Discipline and Perseverance Beats Talent...Pondering The Way Forward

Discipline beats talent...words I heard spoken on a training call last week.  The speaker was explaining that discipline, steadfast adherence to your plan will win over raw talent.  This got me to thinking...especially over this past weekend while I was doing another two day cleanse.

How many of us, myself included tend to fail, not because we do not have the talent to succeed, but because we find ourselves lacking the discipline to persevere when the going gets tough...especially when it comes to dieting, losing weight?  It was not like I woke up one day and said, "I want to be fat".  It was a process, and being honest with myself, a process that involved "lack of discipline" on my part...despite my ever expanding gut, despite the lack of energy and the lethargic reality of my life, I did what it was that I wanted to do, ate and drank what I wanted do, exhibiting zero SELF CONTROL...another way of saying I was exhibiting no self discipline.

My own journey of self reclamation is teaching me self self discipline...but what if there is more to the word, and the concept of discipline?  Why was I succeeding in my dieting this time, when I had failed so many times before...the clue's to my answer could be found in looking up the word online.

Discipline as defined is systematic instruction intended to train a person in a craft, trade or other activity, or to follow a particular code of conduct or "order".

But then I read further...

Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order–that is, ensuring instructions are carried out is often regulated through punishment.

I was ALWAYS TAUGHT and TOLD, that successful dieting requires self control and discipline...what if subconsciously we fail at our diets because of our interpretation of that phrase, ""Successful dieting requires self control and discipline"?  Could it be, that we see dieting AS PUNISHMENT for years of no self control? Could it be we resent dieting because it is seen as a PUNISHMENT, and could it be that I am actually succeeding this time around because I have seen my Isagenix program, the products the company has created not as dieting, but instead as a means to getting healthy?  Like the old adage says, change the mental picture, change the results.

If you are lost, just stay with me another couple of minutes...

None of us are perfect, and we all put on weight for various personal reasons...poor food choices (some times voluntary, sometimes not), eating as a means to find comfort, and though we maybe do not want to admit it, eating to hide ourselves or make ourselves less attractive...think abuse.  I myself looking back think I indulged myself for a few reasons...

1.  I've known starvation...not hunger, but starvation.  When I was a child, times were more than rough, and there were some periods of time when a few potatoes shared among seven of us, or some oatmeal was all there was for supper at night even though we had not eaten all day.

2.  As a child, food was used as a weapon by my father...getting a beating was bad enough, but imagine getting a beating and then being sent to bed without supper.  

3.  Food was/is a emotional comfort for me...I used to hoard treats such as cookies, carefully hiding my secret stash, and then late at night under my blankets allowing myself to break off one little piece, savoring it like manna from heaven.

Looking back on all of this I can understand some things.  Firstly, sitting here today I can see why I have avoided anything to do with discipline...to me, subconsciously discipline meant not just punishment, but a beating.  Sitting here now, though he has been dead for some years can hear my fathers voice as he screamed across the table, "Get your ass down stairs son, I'm going to show you some discipline you will not soon forget."  The word was a trigger...still is.

Looking back over these past four months, realize I am doing more than just losing weight.  I am, though self assessment looking at some very hard truths, and after close examination am doing some very important things as I make changes in my life and attitudes:

1.  I am understanding my past relationship with food, and in some ways redefining that relationship.   Food in my life and my view of it has always existed on the far opposite ends of the spectrum...finally, through some hard work I am finding a nice comfortable middle ground that lets me love it, rather than using it as an emotional crutch.

2.  I find myself redefining, or perhaps using a different word than discipline...I have always seen discipline as meaning punishment, and in turn punishment meant beatings, and therefore discipline meant beatings...is it any wonder then that I have rebelled against discipline of any sort in my life?  Some would say, You need some discipline" or "You need some self discipline" and every cell in my being instantly heard "BEATINGS".  

Change the mental picture, change the results.

