Tag Archives: Steps

Simple Steps To Improve Self-Confidence

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ritaoraFeeling at ease with your body is something many people struggle with. Such feelings can eat away at self-confidence and make it harder to assert yourself in life. Sometimes, other people’s attitudes and messages in the media can make it even more difficult, but there are things you can do to fight back and learn to love yourself.

 

Identify problem attitudes

 

Do you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about your body when you’re dressing, showering or shopping? Try to spot such thoughts developing and stop yourself. You probably wouldn’t make negative comments to a friend in that way, so why do it to yourself? Instead, focus on parts of your body that you like, even if they don’t seem as important. Practice thinking positively about them and remember that you don’t have to be perfect to be appreciated.

 

Share thoughts with friends

 

Social convention means that often we don’t complement each other enough. If you have friends who also need more body confidence arrange to get together and tell each other what you admire about one another’s appearance. Alternatively, you might prefer to do it using anonymous notes if you’re shy. You might be surprised by how much friends like or even envy aspects of the way you look that you never considered previously.

 

Focus on fitness

 

Even if you’re overweight, disabled or getting on in years, there will usually be something you can do to increase your fitness level. Exercise lowers levels of cortisone, the stress hormone and makes the body look better. You can even do exercises for your face to reduce lines and wrinkles; a sort of natural facelift.

 

Dress to flatter your figure

 

Everyone likes to feel sexy and you can find clothing to suit all shapes and sizes online, including fantastic plus sized lingerie deals. Rather than worrying about what doesn’t look good on you, seek out stores that specialize in clothing designed for bodies like yours, whatever shape you are. You don’t have to look like a model, because in reality people are attracted by many different aspects of an individual, such as sense of humor, stylishness and intelligence.

 

Love your style

 

Part of learning to love your body is about understanding how to see it on your own terms, which involves choosing clothes that flatter your shape and selecting colors and patterns that reflect your personality rather than concerning yourself with following fashion. That way you don’t need to worry about being compared to other people and you can instead focus on simply being who you are.

 

Despite the fact that women’s magazines tend to focus on hairstyles and waist measurements, studies show again and again that one of the most attractive assets anyone can have is self-confidence. Once you are comfortable in your own skin and enjoy the way you look it will show in the way you walk, the way you dance, even the way you smile; all things that will make an impression on others. Most importantly, they will make you feel good about yourself.

 

 

3 Simple (and some) Steps to Fat Loss

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3 Steps (and some) to successfully lose body fat

Hi everyone

I hope you are all doing well and have been enjoying the sun and rain. I see a lot of people are counting down the weeks until summer and are starting to “Workout” to get in shape for summer.

Thats great. I am really glad to see people focusing on addressing any health and fitness issues they have now summer is on its way. And when its all over we can revert back and binge until next year and do it all again, a mad dash of counting down the weeks. Stepping on the scales. Being horrified if we don’t just make it this year or realising we are getting a year older and the quick fixes just aren’t so quick anymore.

OOHHHHH wait wait wait, there is something else we could all do instead.
What is it I hear you scream, tell us now……well its this.

Are you ready?
Here we go……ITS…..

Behave all year round….BOOM shock horror people.

Now Im not saying go crazy fitness fanatic all the time snapping at your friends because they do not follow the new road you are traveling and munching on exactly the same new food you are. Working out everyday for a year. Only eat low calorie (AAAAGGGGGHHHHH) labelled food (you should never eat this crap anyway) and step on the scales every night.

No I am not saying that but what I am saying is so very simple you will kick yourself….or someone else, yes do that, kick someone else.

No what I am saying is with 3 (and some) very simple changes we can make a lot of difference to someone who may be finding it very difficult to do anything at all.

It really is simple and I dare you to try it…..double dare you and see what happens.

OH and again this post and tips are inspired by Strength Coach Dan John danjohn.net

So what do I mean when I say (and some)

Well the 3 steps are not so simple, I mean they are and they are not.
You cant just do the 3 steps and expect great results from them to happen immediately.

