Walking my talk

Today I am still walking my talk. I continue to sprinkle my food and look forward to month 4. My class is wonderful consisting of beautiful people who want to make changes in their life. I am only the facilitator but we have already had terrific stories of those who changed their words and their thinking.
I know I can have the slim body that I crave.

You are what you think

Tomorrow evening, I teach a class called "You are what you think." A friend of mine said she thinks she is rich, thin and beautiful. She is right. You attract this positive energy if you truly believe it.
I believe my weight loss and health go hand in hand. I think it. I believe it,
Nadia

Finally

For the first time yesterday, my sensa tastants kicked in. I was having my usual Sunday morning breakfast of scrambled eggs and cheese and I had only finished half of my portion and became filled. What a great feeling. Generally, I have such a GREAT appetite. It felt so good to eat a smaller portion. I know I am on the road to success.
Nadia

Museum of Natural History

Today is my visit to the Museum of Natural History in NYC. I always gravitate toward the dinosaur exhibit. Those great creatures must have eaten a ton of food. My appetite is gargantuan similar to that of a large animal. Lately, I find that I exercise much more since I have begun swimming so I feel that I can justify a few extra calories here and there.

My mind is focused on what I will eat at the museum. There are several cafes and restaurants to choose from. Will it be turkey and avocado with sprouts or will it be something laden with gravy and guilt? I know I have free choice. Today, I choose to eat healthy and respect and honor my body.
Nadia

Journal Writing

I believe in nourishing body, mind and spirit. Journal writing will get you in touch with everything that you think. Concentrate on your emotional feelings. Be honest in your journal and write what brings joy as well as what disturbs you. This only has to take 15-20 minutes per day. Okay, so I forget to write in my blog but I do write in my journal daily.

Some of my thoughts have been focused around my journey with Sensa. Last night while watching the Olympics, I wanted something sweet. Buried in my closet was some candy so I sprinkled it and ate it joyfully. Hey, it was not me exercising but I felt hungry just watching.

Anyway, the dog days of summer are here and it always makes me a little sad to know that this lovely feeling of freedom will soon end...........I can deal, I know I can.........
Nadia

Water, 0 - Search Videos By Keyword - Video MD

Water, 0 - Search Videos By Keyword - Video MD

Water

Had my fifth swimming lesson yesterday. My teacher, Myrna said I know all the strokes except for the butterfly and the sidestroke. I have so much confidence that I act as if I am a future Olympian. Well, at least I float well. I am certain that the extra pounds help in that arena.

Water has always been a challenge for me. Drinking it sends me right to pee. But, I know that I have to drink water.

Here is a great video about water:
Oops........did not upload properly. Anyway, here is the link. www.videomd.com and Click on water...........
I have to practice my breaststroke today..........and remember not to pee in the pool.

I really can do it !

If I really wanted to, I "could" lose weight. I know that I am willing to change. According to Louise Hay, a metaphysical teacher, you can heal your life by working with positive affirmations. I have chosen one of her affirmations as one of my favorites.

Keep repeating "I am willing to change. I am willing to change." Touch your throat because that is your energy center in the body where change takes place. The universe will respond accordingly.

Of course, I am helping the universe along with sprinkling and deciding to watch what I eat. Cereal and a banana with milk was breakfast and cottage cheese with melon was lunch for today. It feels good to be in touch with my body and heading in the right direction.
Nadia

Tough Day

Everyday, I wake up with great intentions. I clear my head of all negativity and choose to do everything that is good for my soul. This morning when I awoke, I felt a burden and thought that eating something sweet would help. Instead, I came straight to my computer and thought about my blog. I thought about the commitment that I have made to become a Sensable eater and a commitment to choose success with Sensa. It feels good to have a place to vent even if I am not certain that anyone is paying attention. I know it is out there in the Universe. I still have to learn a lot about blogging and how to connect to others who struggle with weight or other addictions. Yes, overeating is an addiction. I think I am ready to face that fact.
Nadia

Magnetic Power of your Thoughts

Once you discover what you are thinking, and what you want, you can create what you desire and need in your life. Some people say it is your intuition. Some say it is the inner child speaking to you or a spirit guide or higher power.

Some people call it the law of attraction. I call it the magnetic power of your thoughts. You attract what you think about the most. When you are giving thought in a positive direction, you will feel positive emotions.

