Divine Motivation

As I was speaking to a friend today, she inspired me to write today's blog topic on "Divine Motivation."  Now I know some of you may not have the same Christian back ground that I have, however, this can still be applied to your belief system wether you believe your success comes from a desire that was already in you at birth, a higher power that operates in your life or from the people who influence you.  The point is that we all have something that keeps us going.  Some inner motivation that pushes us to be better.

In the book of Romans, the bible says, "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you."

We all have dead places in our life.  It may be feelings of inadequacy, feelings of fear, lack of good health, past failures or an entire host of other things.  We lock them away in a sort of tomb so that we can pretend they don't exist, but the truth is THEY DO, and the longer we avoid identifying those things the longer we will stay stuck in our current life, health and relationships.

But what if we actually took the time to identify the places and things in our life that are feeling flatlined?  It is at this point that we can clearly see where God, or whatever you identify as your inner voice, is waiting to bring a resurrecting work.  God longs to fill you will overcoming power that can only come from him.  Those things that are holding you back don't have to stay buried in a tomb.  They can be released and in doing so it will bring on a freedom and motivation to change and fix the things that we need to face.

I don't mean someday, I mean NOW!  Someday is a curse word from now on.  Simple and plain profanity.  If we want to truly transform our lives, our health, our relationships and our finances then we must stop hiding behind the "maybes" and "somedays."  Too many dreams have died on the altar of someday.  Aren't you sick of waiting?  Aren't you sick of looking back at yesterday and saying, "I'll start today instead" and then the next day saying the same thing?

Jesus only stayed in that tomb for 3 days.  We have to let the things that are keeping our dreams and hopes buried out of the tomb and begin to live the life that Jesus died to give us.  What dreams and hopes have you been keeping buried out of fear or lack of belief?  Start taking action today to make them happen and stop focusing on your fears that you can't do it.  YOU CAN!

Until next time keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.



*LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE YOUR FINANCES AND YOUR HEALTH?  Join me at www.readyforhealthnow.com I want to help you change your future and reach your dreams.

The Daniel Plan - Eliminate Negative Self-Talk

Click Here for Original post ===>>>>The Daniel Plan - Eliminate Negative Self-Talk



By Rick Warren - June 3, 2013

"Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts."Proverbs 4:23 GN

Long before psychology came around, God said your thoughts determine your feelings and your feelings determine your actions. If you want to change your life, you have to control the way you think.

You're constantly talking to yourself — all the time. Your mind is talking to you! You're talking to yourself right now. Research indicates that most people speak at a rate of 150 to 200 words per minute, but the mind can listen to about 500 to 600 words a minute. That's why you can listen to me and plan today's dinner at the same time.

In fact, our internal dialogue — the conversation we have with ourselves — is at a rate of 1,300 words per minute. How? Because our mind sees in pictures, and you can see a thought in a nanosecond!

The problem is that a lot of us are like Job, who says, "Everything I say seems to condemn me" (Job 9:20 GN). He's saying, in effect, "Everything I say puts me down." If you are typical to the human race, you are your own worst critic.

We're always putting ourselves down. We walk into a room, smiling, but inside we're thinking, "I'm fat. I'm dumb. I'm ugly. And I'm always late!"

God wants us to stop putting ourselves down. When you put yourself down, who are you really putting down? When you say, "I'm fat. I'm dumb. I'm ugly. I'm no good. I have no talent," you're really pointing to the Creator who made you. When you say, "God, I'm worthless. I'm no good. I can't do anything," you're saying, "God, you blew it with me." That's why God says it's wrong to put yourself down.

How do you eliminate negative self-talk so you can become a more confident person?

The Bible teaches the principle of replacement.

"Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right … Think about all you can thank God for and be glad about"Philippians 4:8 LB

In other words, don't think about all those weaknesses in your life. Focus on who God wants you want to be and on what God wants to do in your life.

There isn't a better thing you can do to raise your confidence level than to start believing what God says about you. As I read through the Bible, chapter by chapter, and find a verse that speaks to me, I write it down on a card, memorize it, and then I affirm it back to God: "Father, thank you that I am valuable; I am significant; I am forgivable; I am capable." Let God renew your mind because "your life is shaped by your thoughts" (Proverbs 4:23 GN).

Talk About It

• I don't know any better antidote to low self-esteem (or to facing your hurts, habits, and hang-ups) than to read God's Word every day: Study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and apply it in your life.
• How are doing with self-discipline in your daily quiet time with God?

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. His book, The Purpose Driven Church, was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.

Until next time, keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.

LOOKING TO CHANGE YOUR HEALTH?  TAKE YOUR FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT TODAY AT www.satisfied.idlife.com

Enjoy Your Vacation While Eating Healthy

Absolutely nothing should get in the way of your vacation enjoyment! You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to play hard. Sometimes, even pleasurable travel can be stressful. I’ve learned that one of the best ways to minimize travel stress and enjoy a vacation to the fullest is by finding ways to carry healthy-eating habits with me on my trip.