The level of commitment differs for everyone, time is ongoing and results may take longer than you wish….but for a true positive lifestyle change I’m sorry but it doesn’t happen just over night.
NO NO NO it does not and anyone who tells you, Lose…..in…. weeks, is in the words of CT Fletcher is a MOTHER F**KING LIAR. FACT.
Thanks CT.

You may not have liked hearing that but its true. So for next years plan of 6 weeks to beach body….please plan a bit further ahead.

Also another huge point of the (And Some) is accountability. This really is the hardest part. Harder than any workout you will do, any foods you will give up and harder than setting the clock earlier by 30 mins to move.

Its the reason so many people are unable to follow on to their goals and instead they quit.

Set backs may happen. Things will seem like they are not going anywhere and people will try to pull you away from the new simple rules you have set but you have to stick with the choice you made.
Otherwise you have no right to complain.

Again as Dan said…..The Goal is to keep the Goal the Goal.
Do not detour. Do not change or add some crazy stuff that has no meaning. Do not follow no crazy which craft (Herbalife ect).
Stick to your guns baby and show me the gun show.

You are accountable for your own results, not me or him or them but you you YOU DAMMIT.

After accountably comes honesty.
Be honest with yourself. Did you do things to the best of your ability? Did you follow the dam instructions? Did you have a sneaky piece of pie or skip that workout?
Be honest with yourself….be honest with me. Please

And another thing is…..keep it simple.
Gimmicks, gadgets, pills and super drinks do not work.
In the age of gladiatorial combatants, to 1970’s bodybuilders to modern day soldiers.
Its all followed the simple rules. Train right eat right move right.

No this or that from the late night shopping channel.
No less this or that and fancy name on food labels.
No upside down intensity training program.

Its as simple as me and thats saying something.

So here we go

Step 1 is simple….Drink 2 Glasses of Water a day.
Thats it. I say again drink 2 glasses of water a day.

You wont believe how many do not or cannot even do this yet will do some other crazy stuff.
Just drink two glasses of water a day….for how long? well here comes the accountability, honestly and time scale.
For as long as you needed or are able to keep the goal the goal.
Yes its simple. see if you can do it before midday, you don’t have too but its something to plan for.
Dam if you need to set an alarm on your phone to go off once or twice saying….DRINK WATER.

Honestly guys if you cannot do this then dam…good luck to you.

Oh and I don’t mean only two glasses…hell drink more but for a hell of a lot of people its enough to just do 2 so that is the first simple goal.

Step 2 is….move more, move better, hell get your ass on the floor.

People our bodies are amazing things and where designed to do amazing things and our minds are amazing things but our minds have made our bodies lazy.
They have fond ways for us to short-cut ourselves.
Remotes, escalators, little scooters with engines on them….dam them all.

Use your body as much as you can. Walk up that small flight of stairs or go up 2 flights in the office before catching the elevator.
Get rid of the remote and get up and turn the TV off/on (off) and sit on the floor more.
Learn to use your amazing body as it should be used, get up and get down. Reach and stretch for things. Roll over and rock back.
The more you can use your body the better you become at moving it the more efficient you will be able to burn fat….boom simple next step.

Step 3 is…….Lets agree
That we should avoid…..or at least cut down (massively) on
Sugar
Cardboard Carbs-made in a factory
Frankenstein fats-made in a factory
Eat your colourful Veggies-and a big mix of green, red, yellow
DRINK TWO GLASSES OF WATER.

Think of it like this….EAT LIKE AN ADULT
If you find this hard then try the Alpo-Dog Food Diet.

Basically invite a load of friends around and explain to them your goal. Tell them if you do not fulfil the goal, you quit, cheat or whatever then you will eat the can of dog food.

And every time you feel like quitting, open the can and have a sniff…..BOOM back on track.

People its that simple to start on the road to fat loss.
You just need to start it and stick to it. Remember you are accountable…..not me.

