The highlight of my week was my phone chat with Leslie Gail, my health coach! The name 'Health Coach' just doesn't do her justice. She's been so helpful to me and has really given me so much clarity when looking at why I do things and finding solutions to my families struggles. Having her check in with me weekly has keep me on track!
I had a few very specific goals going into this.
- I wanted to conquer my sugar addition once and for all.
- I wanted to put my family on a healthy path.
- I wanted to help my son who was slightly over weight.
I have a month to go with Leslie and I'm happy to say that we are doing great on all of these goals! The fact that I only bought ONE box of Thin Mints even though I walk past children selling them every single day is a great testament to how my sugar addiction is going. Interestingly, the less sugar I eat, the less I want wine.
One thing that has helped my son tremendously is what he eats for snacks. We've eliminated chips, crackers, cookies and juice. Instead, he now eats protein balls, organic granola bars, fruit, vegetables and occasionally....pretzels. We've cut his portion sizes and he now needs less food during the day and rarely asks for seconds.
Often he doesn't even need a snack anymore. When I add more protein to his meals, he stays full longer and then he is really hungry for dinner at night and is more likely to try a new vegetable or eat ALL of his healthy meal. Being hungry is very motivating! HA!
I figure that we've eliminated a couple hundred calories from his day and this has resulted in him losing 5 pounds and his little belly is almost flat. His pants fit better and he runs more at recess. He tells me that he's faster now and can catch the girls.
I'm really proud of him because he is learning good habits and our discussions about being healthy and active are sinking in. I took him to the doctor on Tuesday and the receptionist told him to come see her on our way out. She gave him a Sponge Bob Gummy Candy. These are the worst candy in the world....have you seen these things?
As we were walking down the hallway to the elevator, he looked at me and said, 'Really? The doctors office gave me candy? That's not very healthy.'
No, little one. That is NOT very healthy and you have been paying attention! Normally, I'd reward his positive behavior with food, but our new plan calls for rewarding kids with books and legos. He picked a book that he could read while he rested in bed.
In only two months, we've change our habits and are regularly making good choices. We changed our minds!
If you would like to contact Leslie Gail to assist you with your goals you can find her at New Life Focus, on twitter @gr8lifecoach, and on facebook. You don't have to live in Colorado to use her services. She can Skype with you anywhere in the world.
by Pema Chodron. I didn't really like the book because it was too new age-y for me and I kept feeling my eye glaze over as I read but there was one part that really spoke to me and I can't stop thinking about it.
