Archive for February, 2012

Not Exactly What You Think It Is…

on February 29th, 2012 by Rob

Herman Cain, Tiger Woods, Arnold Schwarzeneggar—These guys have billions of dollars, half a dozen PGA titles, a governorship, and one near Republican Party Nomination. And it’s exactly their level of success that made their failings so shocking. (Well, that and the interns and the love children.)

Our shock is due to what’s known as the “halo effect,” a psychological phenomenon where our perception of one trait (Cain’s practicality, Tiger’s mental strength, Arnold’s Terminator toughness and strenth) influences our assessment of that individual’s other qualities—like that these men are immune to the effects of poor decisions- or they are great fathers and family men. It looks like they have it all together- but that is just the image that they have when they are in the spotlight.

A recent Cornell University study shows that people tend to perceive some not-so-wholesome meals as healthy if they are labeled with buzzwords like “organic.” The so-called health halo also makes us more likely to overeat.

My point is that these so-called “Healthy” choices can be land mines when it comes to calories and fat. Make sure that you don’t fall into the trap. Here are some examples:

1. T.G.I. Friday’s Captain Morgan Caribbean Chicken Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries- now this is TOTALLY something that I would order thinking that “Grilled”= Good/Healthy—- As Lee Corso would say—– NOT SO FAST!!! This sandwich has a problem- the sauce. This meal alone will push you over the saturated fat that you need for a whole day (18g) and has more than 1200 calories.

2. Ruby Tuesday Avocado Turkey Burger with Fries- at over 1300 calories, this is going to be a problem if you are trying to lose weight. Just skip it— see, it is the turkey part that would fool me— Turkey HAS to be better than beef right???

3. Ruby Tuesday Chicken and Broccoli Pasta- Again, it is the name that fools you here— I would think broccoli and I would think healthy. What the title of the dish does not tell you is that the whole thing is swimming in parmesan cheese sauce. This one comes in at 1500 calories. Not a good idea.

Remember, don’t get fooled!!! Get Up!! Get Moving!!! Get a Better Life!!!!!

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No Fun To Do It Alone?

on February 23rd, 2012 by Rob

I see them all the time. Ads on T.V. for the next new weight loss program or item.

Now, not that they are all inherently bad— that’s not the point. The point is that they tout that one of the advantages to the program or the product is that “you can do it at home”, “no need to go the the expensive gym”. “It’s so easy, you can do it in minutes a day, any time of day”.

Well, once again, some of the products and programs are good. But the bad thing here is that they make it sound so effortless. Trust me, it is not.

Also, they make it sound like it will be easy to get up out of bed every morning and do this program or use this product —- no problem.

For me, it was a problem. I know I bought many books and programs and products over the years– none of them worked as well as being in a boot-camp class and being with some friends.

Remember when you were a kid and you were always with someone from your neighborhood… riding bikes or playing baseball or doing one of those other things?? Well, you had someone to share that time with, and it is just as important today now that I am grown. I still don’t like to play alone.

So, find some friends…. or make some new ones in a class and…

Get Up!!! Get Moving!!! Get a Better Life!!!

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Never, Never, Never Give Up!!

on February 13th, 2012 by Rob

Heard this the other day (its a good one):

If you are tired of starting over, stop quitting. Easy.

Get Up!!! Get Moving!! Get a Better Life!!!

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How Is That New Year’s Resolution Going??

on February 8th, 2012 by Rob

O.K.- Here is a bonus for you.

So many times I talk to people about how their weight-loss is going. By the time we get to February, it may not be going that well.

One thing that happens, is that they expect too much too soon. “Well, here I am, I am a month into this, and I have only lost 5 pounds.”—- I had a very similar experience when I was in the People Magazine deal.

Here is the thing- don’t weigh so often. There is no reason to weigh more than once a week. (I always did this right after my workout on Thursday mornings)… weighing any more than that will cause weight loss to be so excruciatingly slow that you will get discouraged.

And what do we do when we get discouraged. We get angry… then we get depressed (at least I do) and then we say, “I can’t do it.” NO NO NO… you can do it. If I can, you can!!!

Remember, Get up!!! Get Moving!! Get a Better Life!!!!!

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Abandon That Negative Mindset

on February 4th, 2012 by Rob

All too often, I see people that say- “I hate to exercise”.

I will be the first to tell you that this is how I once felt. Sometimes I still feel that way.

But what we SHOULD feel is what I normally do- that is, exercise is not just a means to an end— to lose weight.

All the time I see bumper stickers and running gear that says “Running is cheaper than Therapy”- How true!!! I look forward to running now. I know that one of the only things that gets me out of bed sometimes is the prospect of seeing my friends and drinking coffee and visiting after a run.

My point is- it didn’t happen overnight, but if you can stick with it and find some friends—– exercise can be something to look forward to and enjoy.

Remember, Get up!!! Get Moving!!! Get a Better Life!!

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