4 Tips for a Slim Holiday Season
I know that Christmas is fast approaching. This is a struggle for many people who
imagine a thinner silhouette. I have a few tips up my sleeve to help you get through
the next couple of weeks with out destroying your fun!
#1 DON’T CUT OUT THE COMFORT FOOD.
Often the first things to go when “on a diet” is the comfort food.
With Eat, Shrink & Be Happy, you’re not on a diet. BUT you may be tempted to cut out all chocolate, sugar, potatoes and bread. DON’T DO IT!
In my own experience, the moment I tell myself, “Kim, you know you said you wouldn’t eat that,” that is ALL I can think about. It occupies my entire mind space. Then what happens? … I end up sitting down and eating an entire bag of crackers and brie!
Don’t fall into that trap! There is nothing that will test your will power and your
sanity more, than cutting out comfort food.
Try this instead: Don’t cut it out. Allow yourself to eat whatever you want, but
pay attention to every bite. Notice the flavor and texture and enjoy every bit of
it. You’ll notice you eat a lot less because you are aware when you’re satisfied and you
just naturally stop eating.
#2 NOTICE WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY. BUT if you’re going to eat it anyway:
“I’m not hungry but I’m going to eat this anyway.”
Another corner-stone of my action guide is to constantly check in and see
whether you’re hungry or not. Sometimes you aren’t hungry, but have a
craving anyway. Decide that you’re going to eat it. Say it out loud. (Go
into the bathroom so people don’t think you’re nuts) and repeat:
“I’m not hungry but I’m going to eat this anyway.”
Then promise yourself that you’re going to enjoy every last bit. AND
promise yourself you will not feel guilty afterward. This doesn’t work if you eat it
and then beat yourself up. That will just cause more emotional cravings.
#3 PRESENTATION IS KEY.
Something that looks beautiful and has a beautiful name is going to
taste better. It is also going to make you feel more satisfied.
Think of 2 restaurants: A fast food chain, they name their signature
hamburger….a hamburger.
Now think of a really fancy restaurant.
They might also have a hamburger, with the very same ingredients
(basically) and it is called something like a “Texan’s Choice Sirloin
Beef Steak Burger”.
What makes your mouth water more? What do you think will satisfy
you more? Yep. The fancy one.
So if you are hosting the holiday meal, come up with some interesting
names for some of your dishes. (Think “Gourmet Frenched Green Bean
Casserole, and 12 Whole Grain, Cranberry and Almond Stuffing.
You guests will be wowed (they will think you put more work into it
and they’ll think it tastes better) and you will be satisfied with less, because
you have tricked your brain into thinking it’s better quality.
#4 20% RULE
This is probably the easiest to do (in theory). You can eat 20% more
or less and your stomach doesn’t notice. They have actually done
studies on this.
This is great news now that you know it. SO put 20% less on your plate
than you think you will want to eat. (You might try to hold back 1 scoop of
mashed potatoes, and 2 pieces of turkey instead of 3).
Don’t try to put 50% less. You will notice, then you’ll go back for seconds
and the point of this is wasted. 20% will do. Then eat it, savoring it.
Set the intention to eat only until you are no longer hungry and enjoy
every second!
Hopefully those tips will have you thinking in a more relaxed way. Have
a plan in mind to tackle the next couple of weeks. The holidays don’t
have to be a struggle for you!
Remember that you are fabulous exactly as you are right now. And
that you’re doing the best you can. Your perfect body is the one you’re in.
In 6 months she might weigh less, but she will still be the same person.
Relax. Use a smaller plate, a taller glass and enjoy every minute of
these wonderful days!
Interested in more tips for surviving the holiday food-fest? Check out the Eat, Shrink, and Be Happy Action Guide. Not a diet book, it will help you to accept yourself, love yourself and lose weight while you admire the wonderful women in the mirror!
Want to use this in your eZine or on your blog? That’s fine as long as you don’t alter it in any way and include the following:
Kimberly Englot is the Authentic-Life Coach, & CEO of Authentic Self Personal Development. Her VIP Coaching and group programs will teach you to discover your authentic self and be free to change careers, find relationships, lose weight and pursue greatness! Clear away 6 years of “baggage” in 6 weeks with The Master LIFE Cleanse.
