Sunday, August 2, 2009

Lifestyle Reform 911

We a recently received an email that has inspired ASK to develop a new plan to help you "reform" your lifestyle! A healthy attitude and healthy behaviors = a healthier you!

"Dear ASK: I have struggled with my weight all of my life. In the past I have done better with power walking better than dieting or anything else. I kept off 80 pounds for about 5 years. That was age 25-30. I am now 41. I had been hovering around 240 lbs. for the last five years. I was promoted to a semi-sedentary job 3 years ago and have gained nearly 40 lbs. My health is relatively good---no high blood pressure or diabetes or anything like that. I know that I am blessed at this time. However my cholesterol is high and have bad knees as a result of the weight. I have recently been advised to look into a lap band procedure before I start to have significant health complications.


I have hesitated to do so because of the success that I once experienced with my weight. I keep thinking that I have done this before, I can do it again. So emotionally I kind of feel like a failure in this area. Lately I have tried to change my carry-out style diet for a better eating plan. But I find myself only getting in my meals right before bed due to the demand of my new schedule. I have not been motivated to exercise much lately. I live in a high rise building in Downtown Detroit and usually virtually exercise by watching the water aerobics class that takes place every other day :(


Your website was mentioned to me by a former school mate and I hear that you are a fitness instructor as well. Your site is very interesting and I thought that I would inquire to see if there was a tool available to help me."


Ask answers your question:

Dear friend seeking Lifestyle Reform 911,

Please hold off on the lap band procedure for now!

I am so happy that you found our website. Helping you help yourself is going to be an exciting, challenging and rewarding adventure! Your situation speaks loud and clear to so many women out there. Your courage and determination to live a healthy lifestyle, and be fit for your future is admirable and inspiring. You have already taken the most important step. Now, the really hard work begins! No more virtual training for you my dear. The water exercise class that you can see from your high rise apartment is a workout at your finger tips that you need to be a part of. So get your water shoes on and your feet wet! I want you to be in that class three days a week…no excuses…not one! Next, get on the phone or online and sign up for the water exercise class at your nearby YMCA, as we discussed. The summer season is short and you must have a plan in place for the fall and winter months. Working out in the pool is the very best place for you to be right now… Be proactive and be prepared! Along with your water fitness classes you will begin to utilize the stairs in your high rise apartment building. Luckily, you have your own stairmaster to heaven. Start today by walking up one flight of stairs. Do this stair climbing exercise 6 days out of 7 for the first week. Each week you will add one half of a flight of stairs. So, if a fight equals 12 steps, you will add six more steps every week. Got it? It is very important to wear proper walking shoes to protect your ankles, knees, back, and hips! Before you know it….you will be climbing to the top. Remember Rocky? That will be you! You can expect this to be very difficult the first week. Do not give up ….keep climbing those stairs! By the way, it is okay to hold on to the railing in the beginning. As your strength increases and your weight decreases you will begin to be able to let go. We must all let go of something in order to move forward in our lives! For you, it will be the railing. Perhaps you have a friend in your building that would like to join you as you climb your way to physical and emotional liberation!!!


You must also take measures to get your eating behavior under control. No more three meals right before bedtime. Those days are over! Start planning your diet at the beginning of each week. Make a healthy food shopping list and purchase all of your groceries on Sat. or Sun. Prepare 3-4 small meals in zip lock bags or containers that you can take to work. Easy to prepare foods are usually quick and easy to eat! Include tons of fresh vegetables and fruits in those containers. We have many healthy mini meal and snack ideas for you in the diet and nutrition section of our website. Also, please utilize our Binge Control suggestions on our website….these will be very helpful!


Now that you have your food and exercise program in place, let’s discuss the next part of your

lifestyle reform program! I want you to journal your fitness progress every single day. You will also journal and keep track of every morsel of food and liquid that touches your lips! Agreed? Keeping a diary of your food intake and fitness regimen will be a tremendous support as you work to change your life. Journaling has been proven to be an invaluable tool for a successful diet and fitness program. It will keep you accountable for everything you do. You will also learn a lot about yourself!


We will look forward to reading your journal entries on the Bitch Alley Blog! Our readers are anxious to support you as you move forward with your 911 Lifestyle Reform Program! My guess is that you will be a wonderful inspiration to so many women following your progress each week on the Bitch Alley Blog.


Your support team at askinyourface.com is here for you!!!

We are excited and look forward to your great success!