The weight loss mathematical EQUATION

How many actors on your stage?

2010-12-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

I am reading a very interesting book - "How the brain works by David Rock". In the simplest terms (read the book for the detail) he says that our brain can only handle up to 7 issues/items/tasks/projects at a time. He compares this with an acting stage. Therefore think about having up to 7 actors on your brain stage at any given time. However, they feel that it is more effective to handle even less actors (preferably not more than 4).
This information is important for living or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dr Dimartini says that your highest priorities gets done ("what you focus on gets done"). If health is not highest on your priority (meaning having the health actor on the stage), then it means it is not top of mind and will therefore not get done. I often ask people in our workshops to take a few minutes to think about their top priorities. Almost 100% of the time, health does not feature in their top 2 or 3 priorities. How can you be a good mother/father if you are unhealthy? How can you have a successful career if you are unhealthy? Should you not aim for great health first - then ad family and career? Your health ACTOR should take centre stage, not some of the time.... but all the time!
Consciousness/mindfulness is one of the iconic graphics we use in our Formula for Success. A lot of overweight people are used to eating unconsciously - in automatic drive. A mind shift happens when they become more aware and give attention to what they eat as well as their typical eating patterns. So, BE in the moment...taste it, savour it, enjoy it!

Get real

2010-11-26T03:38:00.000-08:00

A report published by Reuters this week states that more than 50% of Americans will suffer from diabetes or prediabetes by 2010, resulting in $3.35 trillion dollars in healthcare spending! Recently, a depressing report was published on the state of obesity in South Africa.
A sad state of "weighty" affairs indeed!
These are life-style related sicknesses and can be managed, but with difficulty. Unfortunately it involves a huge commitment to behavioural change - which is not easy. But surely.... living a healthy, energised, vibrant, free life is more important than the cupcake?
Easier said than done, as always. Again, it all starts in the mind - a fundamental and sustainable mindset change is required. However, on a positive note - we see some fantastic success stories in our business. People do their own "make-overs" and it is so great for us to be part of their positive journeys!

Functional Exercise

2010-11-10T02:11:00.000-08:00

My latest favourite is "functional exercise". Quite simply it means that it is exercise to ensure that our bodies operate at its optimum daily requirements. We need our bodies to "function properly" - you therefore need training which helps the body maintain its natural movements. It also means that you do not have to GO WILD or overboard with exercise. You ensure that the right muscles are moved just enough times to optimise your daily body functions.
For those who are averse to exercise - this means that there are basic exercises which you can work into your everyday life and not feel under threat because you are not killing yourself with a personal trainer six times a week! If you have never been an avid exercise lover, chances are you will never become an avid exercise lover. However, we all need exercise to ensure we can live out our lives healthy and in top form!
We invited a functional trainer to our evening workshop two weeks ago. One of the exercises she showed us made such an impact on me! Tummy exercises in the car.... Here it is: You sit upright in the car, shoulders relaxed and then pull in your tummy whilst tilting your pelvis slightly forward and up - then keep it tucked in and tight for about 5 seconds.
I have been doing about 50x of these 5 second repeats in the car every working day since then. WOW, I cannot believe it - it works and I feel that my tummy is tighter (especially the lower part). How easy is that! I have not done any tummy exercises at the gym in the last two week, just my "car- tummy-work-out" and it is showing results. How is that for functional! Driving to work and getting a tight tummy at the same time. Try it - it works for me and I do not have to pack my gym clothes to get it done!

Systems theory and health

2010-10-29T03:00:00.001-07:00

I am busy with a PHD in Consulting Psychology and therefore researching Systems Theory in health and wellness. Basically, system theory says that everything is interrelated and interconnected (refer also to last week's blog). It means that different aspects(even apparently non-related aspects) in your life influence other things in your life.
At www.myhealth-code.com we always say: "what happens to your health when life happens"? It is the same thing as systems theory. If you allow "things which stress you out" to influence your commitment to a healthy lifestyle, then systems theory is at play. However, these situations and stresses are just "part of life" - so how do we overcome this?
We have to internalise a healthy lifestyle so that it exists in the subcionsious. It means that your subconscious just "mindlessly" executes your healthy lifestyle without you having to think about it. Another way to see it, is to make it your "personal culture". What is a personal culture? If something is your culture, you will explain it to someone as "it is just the way I am. I do not know why I am like that - but it is just the way I am". This means that you have made it part of your personal culture (the way I am).
The challenge comes into creating and maintaining that healthy lifestyle - if it is not your current natural style! Our "formula for health success" (see www.myhealth-code.com) helps our members to make these transitions. It is great to hear from members who have started making permanent changes - so please keep us informed. We love hearing from you!

