This is from Fitness Trainer Lori Forrester.

300px-A_small_cup_of_coffeeAs I was making my morning cup of coffee today I was thinking about the many times I’ve considered giving it up. I’ve read articles about how we shouldn’t need the caffeine to pick us up and studies about the negative effects from the acidity. I’ve also happily read many articles about the health benefits of coffee and I get all excited and drink up!

Coffee is my line in the sand; my thing; my “Aww hell no!” thing that I will not budge on. What is it about that cup of coffee that makes us feel so good? I’d say caffeine (and yes, I need it to wake up) but I think it’s more than that. It’s like a friend or something. I don’t know, but I do know that if I had to give up my coffee to compete or to lose weight, I’d have a really hard time with that decision. I’m so glad I can still have my coffee as long as I keep the sugar and cream to a minimum!

Wine and ChocolateEveryone has something don’t they? I understand it. I can relate to anyone saying, “I really love my wine,” or, “I NEED a little chocolate in my life.” ME TOO! The extremes that I take when getting ready to compete  is different from an average person just trying to shed their layer for summer, but when you have a goal, you must give up that thing that is coming between you and that goal — at least for the time being.

If you complain all the time about how you can’t have this or that, you are creating negative energy and making it so much more difficult than it has to be. Instead, think of it like going on a hiatus! You’re just taking a break from whatever this thing is that’s holding you back. There is always time to have it later, but for now, you are on a mission and that mission should be bigger than a food or drink, otherwise it’s not that important to you!

Let’s take frozen yogurt for example. I love it. I love going to the local place on a whim with my girls and enjoying a refreshing treat. Do I deserve it? Yep. Is it the worst thing in the world? Nope. Would it kill me? No, of course not. But FOR NOW  it is not in my plan to get back to stage ready. I had my last little splurge with it last weekend but now we are too close to show day to play. After June 14th I will tear me up some froyo, but keep those indulgences to once a week. When it’s planned for and controlled there is NO GUILT. I have enough worry in my life as a mom than to worry about feeling guilty over some sweet treat!

If there is that one thing that you just don’t think you can give up, don’t. Just put it on hold for a while until you get what you want most. You just may find out something even more wonderful. That thing doesn’t really have as much control over you as you thought. You may discover your craving for it is diminishing. When you find yourself tempted, try to change your words from, “I can’t” to, “I’m not right now.” Watch how your mindset changes. YOU are in control, not some diet that is restricting you, or a trainer that you don’t want to confess to… YOU. Change your mind, and then you can change your body.

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