Several aspects of travel present challenges to healthy eating. First, your regular routine changes when you travel. Second, away from home you will face different types of foods as well as temptations that you know how to avoid at home. A little advance planning will help you navigate the labyrinth of unhealthy and processed foods you will encounter on vacation and keep you eating healthy through the duration of your trip.

Before you leave, take the time to learn about your destination. Doing a little research into the hotel and restaurants in the area can go a long way. I have found reviews be extremely helpful in my travels because they provide the most unbiased and true information. I recently found a great site that listed the hotels in Las Vegas I was interested in with reviews regarding restaurants, amenities, and things to do. This information made it extremely helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle while away. Find out all you can about local restaurants. Locate a health food store in the area where you can stop for snacks to keep in your hotel room, and look for a hotel that has in-room refrigerators so you will be able to stock fruits and veggies there to ward off late-night cravings.

If you plan to fly, consider what you will eat on the plane. I always pack some healthy snacks like raw almonds and some fruit or fresh veggies in my carry-on bag to keep me from succumbing to high-sodium or sugary refreshments served on the plane. If an in-flight meal will be served, take the time to order an alternative to the regular meal. Low-sodium or vegetarian options are best.

Drink plenty of water throughout your trip. This may be easier at home, but it’s just as important when you travel. I like to carry a water bottle along with me that I can refill anywhere. This will save you money at tourist attractions where bottled water can be very expensive. It will also help you avoid the temptation of drinking soda or other sugary and caffeinated beverages.

On vacation, you will probably be eating at several restaurants. Follow the same guidelines you do when eating out near your home. Before heading to a nice dinner, eat a handful of raw carrots or an apple to take the edge off your hunger and keep you from filling up on bread before your meal arrives. Read the menu carefully. Find healthy selections under words such as “broiled” and “steamed.” Avoid words like “battered,” “smothered” or “bottomless.” Speaking of bottomless, avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants as well. It’s too easy to keep eating after you are full when you’ve paid to eat all you possibly can.

Of course, when you get away on vacation, you may want to splurge a little. Feel free to enjoy some local delights. The key to vacationing healthy is moderation. If you eat a healthy breakfast, go ahead and enjoy that world-famous corn dog at lunchtime. Just be sure to follow it with a healthy afternoon snack if you get hungry later.

Until next time, keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.

GUEST AUTHOR:  Cole Millen

Ready to get your health or weight under control?  Take your FREE health assessment at www.satisfied.idlife.com and get a plan of action in place to reach your goals.

Practical Tips On Building A Healthy Meal

A healthy meal starts with more fruits and vegetables and smaller portions of breads and starchy foods.  Think about how you can adjust your portions on your plate to get more of what you need without too many added calories.  And don't forget the dairy -- make it the beverage with your meal or add fat-free or low-fat dairy products to your plate.

1.  Make half your plate fruits and veggies. Vegetables and fruits are full of nutrients.  Choose red, orange and dark green vegetables when possible like tomatoes, sweet potatoes and broccoli.

2.  Add lean protein.  Choose protein foods, such as lean beef and pork, or chicken, turkey, beans, or tofu.  Try to make your foods seafood at least twice each week.

3.  Include whole grains.  Aim to make at least half your grains whole grains.  Look for 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat in the label.  Whole grains are much more nutrient dense and have more fiber than refined grains. 

4.  Don't forget the dairy.  Pair your meal with a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk.  You get the same amount of nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories.  If you prefer, you can try soy milk or include fat-free or low-fat yogurt in your meal.

5.  Avoid extra fat.  Using heavy gravies or sauces will add extra fat and sodium to your diet.  For example:  Steamed broccoli is great, but avoid topping it with cheese sauce.  Try substitutes like low-fat parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon.  

6.  Take your time.  Savor your food.  Eat slowly and enjoy the taste and texture of your foods.  Being mindful of your eating and taking your time helps you to avoid overeating, and helps with better digestion.

7.  Use a smaller plate.   By using a smaller plate, you can help with portion control.  That way you can finish your entire plate and feel satisfied without overeating.

8.  Take control of your food.  Eat at home as often as possible.  That way you know exactly what you are eating rather than guessing at how it was cooked.  If you do eat out, check and compare the nutrition information and choose baked over fried.

9.  Try new foods.  Keep it interesting by trying out new foods and recipes that you have never tried before.  You may find a new favorite food.  Try a recipe exchange with friends and encourage each other to try them out.

10.  Satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way.  Indulge in a naturally sweet dessert dish -- FRUIT!  Serve a fresh fruit cocktail or a fruit parfait made with yogurt.  For a hot dessert, bake apples and top with cinnamon.



Remember that small changes can add up to big gains in health.  Until next time, keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.


Want to know what steps to take to get your health under control?  Contact me at www.coachellen.idlife.com to set up your FREE health assessment.

Juice Drinks - The Worst Drinks for Your Body - Shape Magazine

This is a great eye opener on drinks that we might think are "healthy."  Remember, read labels and know your ingredients before you drink.

Juice Drinks - The Worst Drinks for Your Body - Shape Magazine

Until next time, keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.



Looking for a health alternative to sports drinks or sugary juice drinks?

