Perimenopause

Looking for Weight Loss Results?

Sunday, September 18, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

I love lemon meringue.
Cherry limeade is delicious.
But my all time favorite is Butterfinger.

These are no ordinary chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavors – although if you want, you can have those too.

I’m so excited about these new-found shakes that I want everyone to know (www.thinkingthinlifestyle.bodybyvi.com)

I’m getting some pretty amazing results with these protein enriched, nutritional shakes that are making a huge difference with me.  Not only with my weight (my husband is dropping the pounds too), but the health benefits of the pre-botics and the fibersol – which is a new patented fiber blend that helps keep you feeling full – is really helping with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms that I can struggle with.

Here’s 6 reasons that you need to try it!

#1:  It’s a unique, concentrated and absorbable blend of proteins processed to remove fat, lactose, carbohydrates and is flavones to provide pure, concentrated protein. When mixed with milk or soy milk, provides 20-22 grams of protein, the right mix to burn fat and build lean muscle.

#2: Low sodium. Lower than other brands.

#3:  Contains a servicing of whole milk, for bone healthy calcium.

#4:  Contains a full serving of fruit or vegetable fiber, without gas.

#5:  Contains digestive aids and enzymes, including prebiotoc activity for maximum nutrition absorption.

#6:  Smells and tastes like cake mix!  No kidding….it does

How about apple pie or……banana nut bread or……blueberry peach cobbler or……chocolate peanut butter cup or……turtle cheesecake…..I’ve got a whole list of flavors that you can try.

Call me at 616-516-1570 if you would like to get started today. Or order from the Store at this site.  

Living with a Tummy in Turmoil

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

Is your gut reaction to stress effecting your gut function? Then shake things up for better health.

If you’ve ever experienced an upset stomach,  you know the difference between that and what millions of Americans suffer with – irritable bowel syndrome.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be very frustrating to deal with, especially with the symptoms of inflammation, cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation, fatigue, bloating, and other numerous symptoms.  Basically, in layman’s term, it means your digestive tract is out of whack – it doesn’t work, or function, correctly.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, usually the first thing you’re looking for is r-e-l-i-e-f.  There are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms:

Make dietary changes. Keeping a food diary of what you’re eating and symptoms experienced can help eliminate some food culprits that might be adding to the problem, such as fatty foods, milk/dairy products (this was a hard one for me to give up but it‘s not worth the aftermath), alcohol,  and some caffeinated drinks.

Adding fiber (slowly) to your overall diet can be very helpful.

Look at medicine options. Consult with your doctor about the options of laxatives or antispasmodics that may work for you

Stress.  This should come as no surprise to anyone that stress can affect our emotional and physical health in ways that are hard to understand.  The nerves in the digestive tract can become more active during stress, causing the intestinal track to become more sensitive and spasm more.

Use exercise, prayer/meditation, counseling, or even hypnosis to help manage your stress levels.

Finally, I should share with you that the reason I understand this so well is I’ve struggled with IBS for decades and not only is it painful, it can show up at the most awkward times and cause embarrassment and inconvenience (like on a recent trip).  To put it bluntly, I don’t always get enough fiber in my food plan, can’t always minimize my stress, and sometimes have a hard time finding time to exercise. Does that ring a bell for anyone else?

I will tell you though, I have found one thing that I’ve been using for the last four weeks that is making a significant difference with my digestive track (because of the probiotic’s and fiber) and is helping to eliminate any troubles that I use to experience.

The fact is that diet plays a direct role in our gut function and when you find something that works, you want to share it. Find the thing that works for you and know that you can manage your IBS symptoms and overall health.

5 Ways to Love What Your’e Eating!

Thursday, September 1, 2011 by Kris | 1 Comment

I’ve decided to jump-start my weight loss efforts for the next several weeks and have been using a nutritional shake, which means I’ve been eating only one meal a day.

I’m finding for the most part, I’m absolutely fine throughout the day, and at the end of the day I plan accordingly for “dinner time” so I’m not grazing with mindless eating until dinner is done – or going stark-raving mad by the time I get to sit down and have my meal.

I will tell you though that planning is the key.  I figure I can do anything one week at a time so it doesn’t seem overwhelming, and I actually look forward to having a meal.

However, the one thing I noticed was how quickly I’m been gobbling down my one and only meal.  If I had to guess, it took me mere minutes to complete the meal. I’m not kidding! Then…. I had a light-bulb moment in the middle of scooping the food from the spoon to my awaiting mouth. My thought was – what on earth is the rush?

So I deliberately made a conscious choice to enjoy my food. Ya know, to actually taste it. I allowed myself to slow down – at least for 10 minutes – instead of rushing through things. Which I have a tendency to do, after all, there’s so much to do! Do you ever do that with meals?