Look at it holistically

2010-10-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that weight loss (or an aspiration to be healthy) goes wrong because we see it as separate to our lives/worlds. I am finding that our subscribers are very narrow in their approach to weight loss. For them it is "all about the new eating plan and the weight" without consideration that we are all whole and holistic people. Many of our problems with weight are related to situations, behaviours, emotions and habits - yet we ignore these "causes" when we go on a "eating programme". The modern approach is to talk Wellness, not just Health.

I found the following definition for Wellness on www.eflowcoach.com: "Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence". They go on to explain that it is a "process" (not a one time event). We are never "recovered weight loss people", we will never arrive.... our wellness (weight) will have to be MANAGED forever. Wellness is multidimensional and should include the popular "wellness wheel" which includes these six dimensions:career, social, intellectual, financial, spiritual, physical.

In the end - to lose weight (or to become healthy), means that you need to address your whole life (with all the dimensions). If you do not, the gremlins in these other areas will affect your "one track solution to weight management".

Tennis and your weight

2010-10-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the Williams sisters (Serena and Venus). I am currently reading Serna's autobiography, My Life (2009). It is such an incredible story!
Serena is one of the greatest tennis players in the world - she is talented, powerful and extremely driven. She writes that a huge part of why they are so successful, is the POWER OF THE MIND. Their parents instilled the concept of "it is all in the mind" from a very early age within them.
Their father made big posters for every practice session and put these up on the tennis court fences. These posters had motivational and positive sayings on them. Their parents always said: "Whatever you become, you become in your head first. Whatever it was we wanted to do or become, they'd tell us to SEE ourselves doing it and becoming it". When her elder sister, Isha, came home one day and announced she wanted to be a lawyer, her mom said: "It is great, Isha. Now go and be a lawyer in your head and the rest will follow". Serena says that this approach made them become champions in their heads first and today, they are winning at Wimpledon!! In fact, most successful sport stars now have Psychologists helping them to visualise, use affirmations - i.e. to won their heads first.
How does this relate to weight loss? I get so frustrated telling people to "start in your head and heart" first. People do not want to hear that - they want the silver bullet, the next great diet, the next fad diet, the injection/shake/pill which will make it all right (without work or effort). Weight loss problems start in your head (not your mouth) and they must therefore be solved in your head too. Behavioural modification, attitude change, habit adjustments must happen, otherwise your solution is not sustainable. These things are HEAD AND HEART things and not JUST ABOUT THE DIET and exercise. You can have your teeth stapled, your tummy tucked/sucked and cut half in size, BUT you will gain weight soon after, if you have not adjusted your life and behaviour.
What can us "weighty people" learn from Serena? She keeps a "Match Book". This is a book she prepares before every game and reads every time they change sides. She writes affirmations and positive thoughts in her Match Book. Here are some examples out of her Match Book:
* Serena, this game is a mental game
* Good thoughts are powerful and negative thoughts are weak
* Decide what you want to be, have and do. Then think thoughts of it
* Your vision will become your life
* Make what I want absolutely clear in my mind
* You become what you think about most
So instead of me telling you to stop looking for the next silver bullet and start making real change in your head and heart, rather listen to Serena, someone who has PROVEN that this approach works. She makes millions of dollars this way - perhaps we can drop a few kilos this way?

Yes, you need to be light to jog!