Hydration is all about water and electrolyte replacement. Hydrate supplies your body with the essential electrolytes Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium that are most often lost during workouts or athletic events. Hydrate also supplies the complimentary nutrients, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2 and Taurine, which aid in the transportation of electrolytes through the body. Replenishing these electrolytes and minerals helps you recover and prepare for your next adventure.  Get yours at www.coachellen.idlife.com

Ten Tips To Eating Healthy On A Budget

Until next time, keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Not eating your fruits and vegetables like you should? Get what you are missing with Greens, a delicious orange-flavored, alkalizing drink powder with the nutritional value of 8+ servings of fruits and vegetables in each serving.

Greens blends 38 herbs and nutrient-rich "superfoods" to provide vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and enzymes in their naturally-occurring, bio-active, bio-available form.

• Detoxifying, alkalizing drink powder
• Promotes pH balance within the body
• 38 herbs & nutrient-rich “superfoods”
• Equivalent of 8+ servings of fruits and vegetables in each serving

Greens is a pleasant tasting, orange-flavored powder. Simply add to water or juice.  Click Here for more information or to purchase.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

Any link or ads that take you to an outside party indicates that I likely have an affiliate relationship and benefit in some way either by reciprocal links or financially.  I make all product recommendations and affiliate ad choices based on what I feel will most benefit my readers, not how much my commission or benefit is from that affiliate.  

Reference:  ‎www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet16EatingBetterOnABudget.pdf

Discover How To Get Passed Your Workout Excuses

fitnessgurutraining.wordpress.com

I know, I know, you would never miss a workout if only.....

We all have our excuses for not working out, and granted, some of them are legit.  We are nursing an injury, working late or whatever, but many times we are simply talking ourselves out of it. By making an excuse it allows us to be less uncomfortable about not following through on our commitment to our goals.  It's our natural human nature to avoid cognitive dissonance.  It's not that your lazy, it's just our natural response.

So what's the secret to countering it?  Make a habit of working out.  This allows your brain to flip and cause you to create a "healthy obsession."  This makes you want to move!  Now I know that this is easier said than done, until then, here are some tips to overcome those excuses.

Excuse #1:  I'm too tired!

This is the number one reason we blow off our workouts, however, studies show that regular physical exercise actually increases our energy levels and improves our ability to function at a higher level.  Don't believe it?  Just try committing to one week of workouts and see if you don't notice a difference.  If you don't feel like you can follow through for even a week, enlist an exercise buddy to hold you accountable for a week which will make it harder to skip your workout session.  

Excuse #2:  I don't have time!

I'm sure you're busy, but trust me, the time is there.  If you work 50 hours a week and sleep 8 hours a night, that leaves 62 hours for other things.  According to the American Heart Association, you only need 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week to improve your health.  To find your unused time, keep a 24 hour log of your time for one day.  This will be a huge eye opener for you to be able to find the time for your workouts.

Excuse #3:  I don't want to have to shower again!

Post workout primping can be done very quickly by giving your sweaty spots a once over with an antibacterial wipe.  Do the same on your face, using an all-in-one cleansing pad.  Apply beauty balm, which is similar to a tinted moisturizer but it contains blemish control and primer.  Touch up your mascara and use a three in one shimmer to eyes, cheeks and lips.  To top off your primping, use a dry shampoo on the crown of your head to freshen up your hair.  Whalaa, you are done.  It's that simple.

Excuse #4:  Exercise makes me hungry!

Actually, hormones released during a vigorous workout actually work to suppress your appetite immediately post-workout.  A recent study by researchers at Brigham Young University showed that the neural response to food was less than it was on non-exercise days for women who workout.  Additionally, it found that women did not eat more on the workout day to make up for calories burned. The key is to eat 150 to 200 calorie snack immediately following your workout.  Make sure to have a good balance of proteins, carbs and healthy fats.  This will help you to stay full longer so you won't eat back all those calories burned.

The true reality is that by committing to an exercise program and pushing past your excuses, you will find yourself more energized, healthier and happier than you have ever been.  Go ahead, try it!  I dare you.  

Until next time, keep reaching for that healthy, happy life you deserve.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:  Click here to purchase or for more Information.

Fire up your metabolism with this naturally based, thermogenic weight loss formula! Powered by the antioxidant superfood acai berry and the metabolism-boosting properties of Capsimax® (red hot pepper blend), Ultimate ThermoFit helps to:

• Thermogenic weight loss formula
• Antioxidant benefits of acai berry
• Promotes increased calorie burning
• Helps boost metabolic rate
• Reduces appetite
• Provides energy

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Any link or ads that take you to an outside party indicates that I likely have an affiliate relationship and benefit in some way either by reciprocal links or financially.  I make all product recommendations and affiliate ad choices based on what I feel will most benefit my readers, not how much my commission or benefit is from that affiliate.  

THIS ARTICLE IS MEANT FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.  IT IS NOT DESIGNED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT OR CURE ANY DISEASE.  PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING ANY SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM. ANY HEALTH PROGRAM SHOULD BE DONE IN CONJUNCTION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN AND INVOLVE HEALTHY EATING, EXERCISING AND GOOD SUPPLEMENTATION.

References: Summarized from Health Magazine, March 2013. p. 62-64