Self-Talk.
Listen to the chatter that goes on in your head. Are you saying nice things to yourself? Are you being complimentary of your body? Are you using words of encouragement? Chances are you answered "No" to these questions. Many of us go around with a negative tape recorder playing in our head all day. When we stop and listen, we hear things like "Why did you do that? You are so stupid!"; or "I can't believe you actually said that; it sounded so dumb!" Replace these negative thoughts with praise, such as, "What a good idea; that was a good way of handling the situation"; or "That was a real accomplishment; I'm so proud!" By shifting from words of criticism to words of praise, you begin to change your life.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Learn to Take a Compliment.
Many of us dream of the perfect look. We want to be beautiful, to have others stop and notice us. Yet, when someone gives us a compliment such as, "You look great in that dress," we say something like, "This old thing!" The very thing we are looking for -- recognition -- we brush off. Practice saying "thank you" when someone gives you a compliment. Don't over analyze it, or judge the giver, or make light of it; instead let it soak in and allow yourself to feel really good.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Healthy Body Guidelines
1. Don't Compare.
When we compare ourselves to others we always lose. The realities of our looks and theirs don't even matter. When we look at others, we see how perfect they are. When we look at ourselves, we see how imperfect we are. We feel we can never measure up, no matter what. Society makes matters worse by worshiping an elusive fantasy body that only a few women on earth could ever naturally attain. By avoiding comparisons to others, we save ourselves lots of grief and can work toward making the body God gave us the best it can be.
2. Focus on Your Accomplishments.
Instead of nit-picking your body, try focusing on your positive traits. Are you loving, kind, and considerate? Do you visit your grandmother regularly? Do you get good grades? Are you a wonderful mother and/or spouse? Are you known for the fun parties you throw? Can you draw? We all have talents and attributes that make us wonderful human beings. So what if your thighs aren't pencil thin. You make a difference in the world, and that's what really matters!
When we compare ourselves to others we always lose. The realities of our looks and theirs don't even matter. When we look at others, we see how perfect they are. When we look at ourselves, we see how imperfect we are. We feel we can never measure up, no matter what. Society makes matters worse by worshiping an elusive fantasy body that only a few women on earth could ever naturally attain. By avoiding comparisons to others, we save ourselves lots of grief and can work toward making the body God gave us the best it can be.
2. Focus on Your Accomplishments.
Instead of nit-picking your body, try focusing on your positive traits. Are you loving, kind, and considerate? Do you visit your grandmother regularly? Do you get good grades? Are you a wonderful mother and/or spouse? Are you known for the fun parties you throw? Can you draw? We all have talents and attributes that make us wonderful human beings. So what if your thighs aren't pencil thin. You make a difference in the world, and that's what really matters!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
What Happens When People Drink?
When people drink too much, they might do or say things they don't mean. They might hurt themselves or other people, especially if they drive a car. Someone who drinks too much also might throw up and could wake up the next day feeling awful — that's called a hangover. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill a person. Over time, someone who abuses alcohol can do serious damage to his or her body. The liver, which removes poisons from the blood, is especially at risk.
Because alcohol can cause such problems, the citizens and government leaders in this country have decided that kids shouldn't be allowed to buy or use alcohol. By setting the drinking age at 21, they hope older people will be able to make good decisions about alcohol. For instance, they don't want people to drink alcohol and drive cars because that's how many accidents occur.
Because alcohol can cause such problems, the citizens and government leaders in this country have decided that kids shouldn't be allowed to buy or use alcohol. By setting the drinking age at 21, they hope older people will be able to make good decisions about alcohol. For instance, they don't want people to drink alcohol and drive cars because that's how many accidents occur.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Body mass index- BMI
Did you know you had a BMI? Body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Too much body fat is a problem because it can lead to illnesses and other health problems. BMI, although not a perfect method for judging someone's weight, is often a good way to check on how a kid is growing.
Calculating BMI
The best way to determine your BMI is to have your doctor do it for you. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and your doctor can discuss the result with you. If you're interested, you also can figure out your BMI on your own.
Calculating BMI
The best way to determine your BMI is to have your doctor do it for you. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and your doctor can discuss the result with you. If you're interested, you also can figure out your BMI on your own.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Understanding about Fat Pecentage
General Body Fat Percentage Categories
*American Council on Exercise
Classification Women (% fat) Men (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12% 2-4%
Athletes 14-20% 6-13%
Fitness 21-24% 14-17%
Acceptable 25-31% 18-25%
Obese 32% plus 25% plus
Knowing your body fat percentage can also help you determine if your weight loss goals are realistic. Remember, weight loss doesn't always mean fat loss. For example:
Let's say you're a 130# woman with 23% body fat, and you goal is to "lose 20 pounds":
Initial body fat: 130# x 0.23 fat = 30 # body fat
Lean body mass: 130# total - 30# fat = 100# lean body mass (bones, organs and all else)
Goal: 130# - 20# = 110 pounds
As you can see, the goal of losing 20 pounds is not realistic or healthy. At 110 pounds, this woman still requires 100# of lean body mass (bones, organs, etc.), but would only be carrying 10#, or only 9% body fat. From the chart above, you can see that this is a dangerously low percentage.
A better goal might be for the woman to reduce her body fat from 23% to 18%. In this case:
130# x 0.18 = 23 # body fat
100# lean body mass + 23 # = 123# goal weight
So, for this individual to achieve a lean, but healthy 18% fat, she would need to lose only 7 pounds of fat, reducing her weight from her current 130 pounds to 123 pounds. Losing more than 7 pounds means losing lean body mass (usually metabolically-active muscle tissue), which is clearly not desirable.
So before you decide that you need to "lose weight", remember to consider that "weight" consists of both lean body mass and body fat. Try to keep your weight loss goals realistic, and remember, keep the calorie-burning muscle, and lose only the fat.
*American Council on Exercise
Classification Women (% fat) Men (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12% 2-4%
Athletes 14-20% 6-13%
Fitness 21-24% 14-17%
Acceptable 25-31% 18-25%
Obese 32% plus 25% plus
Knowing your body fat percentage can also help you determine if your weight loss goals are realistic. Remember, weight loss doesn't always mean fat loss. For example:
Let's say you're a 130# woman with 23% body fat, and you goal is to "lose 20 pounds":
Initial body fat: 130# x 0.23 fat = 30 # body fat
Lean body mass: 130# total - 30# fat = 100# lean body mass (bones, organs and all else)
Goal: 130# - 20# = 110 pounds
As you can see, the goal of losing 20 pounds is not realistic or healthy. At 110 pounds, this woman still requires 100# of lean body mass (bones, organs, etc.), but would only be carrying 10#, or only 9% body fat. From the chart above, you can see that this is a dangerously low percentage.
A better goal might be for the woman to reduce her body fat from 23% to 18%. In this case:
130# x 0.18 = 23 # body fat
100# lean body mass + 23 # = 123# goal weight
So, for this individual to achieve a lean, but healthy 18% fat, she would need to lose only 7 pounds of fat, reducing her weight from her current 130 pounds to 123 pounds. Losing more than 7 pounds means losing lean body mass (usually metabolically-active muscle tissue), which is clearly not desirable.
So before you decide that you need to "lose weight", remember to consider that "weight" consists of both lean body mass and body fat. Try to keep your weight loss goals realistic, and remember, keep the calorie-burning muscle, and lose only the fat.
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