When you have an idea and you give thought to it, it manifests. You have an inspiration, you act on it. But, part of your success involves remaining focused. By staying focused on something, the choice becomes much more powerful. Many times we call that having a passion. Having a passion motivates you to achieve many things. Well, I am passionate about Sensa and how my life is focused around it. I feel lucky that this product is available to me that I can finally achieve my weight loss goal and my goal to great health. I am using techniques that I have learned in various diets but my number one tip of the day is to write down everything you eat. Yes, every morsel. Cheating is allowed but only if you write it down and sprinkle it. Every day, in every way, I am achieving my goals of health. It feels so good and so empowering. And, yes, I am finally remembering to sprinkle. I hope all of you are too.
Nadia

Movies

Last night, I saw Vicky Christina Barcelona which is the new Woody Allen movie. I love the movies except there is one slight problem. I equate going to the movies with eating popcorn. So, last night, I did not buy any since I am eating sensably. My friend bought a small bag and I dipped in a few times. But, I thought it would be awkward to sprinkle in the dark. I did not let a few kernels make it a bad day. I ate well and still feel good about it.

Maybe, Sensa will come out with a line of products like pre-sprinkled popcorn. Anyway, I am back on program today.

I finally learned how to swim on Monday. I am taking lessons at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. They were being offered free from the YMCA. So, I took advantage of it. I always could paddle around but was afraid to put my head in the water. Wow !! What a great feeling and what a great workout. I am on my way to my third lesson this week. There are two more to go. I wonder if I lost any weight? Only kidding. But, it is a great workout. Maybe Sensa could sprinkle the Long Island Sound since I did swallow quite a bit of salt water. I keep telling myself that everyday in everyway, I am getting better and better. The funny thing is, I am.

Potassium Broth

I learned about this when I was at Kripalu in the Berkshires. Make this potassium broth for a snack. You may drink up to four glasses of this per day. It is from the Kripalu cookbook and written by Atma JoAnn Levitt. The comments in purple were added by me..........

Recipe
4 cups grated potatoes (2-3 medium potatoes) - I just cut them up so I can eat them.
1 ½ cups grated carrots - I slice these.
1 cup sliced onions - Vidalia onions taste great at this time of the year.
¾ cup scrubbed grated fresh beets - I call beets natures candy.
2 stalks celery, halved
¼ cup chopped parsley - I must add that this is straight from my organic garden.
1 bay leaf
10 cups water

In a large pot, combine all of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for at least one hour, preferably for 2-3 hours.

Add more water as the vegetables cook, if needed. Strain the vegetables and discard. Reserve the clear broth. Serve hot. (This broth can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and reheated before serving.)

p.s. I did not discard the vegetables. I sprinkled them with Sensa and they tasted very good. I know this is mostly a winter recipe. But, it is a great kick start to sensable eating. I do not want to rely solely on the Sensa. The sprinkles are really reducing my appetite. But, I want to learn a thing or two on my journey. And, my goal remains the same...........Being healthy........

The Summer

Summer flies by so quickly in the Northeast. Before we turn around, it will no longer be bathing suit weather. So, it felt good to go to the beach yesterday. I look forward to the day when I will not need to wear my cover up. I wake up today and go on the scale. I see a small drop over the past month. It is two pounds and I am not disappointed. Generally, I find myself saying the diet is not working and I need a treat.
Success for today. Today, I kept to the Sensa program. I sprinked my eggs this morning, and my multi grain bread with hummus this afternoon. Just now, I sprinkled the grapes. I know it is the sensable thing to do. It also feels great to be part of a community that wants success. Thanks Dr. Hirsch.
Nadia

Third Day Acting Sensably

This is my third day blogging. I started month 2 of my Sensa tastants today. It feels so great to be able to relax into the sprinkling. My mindset is completely different.

I teach this course called "You are what you think." Well, I think I am healthy, slender, athletic, energetic, stimulating and financially abundant. I had to throw the last one in because just as in choosing perfect health, I am choosing financial prosperity and abundance. Sounds good. Come along with me for the ride.

I know that this week I spent much less money at the supermarket because I consciously bought healthier food. I focused on fresh fruits and vegetables and stayed away from packages with food additives that I know are bad for me.

I am fortunate to belong to a fitness club called the Edge. Well, my husband and I have been members for ten years. You might think that I was svelte and gorgeous from all of my workouts. Ha !! The key word is that I belonged. I did not say I went. Well, this is my third workout this week.

A hike in the woods or a walk at the beach is wonderful for relaxation and does not cost any money. Okay, so I am off to the beach. Generally, I just sit in my chair and read. Maybe, today, I will have the motivation to actually swim in the Long Island Sound. I think I will bring some cookbooks so I can decide on a good meal for this evening. Ciao !! And remember, act SENSABLY !!
Nadia

The Juice Fast

I want to let you know a little more about my dieting history and how I came to be a Sensable Person. I was always the person who reached for the forbidden fruit and for me that is candy, cookies and cake.

