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Current and Breaking News for Professionals, Consumers and Media |
Slipped?
Destroyed Your Diet? 7 Tips to Get
Back on Track
By Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.
Jan 23, 2008 - 10:20:37 AM
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Slipped? Destroyed Your
Diet? 7 Tips to Get Back on Track
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Did you fall off
the diet wagon? Did you eat foods you
promised to forego? Are you upset with
yourself for "stupidly" eating sugary or
fast-acting carbs?
Time and time again, my clients and readers
of my book Sugar Shock! complain to me about
how they stumbled and fell down again. They
desperately want to know how to get out of
their muck and kick sugar for good.
Here are 7 tips to pick yourself up and get
back on track and finally succeed.
1. Be gentle with yourself. If you slip and
forego your good intentions, this is not the
time to berate and belittle yourself.
Instead use this "mistake" to lavish
yourself with compassion, understanding and
sympathy. Yes, you messed up, but give
yourself a break!
2. Accept that you're imperfect. People with
food issues often tend to expect themselves
to get everything exactly right--or perfect.
That sets you up for a huge letdown. Now
that you've slipped, use this as a chance to
claim your humanity, which means you'll make
mistakes from time to time. Owning up to
your limitations can be quite freeing.
3. Consider this a golden opportunity to
start again. Instead of viewing your falling
off the wagon as the most horrible dieting
disaster that never should have happened,
regard your slip as a chance to begin anew.
You see, whenever you make a so-called
"mistake" such as this, this could be
exactly what you need! Think about it:
Aren't you always more psyched when you
begin a project?
4. View your slip as a learning experience.
Falling off the no-sugar wagon could be just
the instructive incident that you need to to
break out of your habit. So be thankful
(yes, thankful!) that you ate those junk
foods. Now study yourself dispassionately
like a lab rat to see just how much damage
you caused yourself by slipping. Doing so
will enable you to develop deeperresolve to
boldly move forward with conviction and
finally succeed.
5. Witness the horrors of your binge.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity and
self-hatred, jot some notes about how bad
you feel in the wake of your sugar or carb
spree. Keep a four-day journal in which you
chronicle all the emotional, physical and
even spiritual results of your binge. Write
about your anger, brain fog, headaches,
fatigue, depression, irritability,
nervousness, anger outbursts at your kids,
unexpected restlessness and nervousness,
etc. If you monitor your reactions carefully
like this, you'll easily remember these
repercussions the next time you're tempted
to veer off the track, and that will make
you less inclined to slip and more likely to
be able to win the sugar fight.
6. Reaffirm your commitment to being
sugar-free. Almost immediately after your
binge or minor slip, look inwards and jot
down why you want to quit sugar or refined
carbs. What benefits will you get from
stopping? Keep reviewing this list again and
again. Chances are good that your list will
finally give you the impetus to break your
habit for good.
7. See yourself free. The minute you stray
from your intended diet, immediately create
some positive phrases or mantras, which
convey that you've already succeeded. You
could say, "I only eat healthy foods. I am
free." Better yet, create your own
affirmation. Then, say them over and over
again. See yourself back on track, too.
Incidentally, seeing and affirming your
sugar success -- which is something I've
been doing for nearly 10 years -- also is
encouraged as a powerful Law of Attraction
tool that's discussed in the bestselling
film and book, The Secret.)
I do hope that these 7 simple steps will
help you to get back on track and begin to
better again. Remember, you're doing this
because you want to live a long, healthy,
symptom-free life full of joy, freedom and
self-confidence.
As you struggle to get back on your feet,
remind yourself that life is much sweeter
without all those refined sweets.
Connie Bennett, M.S.J., C.H.H.C. is author
of Sugar Shock! (Berkley Books). Connie is
the "Sugar Liberator," a speaker, frequent
TV and radio show guest ("CBS News Sunday
Morning," "Oprah & Friends Radio," etc.),
certified holistic health counselor and
"Your Habit Coach." Back in 1998, Connie
quit sugar and refined carbs on doctor’s
orders, and her many baffling ailments
completely vanished, including horrible
headaches, crippling fatigue and “brain
fog.” Now, Connie mocks her unsavory sugar
past by jokingly dubbing herself an
“Ex-Sugar Shrew!” She has helped thousands
of people break free from the depressing,
debilitating aftershocks of overloading on
“culprit carbs.” She runs the popular Sugar Shock! Blog
(www.SugarShockBlog.com); hosts the Stop
Sugar Shock! Radio Show; and offers "Break
Free With Connie" live seminars and online,
interactive programs. Connie also is an
experienced journalist and columnist, who
has been widely published (The Los Angeles
Times, TV Guide, eDiets.com, etc.) Find out
if you''ve been brainwashed to become a
sugar addict by visiting www.SugarShock.com.