Sorting Through Old Baggage

What triggers from your past have kept you from being successful in dieting, in losing weight, in getting healthy and happy?  Could something as simple as redefining the journey be all that is needed for you to find that beautiful person who is hiding inside of you?  For me, the word discipline was not working, and on some levels is still not working for me...so rather than run from dieting, I've chosen to re-frame the discussion, chosen to find words that work for me, that allow me to find the success I deserve.  Some examples...

1.  Successful dieting is as simple as believing in yourself (myself).

2.  Self control and dedication will always see you through to your goals.

What emotional triggers are holding you back in accomplishing your goals...in dieting...in life?

Burgers Fit For Oscar!...So Good!

OK...tonight everyone is going to be glued to their sofas to watch the Oscar's...well, maybe not everyone, but a lot of us.  So, thought I would put up a few pictures for the perfect BURGER...maybe I should get in on the excitement and call it "The Oscar Burger"!

 Start with some really good chopped meat...here I am using ground Sirloin, about three quarters of a pound worth divided into four thin patties.  Once made, add your own favorite spices.

 

Place a generous amount of Blue Cheese on two of the patties, and take out three Portobello mushrooms, that you are going to finely chop.

 

 See chopped mushrooms...put a generous amount of the mushrooms on top of the Blue Cheese on each of the two burgers.

Carefully place a thin pattie over the one's with Blue Cheese on them, and work them into two nice thick patties stuff with Blue Cheese and Portobello mushrooms. 

 

Place burgers in skillet on stove top...PRETTY SIMPLE FOLKS.

 

 

 Add two shots of Vodka and some  worcestershire sauce...call me old fashion, but I think the little bit extra it cost for Lea & Perrins is SO WORTH IT.  Take the left over chopped mushrooms and sprinkle them into skillet.

 

Cook burgers to your liking...I am a medium rare kind of guy when it comes to my burgers, but others tend toward medium or even medium well.  The mushroom bits browning in the sauce will make a great little relish over the burger...After removing burgers, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the mix, turn heat up and reduce...spoon over the burger.

 

While burgers are doing their thing on the stove top make up a nice plate of greens...myself for this one used a nice organic medley of greens, slice tomato and olives...dusted the whole thing with sea salt.

 

 

WALLA...A Burger Fit For The Oscar's!

I love sharing with people healthy foods, and a healthy way of life...I am living proof that you can eat great foods, lose weight, and get healthy.  Want to join me in the journey?  Call or text me at (845) 346-6523 or visit my website at www.isahealthychoice.com

Want to try a free sample of our Isagenix Isalean shake visit www.isafreesample.com (shipping charges do apply).

The Ebbs and Flows of Losing Weight, Getting Healthy

Being honest with myself, I allowed myself over a period of years to get VERY unhealthy.  My cholesterol was high, I was overweight to the point of being almost but not quite obese, had no energy, and was on a downhill track mentally, emotionally and physically.  As the years unfolded, as I grew older, being honest, I sort of gave up, stopped trying, and chose to ignore the signs that I needed to reassess some issues in my life, especially where my weight was concerned.  It's painful to catch a glance of yourself in the mirror and realize how much the body staring back at me resembled that of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" of TV fame...can we say eight months pregnant carrying what looked like triplets.  I felt shame on the inside, while on the outside pretended to the world that I was fine, and when someone brought up my weight, found a convenient excuse in my gall bladder surgery, telling them keeping the weight off since that surgery was almost if not impossible.

In ten days I will have been on my Isagenix program for exactly four months, and as anyone and everyone who knows me, sees me can vouch for, the results are nothing short of astounding.  I started the program back on October 6th weighing 193 ON A GOOD DAY.  My gut hung over my 38-40 waist pants by several issues, I looked fat and out of shape, and could not walk up the flight of stairs to my apartment without huffing and puffing.  110 days into this journey to a new me, my gut is not gone, but the HUGE BUDDHA BELLY has shrunk to a point where if I were pregnant, I would have just started showing...no disrespect to my women readers in that comparison.  I have more energy than I have had in years, and over all feel a lot more positive, and better about myself.

