Because this blog has been completely neglected, I've decided to start doing You Fit Friday posts. They will be a hodge podge of things & will most likely contain different topics/recipes/debates, etc. each week. This way you can know to check the blog each Friday and find something new!
Today I'm doing a
5 on Friday theme:
1. Awesome article found
HERE. Totally cool to see Medifast at #1 on such a prestigious list...and to know it's largely in part because of their partnering with Take Shape for Life as the coaching arm of their company. So so cool!
2. Ever wondered what the heck to do with brussel sprouts to make them taste edible? I actually like them, but my husband & many other people I've talked to don't...so, I set out on a mission to find a great recipe for them. And, it turned out to be super simple! And, delicious. Yes, they even passed the husband test. Try them out for yourself!
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
-Set oven to 400 degrees
-Mix brussel sprouts in gallon size baggie or bowl with 1 T. olive oil, salt & pepper, and garlic salt.
-Spread sprouts out on a pam-sprayed cookie sheet
-Sprinkle with a little extra salt
-Roast in oven for 40 minutes
-Check, shake around on pan, roast an additional 10-20 minutes. Delish!
3. Each month TSFL sends out a great Healthy Habits E-Newsletter. If you are interested in receiving this awesome informational health newsletter, let me know {zkyoufit@hotmail.com} and I'll add you to the send-out list. This month's letter had some great
4. If you're on Facebook, definitely check out my new page: You Fit Forever. Be the 100th person to "like" it and you win a free box of food. Spread the word & encourage your friends to like it too because the 250th person gets something bigger...and if they aren't a personal friend of mine, the person who referred them to me gets a prize as well!
5. Lori Andersen is an incredible resource in the Take Shape for Life world {she's the wife of Dr. Andersen-author of
Habits of Health}and I took the following from her blog post a couple weeks ago. I relate to this so much as I often use my emotional brain in instances where I should use my rational one. Can you relate? I know it's a little reading, but you won't be hearing from me for another week, & trust me, it's worth it.
"Why did I do that?...What was I thinking??"
"A simple way to look at this question is to understand two distinct parts of our brain that are responsible for two distinct types of thinking. One part of your brain, known as the
Limbic system, makes decisions based on emotions, and focuses on the quickest, easiest way to solve a problem. Another part of your brain, known as the
pre-frontal cortex, makes decisions based on logic, and looks for long-term solutions. Let’s move away from discussion of the physical brain structure, and simply refer to what the brain does… it’s functions.
THE Theory of TWO BRAINS…as mentioned earlier… two different parts of your brain, serve two different functions… we’ll refer to them as the RATIONAL BRAIN and the EMOTIONAL BRAIN:
- Your Rational BRAIN: Uses logic and is responsible for Planned Behavior; is factually based; considers Long-term consequences; is more “Parent”- like …and is “willing to wait”
- Your Emotional BRAIN: Uses feeling/emotions, and is responsible is responsible for Impulsive/compulsive behaviors; considers fulfilling Immediate needs/desires; is more “Child”-like… and wants WHAT IT wants… NOW!
Why DO we sometimes behave in ways that are not in our own best interest?
Usually, when we are making a decision, or solving a problem, we get input from both parts of our brain (both the
Rational BRAIN and
Emotional BRAIN make a contribution). Depending on our current mood, or the situation, we may follow the lead of one part of our brain… over the other.
The Emotional BRAIN has a distinct advantage in that it can come up with answers very quickly. Whereas, the Rational BRAIN is more methodical and deliberate, offering answers only after careful consideration of the consequences. So as it turns out, the “first” answer to pop into our head is often offered up by the Emotional BRAIN.
When the Emotional BRAIN dominates the decision making process, we will make decisions based on the quickest and easiest way to solve a problem. Later, after the fact, our Rational BRAIN “kicks in” and asks “Why did I do that… what was I thinking?” Have you ever experienced anything like this? …most of us have.
Which BRAIN are you using to make decisions about EATING?
Of course, some decisions are best left to the Emotional BRAIN: when we are being spontaneous, or need an immediate answer. However, the Emotional BRAIN can also get us into trouble. Sometimes when we make a decision, based on the quickest/easiest solution… we later regret that decision. The challenge is controlling which BRAIN, makes which decisions.
Like any thought or thinking process, the more we think in a certain way, the easier and faster that way of thinking becomes. We form “habitual” ways of thinking. This can be a problem when we are in the “habit” of using our Emotional BRAIN to make decisions that have long-term consequences. If we use our Emotional BRAIN to make too many decisions about what to eat, this can have a long-term impact on our weight.
When we use our Rational BRAIN to make decisions about what to eat, we are likely to get better long-term results. The Rational BRAIN is not interested in the quickest/easiest solution: it is interested in long-term consequences. Using this way of thinking to make decisions about what to eat (like any thought or thinking process); can be developed into a habit. Developing the HABIT, of making rational eating choices
Practice asking yourself these questions, before you put anything into your mouth:
- Which BRAIN am I using right now (Rational or Emotional)?
- Is eating this… in MY best long-term interest?
- If I eat this… how will I feel an hour from now?
- How will I feel tomorrow, about the decision I am about to make?
- How will I feel a year from now, if I continue to make decisions like this?
- How will you feel TWO years from now, if you continue to make decisions like this?
Practice listening to the Rational BRAIN, before taking action. Practice NOT acting on the “first” idea/solution that pops-up… give careful consideration to these questions before you act.
Watch Your Language: Developing a Healthy Inner Dialogue
We ALL talk to ourselves: we have an “Internal Dialogue”. We’re continuously asking ourselves questions; making comments to ourselves; talking things through, to make decisions. The language we use, during these “discussions”, may be helpful, or MAY be hurtful. Please, pay attention to the kind of language you use, when you are having an internal discussion.
You cannot win the battle if your enemy has outposts in your head!
If the majority of your Internal Dialogue is negative, and you use strong language, you may be talking yourself into a very negative place. Monitor the language you use; monitor the “tone” of your words; monitor the kind of questions you ask yourself. Some of us have gotten into the HABIT of speaking to ourselves quite harshly… almost in a punishing way. As if, we speak harshly enough to ourselves… that will make things BETTER?
A good rule of thumb is:
if you wouldn’t say certain things aloud to your best friend, don’t say them silently to yourself. Listen to the way you talk to yourself… would you talk to your best friend like that?
When you DO talk with your best friend, you are probably supportive, patient and compassionate… why not extend this type of dialogue to yourself? Make every effort to “speak to yourself”, in a way that is supportive and patient… and shows that you care…
Have fun with this… as you monitor, and re-phrase as necessary, notice how differently you feel… when you talk with yourself like YOU… are your OWN best friend…"