How is Your Inner Bombshell?
Self Esteem and Self Acceptance…how are you doing in that area?
In my work, I learn a lot about acceptance, and the importance of loving yourself. This is probably the #1 thing that women struggle with when trying to claim their authentic self.
You’re probably questioning a few things: 
- What will my best friend think…
- My husband will think I’m crazy…
- She will judge me…
- What if she doesn’t like me anymore…
- What if my family thinks I’ve changed…
- What If I don’t like the real me?
All of those fears come to the surface. However, when you have confidence in yourself and you trust that everything will work out, you don’t have to fear the unknown anymore!
Get to know and love your inner bombshell. Everything about her. Her weight, and body size. The way she snorts when she laughs. All of those things that you see as imperfections are actually unique traits that you hold, and things you should embrace! There is nothing wrong with improvement, as long as you start from the headspace that you are already okay. You are doing it to grow, not to make yourself better (that implies there is something wrong with you right now).
All of those areas are the expertise of Gigi Belmonico. She is an image consultant who helps women discover their inner Bombshell! This week on Authentic Self radio, Gigi is going to define what a Bombshell is, and to be one when you don’t like your body, or don’t have a lot of time or money! Gigi is a women I have come to admire for her authenticity and spirit (and she is a lot of fun!) I cannot wait for you to hear this interview!
Tune in to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authentic-self October 28 at 4:30 MT (3:30 PT, 5:30 CT, 6:30 ET) for a lot of laughs and insight!
Happiness and Self Acceptance
I have my Authentic Self show this afternoon. The show, “Eat Shrink and Be Happy” is roughly based on the action guide I wrote, but it’s not really about weight loss (the action guide or the Authentic Self show). It’s deeper that that. I wonderful colleague of mine talked about “weight acceptance”, I put it in terms of self esteem, self love and self acceptance. It’s a guide to happiness: body mind and spirit! I’m talking about how to be happy no matter what while answering some questions that people have been sending me regarding authentic weight loss.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When you’re unhappy with your outer appearance how can you get to a place of happiness in your whole life? One simple tip to remember: you are not your thoughts. You don’t need to believe everything your mind tells you. It’s your mind causing you pain. It’s telling you you’re not skinny enough, that you shouldn’t have eaten that brownie and that you should now feel guilty because of it. Its your mind that is getting upset over the number on the scale.
Here’s the thing, you’re not any of those things! You are not the number on the scale, the brownie or the guilt. You don’t have to look in the mirror with loathing — all of those things are a complete illusion. I know right you’re thinking I’m crazy. You might be swearing at me, thinking I’m just some skinny brat who has no idea what she’s talking about. That’s fine, you can take your anger out on me…but that will not change a thing.
Thoughts are the ONLY reason you are struggling in life. Whether it’s general unhappiness, dissatisfying career or relationships, or physical ailments, your thoughts are bringing you more unhappiness than is necessary. What if you decided that today you’re going to just be happy? What if you decided to look in the mirror and list the things you love about yourself rather than what you hate? What if you decided to show your body some gratitude and go for a walk instead of watching tv until you went to bed? What if instead of complaining you made a list of things you were grateful for? I bet that after 3 weeks of doing this, you’d notice a difference in how you feel. Something crazy happens when you stop believing all of your thoughts…your perspective changes. When your perspective changes, so do your circumstances. It takes time and effort, but that one little tip is the thing that is going to make the biggest difference in your entire life. Like a muscle or any new task you want to learn, exercise and practice makes perfect!
Try it. Let me know how it goes. And if you want to believe that I’m just some crazy person, that’s okay too, everything in life is a choice.
If you decide to change your thoughts, start by listening to Authentic Self: Eat Shrink and Be Happy at 3:30 PT / 6:30 ET today, or listen to the archives later. Also grab your own free copy of my Authentic Weight Loss Report, at http://www.kimberlyenglot.com/weightlossreport before Friday! As of August 28, 2009 at 11:59 ET this free report is disappearing for good. Grab yours today!
Discover Your Authentic Life
“The Authentic Self headquarters has been ‘a buzz.’” Find out why!