Me BEFORE STARTING ISAGENIX

That said, the journey has had its ups and downs, the proverbial ebbs and flows that see you on certain days doubting yourself, even considering giving up as those voices in your head say, "What are you wasting your time for, give up on this folly and go raid the refrigerator.  Perseverance...one step at a time, working the program even when you do not want to...that at times is the hardest task of all, especially when you find yourself on a plateau, seeing no results for days, even weeks on end despite how hard you are trying.  In short, yes there have been DARK DAYS, been times when I wanted to give up, walk away and just give up.  What I have learned, is overcoming those obstacles, sticking to it when every part of you is wanting to give up is the difference in those who FAIL AT DIETING, and those who succeed. 

Ebbs and flows, ups and downs...let's be honest, there are days when I fell off the proverbial wagon and in a big way.  In my 110 days, Halloween has come and gone, celebrated a day of feasting at Thanksgiving, and then ran rushing head long into the Christmas/New Years holidays.  Trust me, more than once I far exceeded my caloric intake, missed my workout, and every time I did it showed when I got on the scale...but I did not give up, did not beat myself up.  Instead, this time  forgave myself and would get up in the morning and get right back on the proverbial horse, go back to working the program that was improving my health, and my life.  That dedication and perseverance is paying dividends...for the first time since maybe 1980 (32 years ago) my weight (on a good morning weigh in) is down under 165, and I am so looking forward to that day very soon when I get on the scale and weigh in at under 160.

Dieting is not easy, and any one who tells you differently is lying to you.  Dieting is a journey, not something done successfully with long term lasting changes in a few days, a few weeks or even a couple of months.  It took those of us who got fat/obese years to get there, and the journey back to health, back to the ME we want for ourselves cannot be rushed...but take it from me...the work, the occasional self doubts, the worries of failure, the ebbs and flows are WORTH IT!

The NEW ME EMERGING

If you are serious about losing weight, are wanting to reclaim that beautiful you that is hiding inside, and are ready to do the hard work, ready to work the program, lets talk...I can coach anyone to success if they are willing to dedicate themselves to the work that lays ahead on their journey to victory and success.

The Isa Guru-Sherwood Martinelli

text/cell (845) 346-6523

phone    (800) 693-4513

              (800) 868-1973 (recorded information on Isagenix)

www.isahealthychoice.com 

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Is That Diet Coke Killing You? Potential Health Risks of Diet Soda

I used to be a Coke addict, and years ago when I dated a diabetic became quite the consumer of Diet Coke…Jack & Coke being my beverage of choice on a night out, and icy cold Diet Coke there to quench my summer thirst when mowing the lawn.  My attitude and love for Diet Coke, and for sodas of all types started changing long before I started following my Isagenix Dieting plan…simply stated, I avoided it, used it as a special treat.  There was nothing specific, just sensed that drinking 2, 3, 4 even 5 bottles or cans of Soda Pop a day could not be good for me, so  adopted the advice found in the adage, “All things in moderation.”  As time went on, as various reports suggested some very serious potential risks in Diet Soda, have all but cut out any consumption of Soda Pop of any kind, so not necessarily beating up on just Coke…it just happened to be my pop of choice.  One should be asking themselves, “Is my consumption of Diet Soda killing me?”

A bold question, but let’s explore some of the potential risks found in consuming diet soda.

I view diet soda  as something you need to eliminate from your diet. It's a  peeve of mine. Many people enjoy diet soda, feel it is a “freebie” because it contains zero calories (not exactly true). What many people fail to realize: diet soda can be very detrimental to their health.

Why is diet soda unhealthy? Let me count the ways!

Neurotoxin

A neurotoxin is a substance which inhibits the functions of neurons. Neurons are found throughout the brain and nervous system, and the function of these unique cells is critical for a variety of tasks, ranging from autonomic nervous system jobs like swallowing to higher-level brain function. Neurotoxins can work in a variety of ways, with the danger of exposure varying, depending on the neurotoxin involved and the dosage.