2010-09-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

It is spring here in South Africa - beautiful..... emerging summer! It is so wonderful outside every morning, so I made a "big leap" decision to start jogging instead of going to the gym to spin. Off I went to buy brand new running shoes (very expensive - what happened with running shoes whilst I was not looking?!). How difficult can it be - surely, I am fit from regular spinning? Not so... I realised that starting to jog actually means"starting to walk" and then "start the shuffle" (a sort of in between walk and jog). Ok, 3 weeks later and I have progressed to the "fast shuffle" (still not a proper, good-looking, comfortable jog!).
I have learned the following: When I was much younger I used to jog regularly and even completed a few road races. Now I am sure jogging is only for the very young or the very light. I have not jogged for years - power walks yes, but jogging - NO! I "feel" the stress (actually pain) on my knees, hips and ankles. I am sure it will be so much easier if I was truly "skinny" (or MUCH younger). I am not fat, but neither do I feel very light or skinny. What an eye-opener! With age and a bit of extra weight it is much harder than I remember. Now the question is - does it really get better or must I go back to the safer, more "age appropriate" (well, for me...) spinning? Or, should I just stick to a walking shuffle in my fancy, new expensive shoes?

Health equals overall wellness

2010-08-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

I think people are becoming more aware of their health - there is a connection and a knowledge that "if I am healthy, I will be more whole and well" (well is a bigger concept which includes holistic wellness. This includes emotional/mind and body wellness). A recent study in the USA has confirmed this. They wrote the following:
"An interest in "wellness" used to be something exotic. And to the extent consumers gave any thought to the concept, it was often defined simply as the absence of illness. But "wellness" is now very much a mainstream preoccupation, and one that's viewed more broadly as a marker for quality of life."
I am a firm believer that we are too focused on the fantasy of THIN, rather than a real WANT to be healthy. This psychological shift, is very important. It can change the "diet mentality" (which equals deprivation/guilt/despair/negativity etc). Approaching health (not thin) from a wellness vitality viewpoint, can help a person to be more realistic and less hard on yourself. The emotion and energy is different when you have a desire to be healthy from a desire to be thin. The "fantasy of thin" is like an illusion or dream which does not always fit reality. Firstly, you will still not look like Posh Spice and secondly, you will not get THE job, THE boy, THE money by just being thin. We connect so many fantasies and unrealistic dreams to the concept of thin! However, a want and desire to be HEALTHY is different because it is more grounded and realistic. The approach, the feel and the understanding is different when you approach it from a health desire perspective. This means a shift psychologically, behaviourally and emotionally.

Scoop to Lose new blog

2010-08-27T03:21:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about the new blog by Melissa from Scoop to Lose! Welcome Melissa to blogspot! You will soon see Melissa's blog on www.myhealth-code.com. She is our resident registered diatician and will be sharing healthy tips and stories with us. Please sign up as Melissa's blog follower and interact with her and us on our blogs!

Weighty issues for corporates

2010-08-05T09:56:00.001-07:00

I read two interesting articles this week (yes, both published in the USA, but still relevant).
HealthNews (4 August) published an article regarding the increase of sick leave days for obese employees. The latest research shows that overweight employees took on average 7 days per year sick leave in 1993. This increased to 17 days in 2008. They are starting to say that organisations need to get to grips with the cost of this evidence - loss in productivity, cost of absenteeism, cost in medical costs etc.
On that subject, the Wallstreet Journal (4 August) published the medical cost associated with obesity (2006) as $147 billion! I may not be spot on - but I think the weight loss industry value is around $55 billion. Another article published obesity per state. I will not bore you with the stats, but it looks like a third of Americans are now obese. Clearly the statistics out of these articles are very worrying. Even with billions being spend on prevention and weight loss assistance programmes, people are getting fatter?
It would be interesting to get this level of research in South Africa. Even without accurate statistics, my assumption would be that (although we are thinner) the upwards trend of weight gain and/or obesity is the same in South Africa.
I can only assume that the "strategies" are not working.... I did notice that they only refer to exercise and eating in these articles! They do not mention behaviour or the psychology or even a more HOLISTIC approach. I think that at www.myhealth-code.com we have a comprehensive, holistic and integrated approach which WILL work with committed and focused individuals.

Are you ready to drop the extra baggage?