© Copyright 2007. Connie Bennett,
www.SugarShock.com.
www.HealthNewsDigest.com
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Make Your
Valentine's Day Sweeter & More Romantic By Offering
Heartfelt Gifts
By Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.
Feb 7, 2008 - 11:15:55 AM
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(HealthNewsDigest.com)
- Every Valentine's Day, I’m saddened, because men all
across America are unknowingly putting their honeys into
Sugar Shock by lavishing them with super-sweet chocolate
candies, placed, of course, in beautiful, red, heart-shaped
boxes.
Of course, that gesture is intentioned and intended to show
these significant others that they're cherished, adored and
beloved.
But this annual sugary ritual is one that sends women into
diet frustration, chocolate fixation and agonized moments on
the scale. Not only that, but chocolate and other candies
could harm their chance for romance that evening.
Each year, I hear from many of these agonized,
sugar-addicted women, who fear and despair that this
innocent candy gift may trigger binging, falling off their
diet, weight gain, mood swings, depression and even a
decrease in libido.
Men, let me clue you in on something: For most of us
females, a calorie-packed, sugar-filled chocolate is not the
easy, fast way into our hearts and bedrooms.
Guys, I know you mean well, but in this day and age of
obesity run rampant and type 2 diabetes soaring, it's just
not politically correct or considerate to give sweet
chocolate on Valentine's Day—despite the fact that candy
companies invest heavily in advertising to convince you
otherwise.
But, rest assured, men, you can still show your love in
other creative, more healthful, heartfelt ways. Here are 7
gift ideas that women across America submitted to my Sweeter
Gift Challenge survey at www.SweeterGiftChallenge.com. Unlike
rich chocolate, these Valentine's Day presents won't send
your sweetie into either Sugar Shock or dieting dismay.
1. Write your sweetheart personal poem and frame it. Then be
loving by spending quality time with her—and not just on
Valentine's Day.
2. Go for the old standby—give her a dozen red roses.
Flowers are always a better choice—and much more
appreciated—than candy.
3. Pamper your lady by running her a bubble bath and giving
her a luxurious, lengthy massage with wonderfully scented
oils.
4. Create a handmade card and take her out for a romantic,
candlelit dinner. When it comes time for dessert, tell her
you have something more fun planned. Then let your
imagination take over when you arrive home. Hint: Rose
petals could help set the tone.
5. Put together a special CD filled with meaningful love
songs from your favorite movies, Broadway shows or pop
artists.
6. Give her a gift certificate or hand-made coupon for a day
at a spa, a set of dance lessons or even a romantic weekend
getaway.
7. Buy her a selection of sweet-smelling scented candles,
lotions or oils.
Men, doesn't it feel wonderful to know that instead of
tormenting and taunting your lady with sinful sweets, you're
treating her with loving gestures that could enhance her
health—and your chance for a more romantic Valentine's Day?
And women, feel free to show this article to the men in your
lives!
Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. is the "Sugar Liberator," a
holistic health counselor, speaker, and author of Sugar Shock! How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life—and
How You Can Get Back on Track. Connie invites people to join
the fun "Sweeter Gift Challenge" survey by submitting sweet,
non-sugary Valentine’s Day gift ideas to www.SweeterGift.com.
She then invites you to join her Stop Sugar Shock! Radio
Show to listen to health, nutrition and gift experts share
their ideas, too. You can listen to the show at any time.
Just go to: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/StopSugarShock
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Author: Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. Last Updated: Jan 24, 2007 - 8:13:06 PM |
Start Some Sugary Soul Searching to Break Free From Your Sugar Habit
By Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.
Jan 24, 2007 - 8:18:56 PM
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Start Some Sugary Soul Searching to Break Free From Your Sugar Habit
By Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.
www.sugarshock.com
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(HealthNewsDigest.com).. Time and time again, people ask me, “Connie, what should I do first to help me kick my sugar habit for good?” I believe that the best way to begin to overcome your destructive dessert patterns is to start learning your “sugar truth.” This tactic may be a little challenging or embarrassing, but most of all, you’ll find it enlightening and eye-opening. You see, it’s vital for you to figure out why you want that donut or Danish now!
