Acceptance.  Accepting who we are, where we came from, our strengths, our weaknesses, our mistakes and our triumphs.  Accepting that what we chose to do on a daily basis affects our wellness, our desire to be healthy and our ability to enjoy life.   Some personal traits may seem like they may never change; like how some are more likely than others to suffer from a variety of diseases or conditions, or to put on excess weight in certain body areas or having to deal with injuries that may affect how active we are. 

It is important to accept the fact that environment plays a substantial part in how healthy we are.  Also accepting that we must change those things that we can change and have the strength to continue on.

Today, as we start out the new year with hope for new beginnings, thankfulness for all we have been given and anticipation of things to come, my goal for you is to not just set random resolutions.  But to take some time to think of where you are in your life and what direction you would like to go.    Knowing that the goals you set today could take you on an excellent path towards better overall wellness. 

Happy New Year!

Are you looking to jump in this fall season with some lifestyle changes but not sure where to start?  How do you go about making these changes stick?  My biggest recommendation are those baby steps!  Don’t think the weight will come off overnight or that all of a sudden you will be eating only healthy foods or that you will exercise an hour every day.  This might not be where you are headed and that’s ok.

Instead, think of what things you are willing to change and start there first.  Find those support people that you can lean on.  If you want to have my help on this journey, I will be starting another class for my online weight management program in October.  To get on the list contact me at  nikki@yourdietdesigner.com.

Until then check out the link as I tell you more about getting started.  

 http://www.ksfy.com/global/category.asp?c=185294&clipId=5118597&autostart=true

I did it.  Just registered for my first-ever, never-thought-I’d-do-it, kinda-makes-me-worried 5K run!  Looks like the next couple months of my life will be spent training for this event.   So let me start by telling you that I do not run.  I have always said if you see me running,  stop and pick me up because something is definitely wrong. 

Times are changing I guess.  Through the persuasion of friends and some determination that I am still looking for, I will be running the 5K. 

But in all seriousness, this couldn’t have come at a better time for me.  These last couple months of summer have kept me busy socializing with friends, resulting in more calories consumed than expended.  More socializing and less exercising means added pounds to this waistline.  But today, my first day of my new challenge, I am back at it.  I’d love to have you join me on my journey – we might surprise each other! 

If you don’t want to run at least stay informed as I go through the ups and downs of the next couple months through this blogsite.  This week I need to get refocused on my nutrition plan to slim down this waistline again.  I’ll let you in on my nutrition plan as it progresses.

Time to break out the tube socks and running shorts, this girl’s got work to do!  Oh…and if you want to run with me, register for the Trick or Treat 5K  at http://www.allsportcentral.com/

During times of change, support is essential.  Who has your back?   Of the favorite people in your life, who are the ones that support you as you move towards your optimal self.  Any life change involves significant commitment from you.  A group of supporters rallying you on significantly increases your odds of success. 

So take the time….make your list.  Tell these people what they mean to you and ask if they will support you through your changes.  Don’t be afraid to tell them exactly what you need from them.

Life is filled with choices.  Choose people you can count on to build you up, have fun and help move you in the right direction.  Get the encouragers on your team as you move forward.

Increase your odds of success, by getting your encouragers to join you in my healthy lifestyle challenge.  More info at http://yourdietdesigner.com/are-you-up-for-the-weight-loss-challenge/  Time for signing up is ending soon!

This well versed dietitian fell right off the wagon last night.  Latest challenge – pizza bingo at the school.  And I flunked out.  First mistake: went hungry.  Played bingo and did raffles with the family all while eating pepperoni (not thin crust) pizza, candy and pop.    It was fun for all of us, however, one hour after the food fest, I was ready to go to sleep.  Too many processed carbs and not enough protein.

I needed to be reminded of  what this type of food does to me.  Lesson learned.  I am back on track today.  My lesson: what I eat definitely makes me feel either awesome or tired.  I know which one I am going with – how about you?

So I broke out the swimsuit this week.  For living in the Midwest in February, that is not usual.  Wasn’t going to water aerobics or Hawaii.  Instead destination Bod Pod.  I was off to get my body composition analyzed.  I had met Aaron at an event and thought this would be a good way to gauge my wellness by looking at the components of myself, not just looking at size or weight.  Also a baseline for my behavior changes….since I have finally become a regular exerciser!  Which I am very proud of.

So I put my swimsuit under my work clothes and off I went – since it was 2 degrees outside!  Since this is measuring air displacement it is essential to have either just a swimsuit on or workout clothes that are snugger.  So he weighed me, took my height, calibrated the machine and  then into the Bod Pod I went.  I sat still in this machine and watched this video for three 50 second sessions.  Done!  Changed back into my real clothes right away and then went through my results. 

Going back in 12 weeks to see what I have improved – thanks Aaron!  So If you want to put on your swimsuit in February, in the the Midwest – check him out at dakotabody.com.

The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it’s possible. -Rich Devos

The debate…butter or margarine.  A sensitive, personal decision. 

Stick margarine is taboo because of the partial hydrogenation resulting in trans fats.  These trans fats go on to oxidize or damage cholesterol which helps to make it stick in vessels.  So use tub margarine, right?  But not one with those taboo fats.  What about the ton of other ingredients listed? 

After consuming trans fat free, tub margarine for years and using butter when baking, I am making some changes.  My decision?  When comparing pasteurized cream and salt vs a ton of ingredients.  I pick pasteurized cream and salt.

A lasting quality.  The ability or strength to continue despite adverse conditions. 

This is how the dictionary defines endurance.   Today I met 3 people who really know what this means, in a place called Endurance.

Visiting with these lively entrepreneurs showed me how we all can lean on each other to motivate and move forward.  How is your endurance in your current situation?  Are things going well for you?  Do you need to move in a healthier direction?

If so, lean on me for your nutrition.  If you’re ready to add in exercise, from people who are dedicated to helping you change your life, try Endurance.  You will like what you see, I know I did.