2010-07-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

I did some research over the weekend on weight loss (the story of my life - luckily I enjoy it). I became quite depressed when I read the latest statistics on weight loss! My goodness, whilst reading the poor success rate - my first thoughts were, "why bother". Most people pick up their weight over a 5 year period!
Luckily, I did not run for the fridge to find a friend in the cheesecake.... Reading on, they said that weight only stays off when there is a "real, sustainable, life-style change". Restrictive diets, fad diets, pills and shakes - sorry, the stats are not good. However, there is LOTSA hope where there is committment and behavioural change towards sustainable healthy living. It is our approach and it works! www,myhealth-code.com is ALL about moving away from a fantasy of "thin" to sustainably healthy. I also did a test in one of the books and was taken aback that I am still in the "body conscious" bracket - meaning, I also STILL buy into the fantasy of thin. I therefore need our weight loss formula as much as any of our members! Luckily, I realise that I am always going to be a "recovering fatty", never recovered.... It takes lifelong committment to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I LOVE the weigh loss formula and know that I will have to score myself against it for the rest of my life - but so what, as long as it works, I see it as my saviour and not my enemy!

Get those dusty takkies out

2010-07-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

Confession time! I have been the "potato" in couch-potato over the last few weeks. My energy and enthusiasm went totally into the soccer world cup and the wonderful "gees/vibe" in South Africa. There was no energy left to get off the couch (can also read bed-potato).
So, after 6 weeks, I struggled back into my cycling pants and prepared myself mentally for the sweat and pain to get back into effort things! Nearly two weeks later I am back in the swing (or cycle) of things.
I do not believe that exercise helps you to lose weight.... in fact, it may even make you a bit heavier (on the scale), but hopefully a bit tighter (on the measurement tape). BUT, I do warn people (often) - that you should never take up exercise with the HOPE OR FANTASY that you will lose weight. It should never be the driving force behind your exercise routine. If it is, you are already losing - not fat, but enthusiasm.
I feel like a million dollars - not because I am losing weight (uuughhh, I am not), but because I have more energy, I feel better, I feel more in control. I feel as if I can take on the world again. I also feel as if I need healthier food (lucky me).
This little detour onto the couch has taught me one big lesson. I am a creature of "routine". Just because my routine was shaken up (no kids to take to school, no specific time to be at work, etc etc), I stopped exercising - without thinking and therefore without guilt!
I must say it is SO NICE to feel energised and pumped full of vitality. I even cleaned my car out inside this morning - that says it all!

Get someone to pay for your weight loss

2010-07-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

In a newspaper article (published by independent newspapers)published last week, they shared that nearly a third of American companies are now offering financial incentives (or are planning to do so), to get their employees to lose weight. I assume that their preparedness to do so must be closely linked to the potential negative impact and cost of their overweight employees.
They refer to a study where most of a hospital group's employees are overweight (aggenee... a hospital?). Over $377 000 awards have been paid already. Do you think it can work? It does not look that way! They refer to further research which is casting serious doubts on this approach. Unfortunately it seems to only get short term success - not sustainable over longer periods.
Logically, money can only ever be an external locus of control - and not a longterm "sustainable solution". Same as you cannot stay on a weight loss pill for the rest of your life. Once you have the money - what happens to the incentive?
It seems that everyone (including companies who feel the "weight" of their employees)is still looking for solutions. In our opinion - you cannot just look at eating and exercise but manage your own complex (but interesting) individual system. The only way is to "change your ways" into a sustainable lifestyle..... money, pills, shakes, strict diets, fad diets are NOT sustainable. "What happens to your health when life happens"?

