Begin Conscious Living

A recent story discusses former “Cheers” star (and Jenny Craig spokeswoman) Kirstie Alley’s battle with weight loss.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20276768,00.html
Isn’t it strange how a topic can be so difficult, controversial and complicated for some people, but a seemingly non-issue for others?  The bottom line is that biological predispositions for different metabolisms in conjunciton with lifestyle is responsible for one’s figure.  So, why are people always looking for ’simple rules’ to ‘obey’ in order to get what they want?

Exercise and eating right cannot be a chore, or even something you do.  It has to be more than a habit, it has to be a way of life.  In order to change what you eat, and how you excercise, you need to change who you *are*.

Exercise

1. Begin why completing each of the following sentences:

I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.
I am ___________________.

2. Think about the activities you perform now that are related to exercise. List them below, and how often.

3. Think about the activities you would like to perform that are related to exercise.  List needed changes (in kind or frequency) below.

4. Think about the social relationships that are linked to the activities above.

How do the impressions of others prevent exersise changes?

How do the impressions of others facilitate exercise changes?

5. Describe the changes in your social relationships that would help you meet your goals.

6. Consider the positive eating habits that you practice on a regular basis.

-social factors?
-physical factors?

7. Consider the negative eating habits that you practice on a regular basis.

-social factors?
-physical factors?

While no magic solution exists, it is important to realize that by eating healthy food coupled with regular exercise you can increase your health without resorting to crash diets or excessive exercise.

Here are some simple and easy tips on how to be green everyday:

• Recycle!  Look for programs in your area and get involved. 
• Reuse items or give them to those who can use them
• Go Vegetarian (at least a few days per week)
• Ride your bike to places you need to go
• Buy produce and other products locally
• Reduce or eliminate paper usage
• Replace household cleaners with greener cleaning products
• Meet with clients online rather than in person
• Compost to reduce household waste
• Grow some fruit and vegetables
• Use native plants in your yard to reduce watering
• Change lightbulbs in your house to CFLs or LEDs
• Turn down the thermostat
• Reduce seafood consumption
• Use natural skin care products
• Use reusable shopping bags

One of the best ways to be green is to simply start asking questions.  Ask where products come from, how they are made, what processes are used, what ingredients are in the product, and if fair labor was used? 

When you see an item you no longer need, ask yourself how you are going to get rid of it.  Also, think about how the decision to get rid of an item can affect others and the planet.  By simply making an effort to understand the impact of your everyday actions and lifestyle choices we can begin to change our communities. 

One great book on the topic is:  365 Ways to Live Green: Your Everyday Guide to Saving the Environment