take a huge step in preventing diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cander
• Eliminate the need for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure medication

Follow the “D” plan – make a DECISION to DEFEAT the DANGER of DIABESITY by taking control of your health and well-being today. Read The Blood Sugar Solution: The UltraHealthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Diabetes, and Feeling Great Now! by Dr. Mark Hyman. It will change your life. It may even save your life.

Next Steps:

1. Read Dr. Hyman’s book. I promise it will be worth your time.
2. If you are not already exercising, commit to 30 minutes a day (as always, check with your doctor before beginning any physical activity).
3. Make a decision to live your best life now and do whatever it takesto be healthy and happy.
4. Share this information with family, friends and colleagues. Dr. Hyman is going to shift the health paradigm in the United States and around the world.

These steps will empower you to make healthy choices and influence the people around you. If you are concerned about your nutrition and lifestyle routines and know you want to do things differently, contact me at jodi@bravowellness.com or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.