World Cup diet

2010-06-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

My favourite team went out tonight! Italy is going home - sniff sniff.... We went to see USA against Algeria yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There was such a "gees" and a vibe and we even loved the vuvuzelas! We were so privileged to experience a world cup game.
What can we learn from these teams and great sportsmen for our commitment to a healthy lifestyle?
- Discipline: they are saying that one of the differentiators for the winning teams are their ability to commit to discipline (the French were not a good example). Clearly they also had to have incredible discipline in preparation for the world cup. Discipline also leads to set routines - one of the secrets of embracing and living a healthy lifestyle. How disciplined are we in our commitment to a healthy lifestyle - or do we only do it when we "feel like it"?
- Vitality and energy: my oh my but these guys are fit and their bodies in peak condition. It must feel amazing to be in such top state - especially feeling and experiencing vitality and energy. We should be chasing the feeling and desire for vitality and energy rather than a fantasy of "thin"
- Play to their strengths: these teams use their strengths to the maximum. How do we use our own strengths to maximise our commitment to a healthy lifestyle?
- They have a strategy and a game plan: if we want to live a SUSTAINABLE healthy lifestyle, we must plan for it. Nothing "just happens". Like everything in life, you have to create the life you want. You must develop and commit to your strategy to reach your objectives
- Love it: these guys have a passion for their game. They love soccer! To live a sustainable healthy lifestyle you must have a real desire and passion for it - otherwise it just becomes a bitter slog
I am sure you can ad a few to this list, so pleeeaaazzzze share your ideas with us.
Update on our Corporate Wellness Programme: Vodacom group (32 people) has lost 98kg now (over 4 to 6 weeks). WOW - what a committed group! Visit our site: www.myhealth-code.com to read the updates on these Corporate Programmes.

Corporate Wellness Programmes

2010-06-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

Our three Corporate Wellness participant companies are doing SO well! At Vodacom they have collectively lost over 80kg within 3 weeks and at Momentum they have lost nearly 30kg collectively. It is interesting to see that there is a direct correlation between those who are using the on-line scoring system and the amount of weight loss. Those who commit to scoring themselves regularly are also those who are losing the most weight.
What more evidence do we need that www.myhealth-code.com works? We are receiving great feedback on our programme - including the Scoop to Lose healthy eating plan PLUS the scoring system and the online support (articles, activities, top tips etc).
This week we are starting our research programme into the Transtheoretical model. I will use this research study for my Doctoral thesis in Consulting Psychology. The Transtheoretical model predicts success in "change processes" based on the "change of change" a person is in at the start of an intervention. If we find that there is a direct correlation between the "stage of change" a person is in at the start of an intervention and their related success - then we will REALLY be able to help individuals and corporate wellness departments to maximise their success.
We are also finding more and more valuable research in the "demographics" of the scoring system (e.g. what do woman over 40 with kids and a career battle with most, or what do men under 30 battle with most etc). This type of research will also help us to be more targeted in the solutions we provide to our members.
An exciting journey for us here at MyHealthCode! Check us out on www.myhealth-code.com.

Must I apologise?

2010-05-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

I received some heavy criticism for my last post (Fat Brides). In hindsight, perhaps I was too insensitive and critical, especially for someone with her own toxic relationship and history with weight management! If there is one person who should understand how difficult and complex this subject is - then it MUST be me. So yes, I was too harsh and I forgot the pain and life-long battle. However, I must also say that I KNOW that the people from our world (the fat person or recovering fat person) thrives on EXCUSES! It is the story of our lives.... It is not our fault. I therefore think that sometimes we can talk more direct and refer to the mirror for a reality check. Perhaps I should stop making excuses now and just apologise! So there, done. Let's move on.

We kicked off three Corporate Wellness (weight loss) programmes this week. We have more than 200 participants from Vodacom, Momentum and Avovision. Melissa (our dietician) and I ran short, sharp information, weigh and measure in contact sessions. The participants are getting a healthy eating plan based on Scoop to Lose (portion control principles) plus three month internet support to ensure they look at the behavioural and psychological aspects of weight management. We enjoyed these sessions with these warm and friendly people. Most came across as excited and motivated, so we are sure there are quite a few potential poster boys and girls in this group. We will try and help them change from a diet mentality (a want to be thin) to a want to be healthy (which is more realistic and sustainable). Keep checking this blog and I will let you know which company is doing the best? MMMM? Telecoms, Insurance or Training consulting? What you think?

