Feb 10

Heart Health Month

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This is a great month, one that focuses on the heart! Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days besides Christmas. I appreciate the idea of showing someone how much you love them through special gestures and acts of kindness. While I do feel that love should be demonstrated year round, this month is a special reminder of how loving others can assist you with loving yourself. And how loving yourself reflects your love for others. In other words, if you take care of yourself you will be better equip to fully be on top of your game…to live your purpose…and be able to give your loved ones the energy and attention they deserve. Not only should we look at the emotional reminder of heart health month but of course the physical. The heart needs exercise just like any other muscle in the body. Try to make a conscious effort to get more cardio in your life. It can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walk/run during lunch, run and play with your children, do something fun - like skip rope or just skip in general, how about walking during your round of golf instead of taking a cart. It's all about choices and each positive one that you make will improve your heart health!  
Feb 04

An inquiry regarding diets

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Email to Wendie: 

I've been on and off a low carb diet for about 5-6 weeks now. And, while I am losing weight, I'm going crazy for all the foods I can't have on it! I was following weight watchers and losing weight and feeling really good but then I noticed a woman in my office who seemed to become slim really fast. When I asked her what she was doing she replied with a huge smile "Atkins." Now, I've heard that the plan isn't good for you but I decided to give it a try. So, now I feel like I've wasted a lot of time because I can't stick to it because I crave fresh fruit and grains so I keep gaining the weight back. Do you have any advice you could give me? I was thinking of just returning to weight watchers but I would like your input.

Thank you,

Melodie

 

Hello Melodie…

Good to hear from you. I work with many clients that think a "diet" is the answer. Although you are losing weight on the diet–you stated it yourself, "You're going crazy for all the foods you can't have on it!" That is one of the reasons I don't put people I work with on a specific diet that eliminates ALL of a food category unless it's due to health conditions. The majority, not all, will gain weight back if they aren't taught how to properly eat healthy, well-balanced meals and learn appropriate food protions.

I believe that a Weight Watchers or L.A. Weight-loss type of program offers more balance to your diet. The difference with these types of programs is that you learn to manage your portions and how to control food temptations all while learning to eat proper well-balanced meals. I know that L.A. Weight-loss doesn't have a point system which some people prefer, but I feel that they both offer positive choices if you are searching. As far as "slim" in your office is concerned, please keep in mind that everyone is different and they release weight at their own rate. Give yourself permission to release your undesired weight at the rate your body allows and by following a healthy program that works for you.

Hope this assists you with your question/concern. 

Blessings on your wellness journey,
Wendie
 

Feb 01

What is Diastasis and can it be healed?

Published in Untagged  by wendie | Comment (2)
Diastasis is the separation between certain abdominal muscles usually due to the stress that the body endures during some pregnancies. If it is not treated then back and leg pain could follow and it will be impossible to recover a flat stomach. I bring this up because I recently had a concern/question from one of the WPE members as it pertains to this situation. The good news is that simple abdominal excercises, including deep breathing, can heal this problem if it isn't too extreme and if you do the exercises daily. In extreme seperation it will take much longer to heal. I had a friend that actually went in for a special surgery due to the extreme nature of her Diastasis, but this is very rare. You can almost always heal this issue if you are consistent with your stomach exercises and really work the rectus muscles which start at your breast bone and reach all the way to your pelvic bone. You'll want to concentrate on exercises that tighten this area by lifting your shoulders off the ground as in a basic crunch or by tilting and lifting your butt up and curling it towards your chest.
Jan 30

Excercising with Breast Implants

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I recently had someone ask me if it's ok to do my Visibly Fit program if they have breast implants. The answer is yes, absolutely! Obviously, one must wait two to six weeks after surgery to heal properly, but after that my program or any exercise program should be just fine to practice. Thought I would share this with others in case of concern.
Jan 27

Laughter offers natural healing

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Over the weekend I went to a comedy club with a few friends to celebrate their "January" birthdays. I have not been to a comedy club in well over fifteen years and had forgotten how nourishing two hours of continuous laughter could be for the soul. The comedians were overly witty, which I love, and got the audience to become involved and engaged. My stomach actually hurt the next morning from using those muscles to double over in laughter. Laughter has proven benefits of reducing stress levels and strengthening the immune system. Find some good 'ol fashioned laughter to put a spring back into your spirit.