Issue #42 Sep 2010 Join Our Mailing List

The Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Top Ten Rules for Looking Good and Feeling Great (Rule 6 to 10-check August 2010 for 1 to 5)

• As summer comes to a close many of us decide to begin new projects. This year how about making you, the wonderful you the new project you work on. Use these simple tips to start making the positive changes you wish to see in your life and by Christmas you'll really be on the way to Feeling Absolutely Fabulous!

  6. Quit the junk.
  Lose the junk food. The best way to get off the junk food wagon is to go through your cupboards and do a little spring cleaning. If there is stuff in your cupboard that tempts you, then the easiest way to is to not keep it around. Find out what sucks you into unhealthy snacking. Is it the need for something crunchy and salty? Then make sure you stock the fridge with crispy vegetables and a yummy salsa dip. Don't overdo the fat-filled dips! Or does something sweet and creamy tempt you to get into unhealthy eating habits? Instead of a full-fat ice-cream dessert, try 2% Greek yoghurt, mix in some honey or preserves and enjoy.
  Dead calories and preservatives don't make you feel good. The body has to work extra hard to get them out of your body and they can leave you feeling tired and too much sugar or salt leads to health complications.
  Drive by the drive-through. A little planning and you can skip the fast food joints. My husband has long been a junk-food addict, now two years of marriage later he heads out the door each morning with a home-made sandwich or a salad and some fresh fruit for lunch. Not only is he feeling better physically, he's feeling better about himself and is saving money each month. All it takes is a little planning and getting out of bed five minutes earlier!
  7. Stop skipping meals.
  Working as a CAM Health Consultant for eighteen years I've probably heard every excuse for missing meals: 'I didn't get up in time, I don't feel hungry till later in the day, I was too busy, there was no time, I figure if I skip meals I'll lose the excess weight I carry.' You've probably heard them or used them too! Missing meals causes fluctuations in your body's energy reserves and can really mess up your metabolism. Again, like number 6, a little planning can help. I plan my evening meals for the week ahead and then go do the grocery shopping. Keep a few frozen items on hand for when things get hectic. Carry a high quality protein snack with you. I personally like to keep a small bag of almonds and raisins in my purse, especially when I'm traveling.
  I recommend three meals a day and two snacks. Some people like to break their meals into five or six mini-meals spread through out the day. Whichever way works for you, you'll feel better, have more energy and improve your digestion by eating regularly. And let's face it, if we try skipping meals as a weight-loss aid, we only end up eating more or eating junk, so let's not do it anymore.
  
  8.   Laughter is the best medicine
  One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to enjoy life and laugh often. Remember the old saying 'angels can fly because they take themselves lightly'? Take it to heart and lighten-up-figuratively and literally. Studies indicate that those who take time to enjoy the little things in life actually live longer, more productive and healthier lives and this means they don't overeat!
  I'm not much of a TV watcher, but I do enjoy sitting down, putting my feet up and enjoying a movie. Most of the movies I have in my collection are comedies or feel-good stories. Do you have a few favorite movies that you can watch over and over again that make you laugh every time you see them? Invest in having them in your collection.
  Hang out with friends who like to laugh. Go through your list of friendships and evaluate who makes you feel great when you are around them. Then go ahead and start weeding out those who drag you down.
  When we laugh we send natural chemicals around the body that uplift our mood. We breathe more deeply and oxygenate our blood. And we have a sense of being able to cope with all that life throws our way! A good laugh shared with some good friends is one of the simplest ways to feel absolutely fabulous.
  9. Spend more time in bed.
  This works in a couple of ways: healthy, good quality sleep makes you feel absolutely fabulous and so does some sexy-time!
  Studies indicate that most of us are not getting enough quality sleep. If you have trouble with this one, try establishing a bed-time routine. Never, ever take the laptop or work to bed with you. Make sure your bedroom is a peaceful, harmonious place, conducive to quality rest and you'll reinforce your sleep routines.
  Take the TV out of the bedroom. Again, studies indicate that couples who have a TV in the bedroom make love less often than those who don't. Find time, again it make take a little planning, to enjoy having a body. Being sexual is a very important part of being human and you deserve to feel good.
  10. Last, but not least: Develop a support network.
  Over the years as I became an expert in helping people to over-come anxiety, one of the major things I discovered is that having emotional support is so important to our overall health and wellness, including our sense of worth and self-esteem.
  Whether you are trying hard to lose weight, want to exercise more, or just want to lead a healthier lifestyle, surrounding yourself with like-minded people is the support network you need. Think about how successful the 12-Step Programs are. They are so successful because whatever the issue they address they encourage attendance at meetings with like-minded people.
  I have a list of friends I go to when life hands out its pear-shaped moments. Having one friend to go to (or to your spouse or significant other) isn't the right approach. No one person can be everything to you. Get yourself a list. If I pick up the phone and the first friend isn't available to chat with, I move on the next and so on. That way no-one becomes burdened with me and I feel I can always turn to someone for some support!
  Well done, by reading this far you know that you are ready to make the changes to be a healthier you! Remember, I am here to help you. Just call for an appointment (206) 201-2764 or drop me a line by email. Let's get started today. Live Your Fabulous Life NOW. If not, WHEN?

  Stay fabulous,
  Jacqueline Fairbrass CEO Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC
  Founder, School of Complementary Therapies
  Certified Hypnotherapist and CAM Health Consultant