Fat Brides

2010-04-11T00:48:00.000-07:00

We have launched a partnership with Scoop to Lose - an exciting new eating plan (designed by a registered diatician) teaching people to eat smaller portions, more regularly.
This weekend we decided to launch our new partnership by exhibiting at the Bridal Expo, in the Dome, Johannesburg. My goodness greatness, groot genade!! What happened?
How has our nation got so fat? I am not talking slightly overweight, but really worrying big and obese. What was MOST interesting? The really fat people did not stop at our exhibition stall at all!! In fact, their pace increased as they sped past. Our justification for this? Perhaps they feel exposed or guilty. There was however a stall for Simply Slim - a diet pill which has been taken off the market because it is so dangerous. This stall had lots of visitors! MMMM...back to my real screaming issue - quick fixes do not work! Finding a pill or a shake means you are looking for a solution outside of yourself, which is not sustainable. You will be back in a few months time fatter than before.
Anyway, Australia has recently taken over from the USA as the fattest nation on earth. I am worried that South Africa is waiting in the wings to take first prize. At least SA can start winning in something!! Yippieee!!

What are you thinking!

2010-03-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

A friend (although distant friend) recently told me that they are managing her husband's diabetes very well! She says "he can basically eat anything - if he indulges in too many XMas cakes, he just takes extra injections".... Mmmmmm, are you also frowning? What are they thinking! How healthy is that?
I suppose I should not be surprised. On TV, last Thursday, they covered the story of a magic diet pill, introduced in SA mid-last year. This pill has recently been taken off the market after several complaints by users - feeling ill, feeling depressed, sleeping problems etc etc. Again, does it surprise you that they sold 200 000 boxes of quick fix diet pills at R580 per box within 7 months? Only to realise 7 months later that the reason why is "works so well" is because this HERBAL pill has a schedule 5 drug in it? We live in an Instant Gratification society. We want it ALL and we want it NOW. (Ag tog, I just want to run for the hills and live in basic overalls and make my own cheese!).
In our own business we find that people do not WANT TO DO THE WORK! We provide them with a best practice framework how to transform their lives holistically into a sustainable healthy lifestyle. However, this takes commitment, tenacity, discipline and unfortunately WORK. Can I tell you stories about the complaints and the excuses we face. I think I know them all by now!
Instead, they want the pill, they want the quick fix. For how long can you take the pill or maintain the quick fix? What happens if you stop taking the pill (or run out of money to buy the pill)? For how long can you abuse your diabetes injections before it affects your health, life and family? The bad news is that you need to put in the effort to reap the benefits. Unfortunately you have to get your hands dirty, but the good news is that you will live a healthy, energetic and vital life (sound good to me...). You will also appreciate things so much more if you put in some efforts. Ps. But have fun whilst doing it though!

Exercise crazy

2010-03-06T01:14:00.000-08:00

Forgive me for being cynical, but often I cannot believe what people tell me! Where does wisdom come in? I was recently told by a friend (who I know has NEVER maintained any form of exercise regime) that she has signed up with a personal trainer and will be going to gym five times a week for an hour each. Then she is going to do another day or two over the weekend, on her own (as per the recommendation of her new guru). She could barely walk after the first session! Is this sustainable? I doubt it...! There is a small % of people who has the discipline to embark on a regime which takes time/money and LOTSA effort (these people DO exist, but 90% of us do not fall in that category unfortunately). If you do not like exercise, if you never committed to a long term exercise regime - how are you going to maintain something that makes you "eina"/sore?
My personal opinion (sorry, this is my blog) is that Personal Trainers get it all wrong. They think they must work you into oblivion because you are paying them. What happens is that it is so terribly hard and sore that you build up RESISTANCE and resentment to any form of exercise. Instead they should be teaching people the good habits of moderate and sustainable exercise routines. I am currently researching the Psychology of weight loss for a Doctorate degree. I recently came across clinical research where they publish that MOST successful sustainable exercise modification happens when it is: i) moderate ii) easy to access (like at home) iii) something that the individual will enjoy (e.g if you find Pilate's to be difficult and embarrassing...my guess is that you will not be able to maintain it). Luckily, I was brought up in a home where the whole family LOVED and participated in all kinds of sport. This created a "culture of exercise" in all of us(my parents played tennis into their early 70s and then bowls up to date - they are 78 and 81 now). Exercise is "just the way" I am. I love it and it is not an effort for me to do it. However, do not give me something I DO NOT LIKE, as I will not maintain it. I used to be an aerobics teacher in my 20s. Now in my 40s I cannot keep up with the complicated moves and shakes these young aerobics teachers do. I just feel like a fool - so, no thanks. Find something you love, think out of the box (it does not have to be the traditional stuff). E.g buy a dance DVD and juggle your bits for 30 to 40 minutes... (if that is your idea of fun!). BUT...start MOVING and get off the couch....it IS AND ALWAYS BE good for you.