In some cases, neurotoxins simply severely damage neurons so that they cannot function. Others attack the signaling capability of neurons, by blocking releases of various chemicals or interfering with the methods of reception for such transmissions, and sometimes telling neurons to send false signals. A neurotoxin may also destroy neurons altogether.

So why discuss neurotoxins in the same article with diet soda…in a word, which acts as a neurotoxin.  Imagine destroying or severely damaging your brain and nervous systems neutrons every time you drink a can of diet pop!  Don’t know about you, but that sure gives me cause for pause when I find myself craving a can or fountain Coke.  If you explore the breakdown of aspartame in your body, the news gets worse.

Aspartame

Made from L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanyl-methyl-ester, aspartame is 200 times as sweet as sugar and contains negligible calories. Once in the human body, aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. Methanol is a wood alcohol poison that, when heated above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (the human body temperature is 98.6 degrees), converts to formaldehyde. Aspartame is also an excitotoxin that builds up in the brain, and can excite brain neurons to the point of cell death.

Let us explore further the dangers associated with Diet Soda of which there seem to be far too many…especially as our nation faces a serious national obesity crisis.  Diet Soda Causes Headaches and Other Symptoms…enter yet another newer artificial sweetener that comes with a host of potential negative health effects including headaches/migraines.

Sucralose (Splenda)

Sucralose may be a trigger for migraines, according to a study published in the August, 2006 issue of “Headache: Journal of Head and Face Pain.''

Some concern has been raised regarding the effect of sucralose on the thymus, reports TripAtlas.com. The thymus is a small organ in the upper chest that helps a person's body make white blood cells during childhood.

Sucralose may also intensify sugar cravings, increase appetite, and trigger insulin release.

Sucralose is relatively new on the market place in the big picture of artificial sweeteners, its first use in Diet Soda its use in RC for your trivia buffs.  Most of the studies being done are being paid for by the sweetener industry itself, so they have a vested interest in singing Sucralose praises, rather than fully exploring the risks associated with it.  Another tidbit for you trivia fans out there…many artificial sweeteners are not calorie free!...seems the fillers contain calories, but the FDA allows companies to claim zero calories if the packet contains less than 5 calories.  So much for truth in advertising when it comes to artificial sweeteners put into diet soda.

All Soda is Acidifying…Acid Reflux Anyone?

NEWSFLASH everyone…soda is made up with a number of ACIDIC CHEMICALS…yes, I said CHEMICALS, acidic ones.  In fact, soda is one of the most acidic substances ingested by human beings, and WE DO IT WILLINGLY.  Acids in the diet soda we drink carry some very serious health risks such as demineralizing the bones and teeth, and can lead to both fractures and osteoporosis.  Furthermore, acid in our bodies can cause other health conditions such as corrosion and inflammation of body tissues…overly acidic bodies will not appear as youthful and beautiful…in short, it will contribute to you LOOKING OLDER.  Most important of all in my opinion…CANCER THRIVES IN AN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT!

Diet Soda is Caffeinated

I know, so is coffee…as I stated before, “All things in Moderation” and caffeine can be harmful if we are consuming to much of it.  Fact is, many diet sodas contain the addictive artificial stimulant that is CAFFEIN!  Caffeine can tax our liver and hamper its ability to CLEANSE and FILTER toxins!  Did you also know too much caffeine can trigger stress hormones which can result in WEIGHT GAIN as well as CHRONIC STRESS!  Lastly, caffeine is a diuretic which dehydrates our bodies…maybe reaching for water is a better health choice?

Diet Soda INCREASES RISK of Obesity…OMG!

Let’s cut to the chase…A University of Texas Health Center study made some startling findings testing the link between diet soda and obesity.