Discover Your Authentic Self
Video #5 How do you feel about you?
Video #4 Success Leaves Clues!! Do you know how to find them?
Video #3
Discover Your Authentic Self
Video #2
Last night I got really inspired to create a video. So I did. I was my regular, authentic self on a Sunday night. I didn’t do my hair. I didn’t change out of my university sweatshirt. I did do something that I was passionate about–talk about the authentic self!!! You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to do it!
Authentic Life and Happiness Tip#1
I think I need to preface this blog post by saying that I don’t just make this stuff up (well some of it comes from my authentic self, but that’s another blog). I actually test out everything I talk about in my programs, books, exercises and blogs. I’m not just out here playing pretend. With that said…
I was working through an action guide (part of Bob Doyle’s Boundless Living Challenge) because I wanted to check it out and see if it would be useful to my clients, and anyone who reads my blogs. Its a brilliant action guide full of great idea, information and very helpful questions.
Anyway, I was filling it out, thinking about my own life the past year and all of the ups/downs/surprises that have come with it. One of the exercises I found particulary helpful was writing a letter. Basically I was required to write a letter to myself, telling me all about my success throughout the year. Not necessarily bragging (although there is nothing wrong with a confidence or self-esteem booster exercise) but definitely stating the things I should be proud of. I was also supposed to give myself permission to let things go. To stop holding on to mistakes, or things that I should have done but didn’t get to. Once completed, it left me with a page long letter to myself. It was the perfect exercise to get me back in the moment, but also to congratulate myself on my success and let go of any unresolved punishment.
I encourage you to do the same. We get into a habit of focusing so much on what we’ve done wrong. Take time to acknowledge what you’ve done (and are doing right!). You’ll feel great after, it will shift your focus and your energy and you have something to look back on when you need a bit of happiness in your day.
Try it.
Weight Loss & The Law Of Attraction
What’s the “Secret” to weight loss?
Unfortunately according to the Law of Attraction, the more you focus on needing to lose weight, the more weight you need to lose. Until you are okay with your body as it is, you’re going to struggle with your weight. That is how the Law of Attraction works.
You might be saying, “But how am I supposed to lose 30 lbs if I don’t focus on losing weight?” or “I don’t like myself right now, I’ll like myself when…” There is a key phrase in that last thought, I will like myself when… The thing about the LOA is that if you constantly aim to like yourself when, you will never like yourself. You need to lose the weight in your mind first. If you don’t do that, you’ll never be satisfied with yourself, and will always feel like something is missing.
Once you lose the weight in your mind, and start to feel good about who you are, you will lose the weight off your body. You won’t need to follow strict diets, continuously read about weight loss tips or quick ways to lose inches. You will automatically make better choices and because you’re finally happy you won’t eat when you are bored, angy or loney. Your self esteem will increase. You will want to move and “exercise” because it feels good.
You have to learn to love yourself first. Weight loss is that simple. (I didn’t claim it was easy).
You can learn more about how to do that if you go to http://www.kimberlyenglot.com/weightlossreport and download your free 10 page report.
Authentic Weight Loss. Be the perfect-sized YOU!
It’s a marvelous Monday morning and the wheels in my head are really turning! I was speaking with a client yesterday and her own break throughs actually released a pile of energy and creativity in me…I love how that happens, anyway…
I was thinking about the area of weight loss and how it’s a billion dollar industry. I was also thinking about my own weight. I will be perfectly honest and say that I am not overweight. I could probably afford to loose 10 lbs according the the BMI chart (don’t get me started) but I have finally reached a place where I am okay with my body as it is.
I have, though, been on the other side, where I was considered over-weight. At one point several years ago (a very low point) I worked at a weight loss clinic where they told me I was fat and needed to lose weight if I wanted to keep working there. Funny thing is that I only weighed 5 lbs more that what I weigh now.
What did this do? Well besides destroying my self esteem, I became obsessive and attracted more weight (gotta love how that LOA works!). I gained almost 25lbs in 8 months because of that atmosphere (which I was only in for 10 weeks. I couldn’t work for a place that destroyed self-esteem like that). But the results of working in an environment that focused on what is wrong with people was hard to leave behind. I went from being a perfectly normal, non-fat woman, to being considered dangerously over-weight.