 

For more tips, help, bogs, rants and information on personal coaching please visit my website here at Kettlebell Strength 

Facebook/kettlebellstrength

twitter @KB_strength

Stay strong people.

 

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How to Quit Sugar in 12 Steps

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get off sugar, no sugar diet, should i give up sugar, is sugar bad for you, the white stuff, is sugar evil,Sugar makes our food tastier, gives us a quick boost of energy, and leaves us feeling great, at least temporarily. But it’s also a highly addictive substance and, when consumed frequently, can have negative effects on our health and well-being, with symptoms ranging from energy dips, a ‘sluggish’ feeling and poor skin, to more severe health problems including obesity, diabetes, premature aging, and many other chronic health conditions. Fat was traditionally blamed for many of these problems, but sugar is now shown to be far more harmful than fat! For this reason, and simply to feel or look healthier, many of us are taking the positive decision to cut out or drastically reduce the amount of sugar in our diets.

We enlist the help of Nutritional Therapist, Cassandra Barns, at nutricentre.com to give us The Ultimate 12 Step Sugar-Free programme.

Portion Control

Cassandra advises, ‘Aim for foods that have a low glycaemic load, as their impact on blood sugar level is minimal and you’ll be less likely to experience blood glucose highs and lows that will have you reaching for the cookie jar. Make sure each meal includes protein, non-starchy vegetables and unrefined carbohydrates. Limit sweet tasting veg (parsnips, potato and carrots) and opt for green veg like broccoli and spinach, ideally making up half your plate. Good protein (lean turkey, eggs, fish, beans) are digested slowly and make you feel fuller for longer, carbs should be wholegrain varieties for the same reason.’’

I must not skip breakfast

According to Cassandra, ‘’If we don’t have breakfast, often by 11 am or midday, we become hungry and crave sugar, as our blood sugar levels drop too low. Try two poached eggs on a slice of wholemeal bread with some rocket leaves or a pot of sugar-free yoghurt with nuts and berries.’’

Quit sugar, not snacks

‘’A healthy snack between meals can help while you’re giving up sugar, as it stops your sugar levels dropping too low, which can cause sweet cravings. Good examples include: two oatcakes topped with a tablespoon of humus or guacamole or cottage cheese and half an avocado. Avoid bananas and grapes and opt for berries as they are naturally low in sugar.’’ Cassandra warns.

Limit alcohol

‘’Alcohol raises blood sugar, but being a liquid, it is even more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream than sugar. Alcohol also contains more calories than sugar: 7 calories per gram versus 4 calories per gram! Alcohol binges are a classic way to set up a cycle of cravings for sugary, stodgy foods the day after. Stick to one small to medium glass of wine with a meal once or twice a week’’, advises Cassandra.

Look after your gut

Cassandra explains ‘’Overgrowth of unhelpful yeasts in the gut, such as candida, can contribute to, or exacerbate sugar cravings. Ironically, eating sugar and high-starch foods makes the candida overgrowth worse, so we become stuck in a catch-22 situation. To help solve this, try taking a high-strength, good quality probiotic supplement such as ProVen’s ‘Adult Probiotic 25 Billion’ £12.95 from www.provenprobiotics.co.uk , loaded with friendly bacteria.’’

Go easy on the tea and coffee

Caffeine is a stimulant that causes our body’s stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to be released, which in turn cause a cycle of energy dips and peaks, and make you more likely to crave sugar later on. Decaffeinated coffee and tea contains other stimulants, so try better options such as naturally caffeine free rooibos tea or grain based coffee alternatives.

Consider natural sugar alternatives

Xylitol is a naturally sweet substance found in many plants. In commercial preparations, it is found in granules and looks and tastes like sugar, although slightly less sweet. Stevia is a substance extracted from the leaf of the stevia plant. It is an intensely sweet substance and very little is needed to give a sweet taste – it has very few calories and minimal impact on blood glucose.