A few months back I decided to go on a spiritual quest and cleansing during a six day supervised juice fast. My experience was uplifting. On the first day, we wrote what our intention was for being in the program and I wrote “Revelation.” Learning about eating habits and understanding that over eating was caused by wanting to avoid an “emptiness” or a feeling of “overwhelm” gave me hope. During this six day journey, you let down the masks or the face that we show to the outside world. It is a sacred journey and a cleansing of the spirit as well as the body. You are eliminating the toxins from your body and you feel elated.

John Lennon’s song “Love is all you need” reverberated in my head. It seemed so simple to me, so matter of fact. Deepak Chopra says, “The way to fill your life with love is very simple. If you want more love, give more love.” I recalled Deepak saying “to appreciate others, listen with your full attention and show affection.” My first revelation was that loving myself means being good to my body.

The next day, my intention was to breathe in love and to breathe out fear. The benefits of this juice fast was to have more energy, to get in touch with my body’s true appetite and to get in touch with deeper emotional and spiritual hunger.

The best part was drinking our first 8 ounce glass of juice and swirling it in our mouths and warming it and deliberately deciding when to swallow it. It took 30 minutes to drink eight ounces of juice. The miraculous part was actually feeling full as it reached your stomach.

To fast means “to draw a mirror to God” in Sanskrit. It was an acknowledgment and acceptance of the fact that most of us have a need for more spirituality in our lives. Most of us never felt hungry. We found that we could be nourished by attending a yoga class and felt especially nurtured when the teacher covered our legs with a blanket at the end of the session during meditation. It felt so caring, energizing and wonderful. We walked and played and danced and talked. It felt as if I were healing my heart.

It became clear that I do not need to substitute food for love or to fill an emptiness or when I feel overwhelmed.. I began to feel grateful for love and play and my real life as a coach and hypnotherapist.

As the week wore on, there were some moments that were trying, especially during the sessions where we really looked at ourselves. We evaluated relationships, work, our bodies, our environment and spiritual attunement. I work on these issues with my clients. But, I always say that “a dentist cannot drill his own teeth.” So, I carefully explored these parts of my life and wrote down the areas where I needed some conscious awareness. I looked at ways to create a more joyous, nourishing life for myself and my family and friends.

What I learned

· I learned that when you have enough protein that you have less of a need for sweets.
· I learned that your stomach is about the size of your own fist and ideally this is the amount of food you should eat.
· I learned that your body can digest only so much food and the rest is deposited as toxins.
· I learned about conscious chewing and learned to chew each bite of food 35 times.
· I learned that when you chew your food well that your body can easily absorb the nutrients.
· I learned to smell my food.
· I learned to trust what my body needed.
· I learned to serve food beautifully every night and not just for company because that helps for us to feel loved and cared for.

Chewing was the beginning of learning “Conscious Eating.” Herman Aihara said, “ Chew well! Anyone who is sick or who wants to be beautiful and intelligent must chew well before anything else. Chewing well increases not only your physical health, but also your related mental and spiritual clarity. Judgment improves.”

The leaders of the program said that fasting was the easy part and the hard part was when we arrived home. This part is true. Everyday, I use intuitive eating to guide me in my choices. Everyday, I use caution so that I do not revert to my old eating habits. I am grateful to have had this experience. I have a new relationship with food because of it. One word of caution, fast only under supervision and with your doctor’s consent.

Choose the foods that you put in your body with care. A women that I met during the week said it succinctly, “It’s not about how you look, it’s about how you feel.” May all of my readers be safe and peaceful and happy and may you find all that you are looking for right within your heart. May you love yourselves enough to fill yourself with only the most nourishing foods.

Of course, we cannot be supervised with every bite that we take nor be on a juice fast forever. We must live in the present. Now, if I can (not if, I take that back, I can, I can, I can do it)take my own advice and continue to sprinkle, I will be the healthy person that I choose to be.
Nadia

Sensible

I think choosing the Sensa program is very sensible. I have tried so many diets over the years. Each time I thought I had finished with my diet, my weight went even higher. You name the diet and I probably tried it. Some of the diets I actually liked. My taste buds have been conditioned to try kale, chard, tofu, millet, and more. I have picked up so many tips over the years and I am ready to use them...........along with my tastants.

My weight issues began when I tried to lose weight for my wedding day. Of course, I succeeded but the cost has been an up and down struggle during all of my adult years. I have been on Senas sprinkles for a month now. One thing I know for sure. I eat a lot of food between meals and sprinkling each bit has taken me to what I now call the conscious level. I record what I put in my mouth. This goes for each and every tootsie roll or M & M. What I like so far about Sensa is there is no such thing as forbidden fruit. mmmmmmmmm. Forbidden fruit ! I will leave that post for another day.
Nadia
July 29, 2008