Are habits important in weight loss?

2010-02-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia (www.widipedia.com) defines habits as “routines of behavior that are repeated regularly and tend to occur subconsciously, without one's directly thinking consciously about them”. A person does not have to think about it – he/she automatically does something. It is therefore compulsory.
Unfortunately, our eating habits and relationship with food comes from many years of constant conditioning. Such habits are incredibly difficult to change, because these habits provides us with a sense of security and comfort. Changing habits therefore creates a feeling of anxiety -it is uncomfortable to say the least!
Why is it so difficult to stop smoking? Yes, it is addictive, but it also has to do with the ingrained habits associated with smoking. Similarly, changing your habits into living a healthier, sustainable lifestyle WILL be a challenge. You have to "undo" what you automatically (without thinking)do and replace these with something totally different. However, it is possible and many people do succeed! Through our weight loss equation we provide the best practice principles for embracing a healthy lifestyle. It then takes work and effort to chase these best practice principles. The only way to embrace them into becoming "just the way I am" (a life-style) is to make them into habits where you automatically do them without thinking. Difficult but possible - good luck!

Quick fix

2010-02-15T02:08:00.000-08:00

A well known weight loss pill has been pulled from the SA market this last week. I was amazed how many people I know, were using this product! I suppose it did work - but did they know at what expense?
What is it about our society? Why do we crave quick fixes NOW. No one is prepared to do the "work" to get things done properly. Instead of signing up to our product (www.myhealth-code.com), where you use your own internal locus of control to change your behaviours and habits - people would rather grab a pill or a shake? Surely they must KNOW that it does not work in the long run? For how long can you take this pill? If you do not change your processes, behaviours and habits... you will never have the longterm sustainable solution.
One our our advisory dietitian's wrote a very interesting article (for our subscriber on-line programme) about the physiological damage of the diet mentality. Do people not realise how they physically damage their bodies by using fad or quick fix diets, pills and shakes. Liver damage, insulin and metabolic problems - sorry but you now have health probems for life!!
Even with the above knowledge, I still find my bright, intelligent friends grabbing the next best fad fix on the market. Am I missing something?

Body Image

2010-02-07T03:42:00.000-08:00

I am busy researching the subject of Body Image for a Shape Magazine on-line article. How interesting and educational this is! The scary thing is that research in the USA indicates that girls as young as 10 and 11 have body image problems which leads to extreme dieting (no guesswork here - which in turn leads to a lifelong problem with weight loss)! The age groups most at risk to suffer from eating disorder are 15 to 16 year girls. They blame the exposure to TV, Magazines, Internet and peer pressure. The airbrushed models creates a perception that we all should look like that.
My shock about the young age (with body image distortion) was short-lived when I realised that my own issues with weight started when I was about 12 years old. (Modelling my mother's unhealthy relationship with food).
On an intellectual and conscious level we realise that it is just a "fantasy" to look like those models in the mags...yet we fall in the trap of body image mis-perceptions. How sad and silly we are.
It is also interesting that researchers are finding a dramatic increase in men with body image problems - they call it the Adonis syndrome. Welcome boys, to the world of weight loss frustration!
Reshaping your relationship with your own body image is easier said than done. "Knowing" that it is silly does not equal "solving" it. If I find the answer in my research - I might tell you! Or rather, I will tell you, when you join us as a member on www.MyHealth-Code.com

2010-01-31T02:40:00.000-08:00

I have started research on the psychology of weight loss for my doctorate. It is so interesting that this is all I want to do! I have my own sad history with this subject and really understand everything I read from a place of experience. The more I read, the more I realise how all of us are damaged (somehow...somewhere...).
However, I am also learning that our negative experiences lead us to places where we are more whole. Our experiences make us strong and resilient. Our biggest fear or negative experience can lead to what we have to do (it is funny how life works!). I am looking forward to my research and learning more about this interesting field of work! I hope and dream that I can find the right information, at the right time, to help others - and myself in the process.