My doc was worried and we worked together to get it under control. My secret? Eat when I’m hungry. That’s all it was. The weight came off easily. Took about 6 months to lose all of it. But that’s what I did.
It’s amazing what happens when you look at your life, get off autopilot and start participating! Now I no longer have a weight issue. I’m not perfect. I feel envious looking at magazine and watching TV, but I’m okay with myself. I can gain 5 lbs and not freak out because I know I can easily lose it. Because I live my life authentically, as as consciously as possible, I have automatically become the perfect-sized me!
I don’t stress about it, and (gotta love that LOA!) now I am a good weight for me!
Look for an article in the next week on how to do this.
Get Out Self Doubt!
By Kimberly Englot
Everyone suffers from self doubt. Everyone. Even the most successful person in the world occassionally has self doubt, it’s part of being human and having a functioning brain!
I have a feeling that self doubt starts off as a good thing…it keeps you safe as a child. Your mother may have constantly been warning you to be wary of strangers and to always look before you cross the street. As you got older, the need for those safety precautions disappeared, but they stayed with you!
You are constantly watching and limiting your behaviour. Don’t say that you might look foolish! Don’t wear that, it makes you look fat! Don’t read that you’re not smart enough! Don’t…Don’t…Don’t!
All of these don’t are your brain’s way of keeping you safe, and they work in a not-good way! Sometimes safe isn’t good! There are certain ways in which safe keeps you small and stagnant. You cannot grow and learn if you’re always safe.
I guarantee that if you talk to anyone you consider to be successful they will tell you that they take risks! They might be calculated risks, but they’re still risks! (And there lies the key to success, the calculated risk….but that’s another blog post…) .
I do something that scares me at least a couple of times per week. Not in the range of jumping out of an airplane or mountain climbing, but something that definately stretches my comfort zone! The whole time leading up to the actual “scary event” I’m aware of my limiting beliefs. And I know they’re there…I hear the self doubt chattering, but I don’t get involved in it. I don’t let it become the truth! With each scary thing that you conquer you will see your self esteem grow!
“Feel the fear and do it anyway” Susan Jeffers
Do you have life clutter?
By Kimberly Englot
With spring around the corner, and spring cleaning on my mind, I have been thinking about the clutter I have building up in my basement. It is physical clutter, textbooks from university, recycling I haven\’t taken in yet, and old clothes that need to be donated to charity. The physical clutter affects my mental space, too. It is there, always in the back of my mind, and I must admit, I am procrastinating clearing it out.
What kind of clutter are you allowing in your life? Take some time to reassess what you have that you\’re putting off or allowing to take up extra space.
Physical Clutter:
- Are you saving old newspapers or magazines that you won\’t read, just incase you think you will want to read them again…some day?
- Is your closet bursting with things you don\’t like or wear? Do you have items that don\’t fit properly or are stained or ripped?
- When was the last time you cleaned out your pantry, fridge or freezer?
- Can you park the car in the garage…or is it time for a garage sale?
Mental Clutter:
- Are you finances a mess? Do you open your bills when they come in the mail, or do you just toss them away without looking at them?
- What does your home office or desk look like? Are you able to think with miscellaneous loose paper scattered everywhere?
- Are you holding resentments towards certain people? Or are you trying to do everything and feel like you can\’t accomplish anything?
These are just a few of the things you should think about when you assess your life clutter! Take a deeper look. What do you have in your life that you don\’t absolutely love, need, or want? Anything that doesn\’t fit into those categories should be cleared away. Think about all categories. (It might help for you to get a copy of the Authentic Life Checklist, you can get a copy by signing up for my newsletter at www.kimberlyenglot.com).
Clutter comes down to not valuing yourself, your life and your personal space. If you felt like you deserved a clean, organized closet (and this was important to you) you\’d have one. You likely spend your life running around for others and have forgotten to put yourself back on your priorities list. So, put yourself back on it! Figure out what you want for your life, and then get rid of what won\’t help you get there! This helps you clean out both mental and physical clutter. You\’ll have more energy and feel great. I promise.