I, like you, need to be reminded of things we do that may be sabotaging our weight loss efforts. While I try not to make food the focus of my day, when I need to, here are some key tips that will help you to really enjoy those well-deserved meals:

1. Eat sitting down (I’m even doing this with my shakes – taste what you’re putting in your mouth)
2. Time yourself with how long it takes to eat a meal. You may be surprised it takes you mere minutes to finish your meal too. Take 10 minutes or longer to eat your meal (it‘s good for your digestion too).
3. Try to have a relaxing, calming place in which to eat. We’re stimulated all day long with phone calls, tv, things to read, background noise, etc., find a relatively peaceful environment to enjoy your food.
4. Good dinner conversation is always a plus. Be careful of mindless eating though while your conversing, stick to your planned meal only, and enjoy your company and the conversation.
5. I’m a big believer that when you restrict a certain food is when you want it even more. Just be wise about portions. In the end, it’s all about portions.  Remember, cravings come and go and once you limit the foods you crave, your cravings will diminish significantly over time.

It probably goes against every dieting tip you’ve ever heard but I encourage you to love your food.

(By the way, if you’re interested in nutritional shakes, check it out at www.thinkingthinlifestyle.bodybyvi.com)

Accomplishing Your Goals and Staying Motivated

Monday, August 29, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

Benjamin Franklin said  Energy and persistence conquer all things.

Consistency is an action that is often overlooked by society. You probably don’t hear people telling you to be consistent in order to accomplish your goals. This quote reminds us that persistence and energy can conquer anything. On days when you don’t feel like doing anything, think about staying consistent.

Consistency with energy is a powerful tool for completing any task, especially your goals…so use it whenever you get a chance.   (sparkpeople.com)

**If you like what you read and see on this site, please feel free to “like” us and give some support!

4 Questions to Ask Yourself About Stress & Anxiety

Friday, August 26, 2011 by Kris | 4 Comments

I found myself pacing.
Walking back and forth with really nothing in hand.
Trying to find something, anything, that would satisfy.
On the last walk-through, I realized I wasn’t dealing with the real issue.

I wasn’t hungry but I was taking out my stress in the kitchen. With the final pass-through I realized what was going on. I wasn’t hungry, I was feeling anxious. I was anxious about a zillion little things that apparently have been building throughout the entire day. I knew it, I could feel myself do it, and now the outcome of all those thoughts were “kitchen time.”

Anxiety can come in so many forms, and not everyone who worries a lot has an anxiety disorder but some symptoms you may have are:

Emotionally: feelings of dread, feeling tense or jumpy, being irritable, experience restlessness, or just have trouble concentrating.

Physically: experience sweating, stomach upset, insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, or headaches.

Now it’s true that long-term and on-going anxiety symptoms are typically something that needs to be discussed with your doctor or therapist but we can all have those moments of anxiousness that can just leave you feeling out of sorts.  And because of those feelings, you can find yourself wandering in places (like a kitchen), and doing things that only mask the real feelings that you’re dealing with.

So some good questions to ask yourself to help you deal with those anxious moments are:

Is there responsibilities that you can give up, turn down, or delegate to others?
Can you ask for help when you need it?
Do you get the emotional support you need?
Is there time each day for relaxation and/or fun?

Always seek “balance” in your life. Minimizing and managing your anxiety can really help the stress from accumulating and for you to stay in control – and to stay out of the cupboards and fridge.

Shake It Up with Good Nutrients!

Monday, August 22, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

Do you ever try to justify what you’re eating throughout the day – just like in this comic. We all do! Here’s to no more excuses for not eating right during the day….Have you ever heard of the Body by Vi – 90 Day Challenge? If you’re looking for a replacement meal for weight loss or fitness results…..you need to see the following at www.thinkingthinlifestyle.bodybyvi.com 

These delicious shakes are unbelievable and the results are fantastic. Email me with any of your questions at: thinkingthinlifestyle@gmail.com

The Naked Truth

Saturday, August 20, 2011 by Kris | 3 Comments

Have you ever seen yourself naked and wondered, “…what on earth happened here…”?  We’ve all had those moments where you push back the shower curtain and the mirror across the way shows every little imperfections, blemish and bumps (or is that “rolls“?) If you’re so fortunate as to not have a mirror across from the shower, perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of yourself as you scamper across the room to get ready.

Either way, some times the hard reality really hits you. You have a moment where you realize life, age, gravity, whatever you want to call it has taken over.  Yes, I’m at that age where I realize I won’t be like I was in my 30’s, 20‘s, or heaven-forbid my teens, but I like where I’m at. I’m just not always comfortable with what I see.

Now here’s even more hard reality. You may not like how you look right now, but you can do something about it. Ouch, I told you that was the hard reality.

