Losing Weight

The idea of dieting scares many people for a variety of reasons, but it shouldn't if you change you way of thinking about losing weight.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Look it losing weight as making lifestyle choices to better your health. You choose to walk every day. You choose to eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Get fit with a group of friends or family members. If that is not possible, then join a health club that meets your needs, which will then improve the chances of meeting people to help encourage you.
• Journal what you eat and the calories. When you are more aware of what you are eating and drinking because you see the results in a notebook or journal, then you are more likely to better decide if you really want to eat or drink.
• Hang around with positive thinking people. That DOES make a difference and will likely help you stick with your life style choices.

It is best to consult your physician when it comes to your health and weight. Also, it is best to lose weight slowly and not quickly.

Going Cold Turkey?

Often times, we may over eat that we do begin to do it unconsciously. When we realize what we are doing, it may be hard for us to cut or reduce our eating habits to moderation portion. You may have noticed that you overeat chocolate, fried foods, or even drink too much diet soda. Once you realize that habit or habits, then now is the time do something about it. So, how should you go about improving your diet?

Some would recommend to go cold turkey. Although going cold turkey may work for some, others would say reduce bit by bit, which I also recommend. First and foremost, you should always consult your doctor to see if you need to follow a diet. They will be able to advise you best on this situation.

For example, you drink too much soda, and you would like to reduce the amount you drink. Each time you have a soda, drink one extra glass of water. So if you have two sodas during the day, be sure to drink two extra glasses of water. A few days later, try to cut your soda intake in half, and then replenish with water. Keep doing that. Eventually, you should drink more water and less soda.

The point is for you to eventually replace excessive food with water or skim milk--whatever you prefer, until you have moderate portions.

Not only will your body feel better, but also healthier!

Thursday's Treasures

We, at Allizon.com, wanted to give you some encouragements by providing some quotes. These are quotes for you to think about and use with your heart and mind. Mothers are the basic foundation for families and societies. You are constantly busy taking care of everyone, that it is easy to forget about yourself, thoughts and opinions.

Enjoy these quotes. Ponder them. Discuss them. Even turn them into artwork and hang up in your home.

• "Wherever you go, go with all your heart."-- Confucius
• "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." --Dr. Seuss
• "Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get." --Author Unknown

Saving with High Gas Prices

Gas prices are more higher than ever before. It could even get higher by summer time. With gas prices going up, some products and services may go up as well, costing you more money.

However, here are some ways you can save money:

1. Carpool to work and running errands. You and a friend can take turns driving to the location. Carpooling saves not only gas, but wear and tear on your vehicle. If public transportation is available, that might be another option.
   
2. Walk to short distance places. Here you will be multi-tasking because you can bond with a loved one, exercise, and complete your task.
3. Pay bills online. Here you will be saving on gas and stamps.
4. When you grocery shop, be sure to scan advertisements to find where the sales are and use coupons. Be careful, sometimes buying in bulk may or may not save money. Do your homework.
5. Time to work on last year's resolutions, meaning if you are a smoker, now is the time to reduce smoking or even better yet--quitting! When we work on ourselves, not only do we feel better, but we also may save money. How cool is that.
6. Don't eat out at restaurants as much. Cook meals together at home. Not only is it cheaper, but you will get to spend time with family.

Don't forget to talk with others on seeing how they are saving money. While you are saving money, don't forget to have fun once in a while. It is healthy!

Give a FREE Gift: Smile

Give a free gift to the next person--Smile. It is contagious. Not only will you feel good about doing an act of kindness, you will get to see how your smile actually influence the receiver, the person being smiled at.

Chances are that person will remember there are nice people, therefore causing him or her to have a more positive attitude--possibly influencing the next person he or she may see.

Smiling is free. There is no monetary value on smiling, but its meaning is priceless!

Go Have Lunch With Your Friends

Socializing with people you enjoy is not only fun, but healthy for you. While everyone needs to physically exercise, everyone also needs to socially exercise. When you are taking care of yourself, you need to take care of yourself physically, spiritually, and mentally. Each part balances each other.

You also need a break from your daily routine to remain strong and energetic.

Socialize with your friends or family members. That is healthy for you mind. It reminds you that people do care about you. It reminds you that you care about them as well. You will get to share feelings and emotions.

Studies show people who socialize with good company tend to live longer, healthier and happier lives than those who don't socialize.

So, go ahead and call your friend that you haven't seen for months and set up a time and place just to meet for lunch.

Ways to Get Exercise

Life is filled with activities, tasks, projects and deadlines to the point where we have no time to exercise. However, lack of exercise is detrimintal to your mental and physical health. It is vital to exercise on a daily basis. How can I exercise when I have little time, you ask? It is possible. It may not be a full 30 minutes, but five minutes here or there is better than no minutes.

Here are some ways you can include exercise in your busy life without really making a lot of time:

• When you are shopping, park a little further away from the building. Don't park in the closest parking spot.
• Take the stairs instead of the esclator or elevator.
• When you are cleaning your house, listen to some upbeat music. Chances are you will be dancing while cleaning.
• When you spend some quality time with your children, play a sport together where both of you have to physically move.
• Planning on spending time with a friend? Plan your time together by walking as you both catch up on each other's lives.

Be creative when including exercise in your daily life. Remember five minuters here and there is better than no minutes at all. Once life slows down a bit, then you can add more minutes to exercising!