Inability to commit

2010-01-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

I am constantly amazed at how we justify the things we do, or not do! We will find any old excuse to make us feel better! I visited the Johannesburg jail last year. They told us that most inmates can justify why they did what they did - only a small percentage would admit to what they have done.
We justify why we are fat, why we are smoking, why we are drinking. We justify and find excuses why we cannot drop the kilos. There is always a valid reason or a valid excuse why we cannot do it. At UsherReid, we kicked off a free weight loss pilot last year. We made it clear that only people "serious" about weight loss should sign up. We stipulated what we required from them. They in turn had to agree and commit to follow the programme as stipulated. However, the programme did not make "fads or quick fix promises". We made it clear that committing to a healthy lifestyle is a lifestyle CHOICE. It takes commitment, time, effort and lots of dicipline/dedication.
Soon after though, they found it was not that easy. Changing your life-style means that you have to put "effort" into it. It means you have to face yourself and the reasons why you picked up weight in the first place and why you cannot drop the kilos. The excuses started rolling in: I am too busy, my job expects too much, I have relationship troubles - basically, "you expect too much from me"! We saw them falling off. I am sure that most felt that the "programme does not work". Why then did it work for those who put their backs into it?
We saw many people who are currently putting their lives in danger - they are fat and unhealthy. However, they were not prepared to risk or try anything to make positive changes! Those who lost 20, 16, 12 kilos in 3 months on the programme are those with gutspa and backbone. They embraced the responsibility and accountability of taking control of their own lives. They had the same struggles as the others (work, family, relationships, "festive seasons"). We are SO proud of them. They have really accepted the challenge - non of them say it is easy. In fact, most will admit that it was and is difficult - but exciting. They had to find their strenght inside themselves (internal focus of control instead of external locus of control).
The others will say that the weight loss equation (http://www.usherreid.com) did not work for them. Did it not work for them, because the equation is flawed or because they did not make it work?
Maybe I am too hard on them - internationally, less than 5% of dieters actually see through a any programme and actually lose weight. It is just human nature. Or that also an excuse?

Starting a weight loss company

2010-01-16T05:02:00.000-08:00

When you share your business idea with people, they all have an opinion (even though they have themselves have never never done it!). Starting a weight loss company was according (to these experts) my worst idea yet, because there is too much competition. I totally agree - but if your idea is unique and you (and really believes that it works) then why not? Take the leap of faith, I say!
The problem is that only YOU know that it will work (the start-up sickness!!). No one is as passionate as you about your own idea. It is a a lonely and risky business - starting a business! Anyway - research was done (do you know how many fat people there are in the world? Do you know how many people are on "diet"?), the theory was then developed, the website set up and the pilot completed! (the bank account is empty to my hubby's horror and frustration).....but, WOW, the pilot proofed that it works.... WHY? Because, thankfully, "diets do not work!" Changing your fundamental beliefs and habits away from a "diet mentality" to a want and need to live healthy (rather than thin) --> then you get it. You've got it - when you realise that diets (pills, shakes, machines included) do not work. What works then? The mathematical equation for weight loss we developed provides a framework and a benchmark for healthy living! It is not just about food and exercise, it is a combination of factors, principles, behaviours, practices and habits that direct the way we manage our weight and health. So the journey begins! The business and the website (http://www.usherreid.com) is off the ground and working. It is a LOT of work and when you check the site at 12h at night as see a spelling mistake, you want to eat the computer mouse there and then! Pain, effort, commitment, disappointment, frustration, anger, anxiety, stress, tiredness (those of you who started your own businesses - you know the feeling). BUT, nothing can replace the feeling of excitement, passion and accomplishment that comes with such an exciting venture. So, here I am, holding on for dear life. It is exciting (difficult, but worth it)! See or hear from you next time! Kxx