Wright Way

Editor’s Note: This sponsored health and fitness column is written by Virginia Wright, founder of BbG Fitness, which offers group fitness classes around Arlington. Sign up for a free class today.

Simon and Garfunkel had it right way back in 1967 when they wrote, “Slow down you move too fast.”

We live in a global world; we’re connected 24/7. We check email just before turning out the light each night and then as soon as we wake up in the morning. We’re surrounded with busy-ness and constant motion. We often run from one task to the next without taking a moment to stop and think about what we’re doing. We’re on call 24/7 ready to act — and react.

It’s all very mentally and physically exhausting. No wonder many of us are “stressed out!”

You may not even know you’re suffering from stress. According to the CDC here are some common symptoms: Tension and irritability; fear and anxiety about the future; difficulty making decisions; loss of appetite or overeating (or drinking); sadness; feeling powerless; sleep problems; headache; back pains; and stomach problems.

So what do we do to help stay mentally (and physically) well?

We all have the same 24 hours. Yes, we’re all insanely busy but we can make the decision to slow things down even just for a few moments each day. How we think can have just as much to do with our physical and mental wellbeing as what we put into our bodies.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is defined as an attentive awareness of the present moment. In our fast-paced, stressed-out world, living mindfully has become more important than ever. We can practice mindfulness when biking to work, walking the dog, going for a jog, driving the car or preparing a meal. All of these activities offer us the opportunity to pay attention to the present moment. Instead of multi-tasking to see how many things we can do at once, try paying attention to what we see, hear, smell, taste or touch at any given moment. The happiest people find pleasure in their simple everyday tasks.

Affirm the Positive: Begin your day in the right frame of mind by thinking positive thoughts. Even before you get out of bed take a moment to decide that you’re going to do your best to make it a great day. Arm yourself with a positive outlook so you’ll be better equipped to ward off negative people and events. Instead of negative self-talk, use positive daily affirmations (those you create or something you read) to help you stay focused. It is possible to conquer our fears and enjoy the present. Seize the day by making the conscious decision to do so.

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Editor’s Note: This sponsored health and fitness column is written by Virginia Wright, founder of BbG Fitness, which offers group fitness classes around Arlington. Sign up for a free class today.

Raise your hand if you’re happy with your current body weight. Stamp your feet if you spend way too much time and  energy thinking about food and how to lose weight!

You’ve probably tried all kinds of diets — maybe you lost weight initially but then gained it all back. It’s hard to know what to eat especially with so many authors and food manufactures telling us their way will make us thin. Their ways are obviously not working since according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention almost 70% of us are overweight or obese.

Want to know the secret of successful weight loss? Would you like to learn how to remove unwanted pounds once and for all? I can be honest with you because I don’t stand to make millions of dollars selling the latest and greatest magic cure. The best reward for me would be you reaching your optimal body weight and your improved health!

Are you ready for it? Here it is: The only diet that works is the one you can actually follow and stick with for the rest of your life. That means it can’t include exotic or hard to find ingredients. The successful diet can’t be so strict that you get frustrated and quit. The best diet will allow and encourage you to make gradual sustainable changes.

Okay, that sounds great but what should we eat to help us achieve our weight loss goals? The answer is simple and straight forward: EAT REAL, WHOLE FOODS. Sound too good to be true? Here’s another secret: Eating well should not be mysterious. But the very first thing you have to do is decide that you are going to change your ways. Decide that you are worth it.

Then make a plan. The plan should be specific: “I’m going to lose two pounds a week starting Monday. I will eliminate processed foods from my diet. Starting Monday my diet will consist of mostly lean animal and plant proteins, three to four cups of vegetables every day, 2-4 servings of fruit. I’ll limit my whole grains and nuts and I’ll drink at least 50 ounces of water every day.

Most of the thin, healthy looking people you see walking around eat real food. These folks take the time to shop for and prepare their own meals made with real food! They don’t dine out every night of the week and they don’t eat Lean Cuisine, cheeseburgers, fries, pizza, chips, muffins, bagels with cream cheese or donuts. The thin, healthy people don’t wait in line at McDonald’s for breakfast sandwiches or order lunch at Subway — no, Subway is not a healthy choice regardless of what Jared says!

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