Something that I observed the other day....

Lately, I've been traveling alot. In fact, airports can be a great time to catch up on reading or work, since there are few distractions -- but sometimes while trying to focus, you hear some conversations that make your ears perk up.

The other day, while in the airport, a couple was talking and the man said "I've honestly tried to lose weight, but you can't lose weight if you live in Chicago." While eating a chili cheese dog with a Coke and side of fries, the man continued "You think I'm kidding, but I've tried. I don't know what to do--I live near Michigan Ave and there are so many great restaurants. Is it worthwhile to move?"

Like any big city, Chicago surely has its fair share of fantastic restaurants--and, he was right, Michigan Avenue does offer great options. But that doesn't mean you have to eat at them every single night. It comes down to discipline and making decisions. First, when a person suggests "they've tried" and they're in the process of eating about 1500 calories of processed junk, "trying" has a whole new meaning.

Spring is finally here, the weather is starting to turn (at least in some parts of the country), and that means summer (and shorts season) is just that much closer.

How hard do you want to try to achieve your goals?

Let's review the importance of goal setting and how to set them properly. Remember, a goal is a dream with a deadline.

1. Pick a goal (for example, weight loss).

2. Write down the goal(s) you want to achieve IN THE PRESENT TENSE and make it measurable. For example, "I weigh xx pounds on June 1, 2008, at 7 AM." Now you have a definitive time for achieving this goal -- it's a deadline, not just a wish!

3. Write this same exact goal down every single day. This will remind you what you are working towards -- and when the temptations are there to eat out at restaurants every night, skip your workouts, or simply not focus on quality foods, you'll quickly be reminded of your goals when they're continuously written down.

4. Take the necessary steps to achieve this goal on a daily basis.

Remember, one meal or one missed workout, won't make or break your health or your ability to reach your goals. What will is when that one meal becomes a daily habit and so does skipping workouts. Consistency is the key. The important part is to get right back on track; missing a workout on a Monday doesn't mean you have to wait until the following Monday to start over again. It means Tuesday is right back where you left off. Or overeating at one meal doesn't mean the rest of the day is shot; get right back to your normal clean eating the next meal.

You have about 12 weeks until summer and you can literally be in a new body by the time your ready to show some more skin at the family BBQ!

And now that spring is here and it's getting a tad warmer in some parts of the country, (we have a winter storm warning today!) try some new activities outdoors -- maybe just going out for a walk after dinner, in addition to your normal routine, might be the boost you need.

Consistency is the key to permanent success!

Til next time....