Obesity risk increased as followed:

26.5 percent for people drinking up to ½ can of diet soda per day, and 24 percent for regular soda drinkers consuming up to one can per day

54.5 percent for one to two cans of diet soda per day as opposed to 32.8 percent for those drinking the same amount of regular soda

57.1 percent for people drinking more than two cans of diet soda per day as opposed to 47.2 percent for people drinking the same amount of regular soda.

My reading…drinking soda of any kind contributes to obesity, but drinking diet soda increases your risk of obesity more than drinking regular caloric soda containing sugar or high-fructose corn syrup does!

These are just some of the potential risks of drinking diet soda, but there are others such as increasing your toxic load (diet soda contains carbonated water, artificial coloring, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate, citric acid) which places toxic load on your liver, and some studies even suggest consumption of diet soda could increase your risk of heart disease.   With all these associated health risks, maybe it is time for you to ask yourself…is that icy cold diet drink worth the risks?  Next time you want a diet soda, consider reaching for an icy cold glass of water instead…your body will thank you for it.

I am getting healthy with Isagenix...want to join me?

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Five Great Tips For Busting Through Dieting/Fitness Plateau

Water Does a Body Good!

For anyone who has gotten serious about getting fit, losing weight, and building some lean muscle, we have all reached one of those Plateau’s…you know the one where no matter what you do, you find your weight stubbornly staying right at whatever it is, no matter how faithful you are to your program. A Plateau is not only frustrating, but often time discourages us, sees many folks beginning to back slide and fall off their program or diet. The next time you are at a plateau, here are FIVE GREAT TIPS to bust through it and climb to the next level as you reach for and attain your goals. 

1. Sometimes, we just need to change our caloric intake for a few days, shake it up as they say. You might be eating a bit too much, or perhaps you need to eat a bit more…just for a few days to get out of your routine, keep the body and its systems a bit off balance. Fact is, internally we will adjust to whatever our caloric intake is, so if you are at a plateau change everything up a bit, adjust the ratio of fats/carbs/protein and see if this temporary change in diet jumpstarts the weight loss again. 

2. Cleanse your system…I have found when I plateau the best way to bust on through to the other side is to schedule and extra Isagenix 9 Day Cleanse into my monthly routine, and increase my water intake. When you think you have drank all you can take, it is time to reach for another glass…or two! 

3. When was the last time you checked your portion sizes? We all seem to be obsessed with weighing ourselves when dieting, but what about weighing our portion sizes. I know for myself that I tend to get away from this part of my routine, and suddenly realize that piece of steak over time has gotten bigger and bigger, the side of noodles WAY MORE THAN I AM ALLOWED. So if you are in a plateau get that food scale out and double check your portion sizes! 

4. Do some strength training…I am not a big one for weight training, but lifting weights (even small amounts with more repetitions) helps build more lean muscle, and muscle burns calories! So, head to your local sporting goods store and invest in a couple of dumb bells, or purchase a set of ankle weights for when you go out walking! 

5. Change up your workout! Walk faster, or increase your distance and time. Maybe skip the walk, turn on some music and DANCE for half an hour instead. New different workouts are going to work different muscle groups, so don’t be afraid to improvise! 

Plateaus can be short in duration…a matter of days or weeks, but they can also be long in duration sometimes lasting months. Do not get discouraged, stay focused on your goals, and CONTINUE WORKING YOUR PROGRAM!...the worst thing you can do is give up and then have to start all over again! Keep tweaking your routines, make little changes until you find the combination to get you past the plateau and moving forward again. 

If you are wanting to lose weight, get fit and lean, please feel free to text me at (845) 346-6523 so we can chat, or get started today on your own Isagenix 30 Day Cleanse by visiting: www.isahealthychoice.com

Wanting To Lose Weight? What Isagenix Can Do For You!...A Picture Worth 1,000 Words

Less than four months ago I had a HUGE Budda Belly.  Thanks to Isagenix, their Isa Body Challenge, and their 30 Day Cleanse dieting program, I am fast becoming a new, happier healthier person, and so can you.  Visit www.isahealthychoice.com or text me so we can chat.  (845) 346-6523