Ride The Wave

Ride the Wave this Summer!

We often believe that when we hit our healthy weight, we will be free from cravings once and for all. Unfortunately, environmental triggers, physiological triggers, emotional triggers, and addictive triggers will still be hiding around some unsuspecting corner. The problem arises when we feel like a failure simply because we really want to eat that piece of cake or fast food that we know will stimulate the addictive eating area of the brain, sending us into a mindless eating frenzy.

Well, stop the demoralizing mind chatter, and realize that you will never be able to eliminate being exposed to triggers or cravings. The goal is to eliminate the affect and power these triggers have on your actions. Keep building your tools and strength, and you will soon find that desire trumps those cravings and triggers.

I like to compare cravings to riding a wave. They come in big and strong, but when you ride them out, they lose all strength and power. Each time you master a craving, it is like mastering that big wave: You become better skilled and masterful. It soon becomes natural.

Remember, cravings are common for all of us; they are not a sign of weakness or failure. Ride the wave with patience and persistence, and feel your own strength as the wave loses all power.

Memorial Day mind chatter

Next week is Memorial Day, where we honor those who have carved the way, creating the road for the present generation. For many people, Memorial Day is a sad, morbid holiday, which focuses on death and the dead. But for me, Memorial Day is a celebration of hard work and sacrifice – not only of our service men, but all those before us who made our personal lives better. Another reason I love Memorial Day is it kicks off summer! Yea, finally the end of short days and bad weather and the promise of sunny, carefree days of summer.

It is also the beginning of fewer layers of clothing, lots of parties, and the realization that perhaps you are not too happy with what has become of your physique over the winter. So, let’s make a choice. What is your mind chatter going to be? I’m a slob; I can’t go anywhere; I can’t enjoy the fun activities of summer because of my body; I’ve done it again! Or is it going to be: Yea, fresh fruit, in season vegetables, lots of fun movement, and social gatherings that feed me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Choose the latter; it will make all the difference in your ability to be healthy. Negative mind chatter will always lead you to the quick fix – food. Positive mind chatter will always lead you to healthy choices and a happier life.

This Memorial Day, make a choice. Choose to focus on celebrating life, great sacrifice, and a great life. Kick off the summer with positive mind chatter, focusing on good food, friends, family, and good health!