Treat yourself

Three squares of good quality dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa): this amount will only contain a relatively small amount of sugar, and there is also evidence that dark chocolate has health benefits or try a small pot of sugar-free plain yoghurt, with a teaspoon of pure cocoa or raw cacao powder

Chromium to control cravings

‘Chromium, this trace mineral has a vital role in supporting normal blood glucose levels, and therefore helping to prevent the dips that cause us to crave sugary foods. Try Quest Vitamin’s ‘Chromium Picolinate’ £4.04 from www.questexcellence.com. Take one tablet a day, preferably with breakfast. This supplement also contains vitamin B3, which works closely together with chromium. Chromium can take a month or longer to have its full effect, so persevere or start taking chromium before attempting to give up sugar.’ Cassandra advises


Exercise!

Cassandra stresses ‘’Moderate exercise helps us to feel energised, less sluggish, and healthier. It can help to control stress levels and also support blood sugar control to avoid dips that will induce cravings.’’

Reduce your stress

‘Stress is one of the primary triggers for sugar cravings, as our body is being prepared for physical action (the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome). So try in any way you can to reduce stress, whether it is by delegating or reducing your workload, taking some gentle exercise, or practising yoga or meditation to help you relax. Reduced stress will often mean better sleep as well, which will mean better energy levels the next day.’ explains Cassandra.

Energising vitamins and minerals

According to Cassandra ‘Most of us can benefit from extra support, to prevent tiredness triggering those pesky sugar cravings. B vitamins, vitamin C and the mineral magnesium are particularly important nutrients that are needed to produce energy from the foods that we eat; and we can struggle to get enough of them, even in a healthy diet.’

All supplements mentioned can be found at nutricentre.com. Want to give up sugar for 2014? Got a question that isn’t covered here? NutriCentre offers a free Nutritional Advice helpline manned by a team of highly qualified nutritionists, like Cassandra, ready to answer any natural health questions you may have. Advice line: 0207 436 5122, open Mon-Sat

The Tailor-Made Man | Theatre Review

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The Tailor-Made Man, set in Hollywood during the 1930s, is a musical theatre show, which
still strongly maintains the quality of a play.

Exceptionally staged – at the Arts Theatre in London, West End – its creative team,
includes super talented choreographer Nathan M. Wright who, in between his many credits,
also counts the mass movement choreography of the London Olympic & Paralympics
2012.

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The stars studded musical production has brilliant actors in the leading roles: Faye Tozer, Mike
McShane and Dylan Turner. Faye Tozer (from the band pop band Steps) delivers
an outstanding and energetic performance certainly not inhibited by the vocal tone
variations the part requires and the upper class mannerism of the early 20th century. Also,
starring undying talent Mike McShane and classically, impeccably beautiful, as much as
skilled, Dylan Turner that has already landed roles in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales)
and Grease (Victoria Palace) just to mention a few. Full of character Bradley Clarkson
also gives a captivating and dynamic performance. Worth a mention is Kay Murphy
who gives a funny and outstandingly performance in the role of Pola Negri, the famous Polish actress.

Claudio Macor co-wrote ‘The Tailor-Made Man’ book with Amy Rosenthal, adapted
the play and directed it. ‘The Tailor-Made Man’, was nominated for Best New Play in 1995 and
for writer of the year and then some years later was made into a musical. The music is by Duncan
Walsh Atkins and Adam Meggido.

‘The Tailor-Made Man’ is a true old Hollywood story that brings back memories of when
the homosexuality was far from being socially accepted. It is the true story of William ‘Billy’ Haines who was a movie star at MGM, and then became a famous interior designer in Hollywood. It highlights the emotional difficulties, openly declared gay men had to go through including work discrimination
and episodes of verbal and physical violence, all of this surrounded by the Hollywood
creative melting pots of sophisticated artists and a bit of sentimental twist.

The musical will run for a limited eight weeks season until the 6th of April.

http://www.thetailormademanlondon.com/

Written by Paola Berta