Look, let’s face it: In those gotta-have-“goodies”-now moments, it usually doesn’t help to know that eating a bunch of sugary foods and processed carbohydrates just isn’t good for you. That’s why, now, when you’re not rattled by cravings, is a good time to embark upon "Sugary Soul Searching."
Thousands of "Sugar Kickers" worldwide have discovered that this is a simple, effective technique, where you tune into what's going on in your heart and soul that drives you to “rely” on those inferior, nutrient-lacking foods. Once you know what’s making you turn to sweets or those “culprit carbs,” you stand a better chance of being able to easily steer clear of them.
In other words, especially if you’re an “emotional eater” (that’s most of us), it’s helpful to decode or deconstruct the source of your often-mysterious cravings. So, let’s delve now into why that chocolate ice cream, strawberry cheesecake, and white pasta are so darn appealing. Think about it: Why would you be willing to ditch your diet, damage your body, and ignore your best intentions just to have some fiber-lacking, nutrient-deprived sugary substance?
Try to complete this interactive exercise quickly. Your rapid responses will be telling. But please be truthful, and remember, you don’t have to show anyone your answers! When sugary foods and much-like-sugar carbs beckon, do you feel:
* Angry Yes _____ No _____
* Anxious Yes _____ No _____
* Apathetic Yes _____ No _____
* Ashamed Yes _____ No _____
* Betrayed Yes _____ No _____
* Bewildered Yes _____ No _____
* Bored Yes _____ No _____
* Challenged Yes _____ No _____
* Cheated Yes _____ No _____
* Competitive Yes _____ No _____
* Confused Yes _____ No _____
* Contrite Yes _____ No _____
* Defeated Yes _____ No _____
* Depressed Yes _____ No _____
* Discouraged Yes _____ No _____
* Embarrassed Yes _____ No _____
* Envious Yes _____ No _____
* Exasperated Yes _____ No _____
* Frantic Yes _____ No _____
* Frightened Yes _____ No _____
* Frustrated Yes _____ No _____
* Grumpy Yes _____ No _____
* Guilty Yes _____ No _____
* Helpless Yes _____ No _____
* Hurt Yes _____ No _____
* Ignored Yes _____ No _____
* Jealous Yes _____ No _____
* Left out Yes _____ No _____
* Lonely Yes _____ No _____
* Melancholy Yes _____ No _____
* Rejected Yes _____ No _____
* Sad Yes _____ No _____
* Sleepy Yes _____ No _____
* Tired Yes _____ No _____
* Worried Yes _____ No _____
Now that you’ve uncovered some great clues, it’s time to put them to good use.
· Spend some time (at least a couple of minutes) looking over your answers.
· Next, write a list of which specific emotions drive you the most to sugary over-indulgence.
· Now study that list, and think back to times you “blew” your diet. (What were you feeling?)
· Finally, bring your Sugary Soul Searching emotions list with you whenever you leave the house. (You can put it in your wallet, handbag or even slip it in your pocket.)
· Make sure to post your list to your fridge or your computer, too.
You’re now better prepared to face those inevitable sugary temptations out there! Just knowing what emotions set you off can help give you the strength and even inner wisdom to say “no” the next time those “treats” taunt you. Start to realize that you are much bigger than this sugar habit. And remember, Life is Much Sweeter Without Refined Sweets™.
Connie Bennett, M.S.J., C.H.H.C. is author of Sugar Shock! (Berkley Books) and founder of The 21-Day, Stop Sugar Shock! Diet™. Connie—who now laughingly pokes fun of herself as an “Ex-Sugar Shrew!”—has helped thousands of people to break free from the depressing, debilitating aftershocks of too many culprit carbs. She runs www.SugarShockBlog.com and a free, online KickSugar support group; and holds seminars (both live and over the phone). The former sugar addict is a certified holistic health counselor (who studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition); a frequent radio guest; and an experienced journalist, who has contributed to The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, TV Guide, eDiets.com and SheKnows.com. To get more tips and tactics to break free or to learn if you've been brainwashed to become a sugar addict, visit www.SugarShockBlog.com.
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