You have the ability within you to create the change you want.

I hear what you’re thinking….“but if all of these life factors outside of my control have taken over, why bother trying anymore?”  The reason you bother trying is because it’s not about quantity (your weight), it’s about quality (your life).  And if you’re not living the kind of life you should because of your body, then start taking Baby Steps in the direction you need to be. Baby Steps…not Giant Leaps, because you‘ll be more likely to work at little goals then trying to accomplish a big one too fast!

Sometimes seeing yourself naked can be a good thing!  The “why’s” of weight loss are more important then the “when’s” or “how’s” so maybe that glimpse you see of yourself will be the number one “why” reason that you will have to start getting healthier.

Ready for a Weight Loss Challenge?

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

Are you up for a challenge? A weight loss challenge? For some of you, you’ll love the motivation. For some of you, you’ll love the shakes. For some of you, you’ll love the extra-income opportunity.  The choice is yours.  www.thinkingthinlifestyle.bodybyvi.com

Once you’re at the site, I recommend you listening to the quick 4 videos. If you want to try the shakes, yes, you’ll have to enter your name, phone number, email address to get the shake information.  Come on – join me!

If you have ANY questions, shoot me an email at: thinkingthinlifestyle@gmail.com

 

Food Cravings

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

If you’ve EVER had a food craving, you know the overwhelming sensation that you experience.  It is an intense feeling,  and typically very different than “normal hunger.”

According to the Wikipedia definition, there is no single explanation for food craving. Not very encouraging I realize. The explanations can range from low serotonin levels affecting the brain centers for appetite to production of endorphins as a result of consuming fats and carbohydrates.

Foods with high levels of sugar glucose, such as chocolate, are more frequently craved than foods with lower sugar glucose, such as broccoli.

And that’s because when glucose interacts with opiod system in the brain an addictive triggering effect occurs. The consumer of the glucose feels the urge to consume more glucose, much like an alcoholic, because the brain has become conditioned to release “happy hormones every time glucose is present.

As with anything relating to weight loss, it’s the difference in your thinking that’s going to allow you to make permanent changes in your eating habits.

Dr. Judith Beck (the Beck Diet Solution) reminds us that the emotionally painful part about a craving is the struggle you feel. Once you can say to yourself with total conviction – NO CHOICE – the craving will diminish.

She goes on to describe the Mindset Techniques and the number of steps of how to respond to your next craving.

The five steps help you prepare your mindset, and you should use the following every time you have a craving:

1.  Label it. Tell yourself, “This feeling is just a craving…it’s uncomfortable and intense but it’s not a (food) emergency.”

2. Stand firm. Tell yourself that you’re absolutely not going to eat the food that you’re craving. Remind yourself that you truly don’t want to strengthen your giving-in muscle and weaken your resistance muscle.

Thinking about giving in can undermine your confidence.

3. Don’t give yourself a choice. The emotionally painful part about a craving is the struggle you feel.

The craving won’t go away if you waver or say to yourself, this is so intense, I don’t know if I can stand it. Of course you can stand it! It might be uncomfortable, but nothing bad will happen if you withstand it.

4. Imagine the aftermath of giving in. Go ahead and think about eating the food you’re craving. Imagine it in your mouth. How many seconds does it take to eat it? How many seconds do you feel pleasure? Now visualize the rest of the picture – the part of the experience you usually don’t think about until it’s too late.

Picture yourself feeling weak and out of control. See yourself feeling upset, giving up, continuing to eat more and more, feeling worse and worse.  As you become upset in the image, remind yourself how many times you’ve given in before, how you promised yourself you wouldn’t do it again, and hopeless you felt.

Now….what seems better – eating or not eating?

5. Remind yourself WHY you want to learn to withstand cravings.

It’s always about the WHY of weight loss. Not when you start, not what food plan you’ll be on.  It’s about the WHY.

Always knowing the WHY of why you want to lose weight will come in handy through the days, weeks, and months as you start to change your lifestyle and will have to remind yourself (often) of the reasons you’re into this lifestyle change to begin with.

Trying to Lose Weight or Just Stay Fit? You’ve Got to Try This!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by Kris | Leave a comment

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Do you need a break-through with your current weight?

I encourage you to join a 90 Day Challenge with me! I have something very exciting that I want to share with you.  I’ve searched high and low for some really good weight loss products and I believe I found it. And the best thing about these weight loss shakes is that there also for people who are fit and in shape already too.

Here’s the site – when you get a few minutes, check it out at http://thinkingthinlifestyle.bodybyvi.com/

If you want to supplement a meal (or two for quicker weight loss) you need to try these delicious shakes.  I won’t get in to all the flavors that I like but it’s a very simple plan if you want to lose some pounds.  If you have any questions let me know at thinkingthinlifestyle@gmail.com