I have recently been going to the gym more often because of the “cold” weather we’ve been having in LA and there’s a trend that I see women doing like crazy……crunches!  Crunches on a stability ball, crunches on a mat and crunches on machines….women are crunching like mad.

Ball Crunches from Crestock Photos

Here’s a tip, ladies…you are wasting your time!

To achieve a leaner middle or a more defined mid-section….hit the cardio.  A minimum of high intensity cardio 30-40 mins 4-5 times a week with a balanced diet of no less than 1200 calories will get you a tinnier waist.

Use the time you’d spend doing crunches to hop onto a stair-climber or, better yet, set the treadmill on an incline and go.

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It’s all about perspective. We are what we think we are. My life changed dramaticaly once I learned to accept this simple belief.  It made me realize that in life, when one door closes, another one opens.  I imagine great things behind every door.  When things get tough along the way, I think that those situations are the preparation for what is to come.

The first step for me to take this approach is to simply change my thoughts.  As soon as a negative thought enters my mind, I immediately change it to a positive one.  I remember my inner dialog used to consist of things like, “Don’t screw this up!” and “I hope I don’t make a mistake!” Now I think, “I am going to complete this play just how I did 1,000 times in practice.”  Instead of fearing “crunch-time”, I thrive on it!  I visualize myself making the winning play.  This new perspective has had an immediate and noticeable effect on my performance on the court.  It made me a much more consistent and thereby better player (even though my athletic ability did not change one bit).

I have always known that my mind is my strongest ally and if I train my mind to think great big thoughts, I will accomplish great big things!

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Last month I explained the importance of eating breakfast. But knowing that something is important doesn’t always translate to being motivated to do it. For many of us, the thought of eating in the morning is more than we can “stomach.” To kick-start a healthy eating program, here are some tips on increasing our desire for breakfast:

1. Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can make us feel nauseated and bloated.
2. Plan for variety: Map out a variety of choices for breakfast so you won’t feel rushed and anxious.
3. Control portions to suit work activity: Heavier work = a larger breakfast Light and sedentary work = a smaller, balanced breakfast. Plus, eat smaller meals more often.
4. Work out before breakfast. Exercise stimulates the appetite. Eating after a workout helps to replenish energy and energy reserves. It also keeps metabolism stronger for a longer period of time after exercise.

To Your Health and Happiness.

Debra

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February is a month for love. Everything from Valentine’s Day to the stay-in-and-snuggle weather make this second month a time for adoration and endearment. Yet it is easy in this period of roaring fireplaces and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates to forget that real love starts with SELF LOVE.  It is for this reason that I remind you to take time this month to treat and value yourself.

To do this, you must first appreciate your life, health, friends, family, and even pets if you have any.  Take notice of all the kind beings that surround and support you on a daily basis. Focusing on these small blessings is what allows us to see the big picture.

The next step is to dare to be compassionate and kind to yourself.  Eliminate all your  hypercritical and negative moments of introspection. Catch yourself when you find that you are being pessimistic or unfairly comparing  yourself to others and say “PAUSE.”  Then ask “Why am I being unkind to myself?”

Remember, change is a process and acceptance is always a challenge. Start with easy steps to love being you:  take a nature walk, get a massage, meditate, or simply do something you  know makes you happy.  All in all, you want to celebrate how wonderful you are. You will find that this approach makes life more fun and fulfilling. As it is written on the key chain I carry around with me: “Love the life you live and live the life you love.”

Happy Valentine’s Day.

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I’m a list person. I can make a list for pretty much anything; chores, groceries, people to call back, you name it. So making my list of New Year’s resolutions is a natural undertaking for me.  In fact, it has become an annual tradition. I can’t remember a year when I didn’t make a list of New Year’s resolutions, or multiple lists for that matter.  Sometimes I keep them, sometimes I don’t. I guess that’s the way it goes when it comes to resolutions.

What I’ve realized in my years of lists is that resolutions are about change, but true resolutions are about persistence. Real change happens in small persistent steps more often than in big dramatic ones. So this year, for the first time, I’ve decided not to make a list. No grandiose promises or unrealistic expectations. Instead, I’m just going to resolve to continue doing what I’m doing –  trying my best, messing up, recovering, evolving and enjoying the ride along the way. This way I can make small changes to improve myself without worrying about crossing big changes off my list.

Happy 2010 everyone.

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