Freedom!

Independence! You are free to be... Isn't INDEPENDENCE the cry of every human heart? And haven't we learned over and again that our greatest freedom lies within following the action steps toward our primary goals? You are free to be... * A healthy parent. * Running around the park with your grandkids * Active no matter the circumstances (swimsuit, SURE!) * Financially healthy (saying no to the small things now means yes to the big things later!) * A great friend with time for others. * Emotionally healthy. Self confident enough to serve others. Would you like to join a health challenge for the month of July? We are hosting a meltdown challenge that can be joined by clicking here: http://goo.gl/Fh4RRH This is not program related, so anyone can join and enjoy the community of people working together and supporting each other. Food and exercise journals are available as well as a little friendly competition and encouragement! Lean & Green Salad Avocado Shrimp Salad Going to a neighbor's house for a BBQ? Bring a beautiful and healthy salad that is on program for you and delicious to share. What you need: 7 oz. cooked jumbo shrimp, de-veined and without the tails 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes 3 slices avocado, chopped 1 T chopped green onions 1 T cilantro or parsley pepper lime juice What to do: Chop tomatoes and drain on paper towels. Gently mix ingredients and squeeze the juice of one lime over all. Grind fresh pepper over top and fold together. These amounts serve one full lean and 3 greens for one person, so be sure to make a lot to share! Inspiration Corner Please meet our lovely friend Heather, who is enjoying her summer after losing weight with our program and dramatically improving her health. Because of our Habits of Health system, she is continuing on in her journey to optimal health. It's not just about weight loss, but about freedom to live life, wear the fun summer clothes and feel great. Heather isn't just getting healthy, but she is creating a community of healthy support all around her by influencing others to improve their health along with her. What a gift! From the desk of Dr. A... Don’t you just love the name of our upcoming holiday? INDEPENDENCE DAY! Wow! I know this holiday is to celebrate the declaration of freedom of the United States of America from the British rule. But I would like to suggest another focus on this day. How about your very own Independence Day. Independence from: Obesity Poor health Stress of everyday life Hopelessness Apathy Financial strain Let this be the holiday that you take control of your own destiny. You take control of your life. You make the choice to embrace Optimal Health. You make the decision to assume responsibility for your health, your state of mind and your finances. You make the commitment to discover and embrace Optimal Health! Now that is something worth working for! Now that your focus is on what you want, let’s talk about tips to help you on your journey. Holidays such as this often involve family get togethers, picnics, and outdoor activities. This may cause stress and concern and can cause break downs in our otherwise healthy Take Shape For Life plan. It is extremely important to be very aware and mindful that these activities and events can pack thousands of calories that we would not normally indulge in. Here are some tips to get through this. 1. Get clear on what you want and why you want it and what you are willing to do to get it. Reach out to your health coach and share this with them. Ask for their assistance and ask them to hold you accountable to your commitment. 2. The best defense is a great offense! Be prepared and have a plan. Think ahead for possible situations that you may be placed in and think about your response. Make sure you have your meal replacements with you. Do not skip meals or “save” calories for the “big meal.” 3. If going to someone else’s home or party, offer to bring an appetizer and/or side dish. Make it healthy and every one will benefit. Be watchful of your portions and choose NOT to have the desert! You might think about bringing sugar free popsicles to share with the crowd or have a cup of coffee instead. Medifast pudding and/or crunch bars can be a healthy desert. 4. Get the support of your family and friends. Ask them to help you stay on course. 5. Keep a positive attitude and remember that your goal is not only to lose weight but to gain health. Your continued positive self talk will empower you to successfully get through the celebration. 6. Utilize some of the wonderful summer vegetables that are abundant now – tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans zucchini & summer squash. Look for recipes to enjoy them. Utilize the “My Take Shape For Life,” web site for healthy on plan recipes. Don’t forget, grilling vegetables and protein is a great option. If you are not able to measure your lean & green portions, go to chapter 9 in “Dr A’s Habits of Health,” to learn how to visualize proper portion sizes. 7. Take advantage of the summer time and get some extra exercise in! Take a walk or bike ride. Swimming, badminton, croquet, volleyball, horse shoes, and boating are all great summer time outside activities. Activities will boost your mood and cut your appetite. 8. Remember the reason for the gathering and focus on fellowship and visiting and not on food and over indulgence. 9. Habits are habit forming. People form habits but habits transform people! Let’s Take Shape For Life. Let us transform our thinking to become choosy about what we eat and what we do. Let us make it a habit to select healthy foods and healthy activities to create the life we want. Let us declare our independence from poor health and discover our Optimal Health! You are invited... Connect with your health coach! We are advocates for you, your goals, and your health. Reach out and let us know how we can help. We'd love to talk to you! Shane@choosehealth.info or call 503-559-2445 or Jill@choosehealth.info or call 541-852-2261. To Your Health and Independence! Shane & Jill