Go Bananas Over Bananas
It’s no surprise that bananas are a fruit favorite around the world, packed with nutrients and antioxidants, rich in fiber and low in fat, they are little powerhouses of good nutrition. In our never-ending quest to stay healthy without sacrificing our taste buds, bananas are a clear go-to and they are quite versatile. Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O. a highly accredited New York City anti-aging and stem cell specialist, and long-time nutrition advisor to the New York Rangers hockey team explains, “Bananas are packed with health benefits throughout every stage of their lives, from green to fully ripe. As the banana ripens some of these health benefits change, making it a rare fruit that is enjoyable in many forms.”
Typically when we think of bananas we think of a lunch-box addition or a quick on-the-go snack, more so than a cooking staple? Here are 5 healthy ways to incorporate bananas into your meals and the health benefits of each.
When they’re green...
Fill Up on Mashed Plantains.
Green bananas are often referred to as plantains, they are not sweet like ripe bananas and they contain most of their fiber in the form of resistant starch. “Plantains are rich in starches that regulate appetite,” says Dr. Calapai. “Resistant starch may even slow stomach emptying, making you feel full longer and thus reducing the urge to eat sooner after a meal.”
Bonus! Mashed plantains could not be easier to whip up. Simply peel and cut the green plantains into chunks and boil in a full pot of water for 20-30 minutes or until tender, then mash with a fork until they achieve the consistency of mashed potatoes. Sautee garlic and onions in olive oil and add to the plantains along with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you enjoy. You can serve the dish with fish, chicken or meat, sprinkle with bacon bits or eat plain.
Satisfy your craving for something salty, crunchy with plantain chips.
“All bananas, green, ripe or in between are very low in calories, about 105 per fruit” explains Calapai “So you can get away with frying them in your choice of light, heart-healthy oil.” Plantain chips are a great snack or side dish and are also incredibly simple to whip up. Peel the plantain completely and cut off about half an inch on both ends, then thinly slice the rest of the plantain into chips. When the oil is piping hot fry your chips until golden and salt to taste. Voila!
When they’re semi-ripe...
Eat "Maduros" for younger, healthy skin.
"Maduro" (pronounced mah-doo-row) means "ripe" in Spanish and it’s what Latin Americans call this tasty plantain dish. You can eat plantains this way once they are very yellow and spotted, or have turned fully black. Simply peel, cut into thick diagonal slices and deep fry until golden brown in heart-healthy oil. Bonus! “Bananas at any stage of ripeness are very rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant also known as called ascorbic acid,” says board certified dermatologist Dr. Kally Papantoniou. “Vitamin C assists in collagen production, which keeps your skin healthy and also blocks free-radical damage which is believed to potentially contribute to the aging process.”
When they’re ripe...
Manage blood sugar with a banana smoothie.
This one takes five minutes and a blender. Cut up two nice yellow, ready to eat bananas into chunks, add milk or yogurt of your preferred variety, some ice, and blend until thick! “Bananas have shown by studies to possibly regulate blood sugar as they are very moderate in the glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause dangerous spikes to your blood sugar levels,” says Dr. Calapai “Having a good banana smoothie for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, as opposed to high-sugar options make sure you are balanced throughout the day.”
Amp up the flavor!
If simply eating a banana starts to get boring amp up the flavor with a healthy pairing. Cut up your banana into chunks and add a healthy spoonful of peanut butter, sprinkle with some almonds or cinnamon, or mix with some dark chocolate chunks!
Bananas are a great, affordable way to add some goodness into your meal plan. Enjoy!
Bureau releases report questioning restrictions on health care advertising - International best practices shared with regulators
Restrictions on advertising in health care industries in Canada may be having unintended consequences, including higher prices, lower quality of service and reduced innovation.
In a report released today, the Bureau finds that most health care industry regulators tend to restrict advertising in some form, but there is insufficient evidence to assess whether these restrictions are achieving their policy objectives.
Regulators may restrict advertising to address legitimate concerns such as protecting consumer safety. However they may also restrict advertising for other reasons.
For example, when it comes to advertising low prices, regulators may be concerned that consumers associate low price with poor quality and this could damage the image of the profession. Regulators may respond by banning price advertising altogether, which makes it difficult for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions . This overly broad response could have the unintended consequence of driving prices up, reducing competition and stifling innovation.
The Bureau's report reviews economic literature related to the effects of advertising restrictions. The literature shows that when restrictions are lowered or removed, consumers do not experience significant quality reductions, and may even benefit from lower prices.
The report calls on governments and self-regulatory bodies to begin collecting and compiling data on the outcomes of their policies, such as changes in prices and consumer preferences, and to move toward evidence-based decision-making.
In support of this recommendation, the Bureau's latest issue of the Competition Advocate includes internationally-accepted best practices for regulators to follow when developing effective regulation.
Quick Facts
- The four key principles for effective regulation that are outlined in the Competition Advocate are:
- Regulate only when really necessary,
- Use the best available evidence to inform decisions,
- Strike the right balance between policy objectives and minimal intrusion, and
- Review regulations regularly.
- Greater competition leads to innovation that can result in lower prices and increased choice for consumers.
Quote
"Competition is good for business and for consumers. The Bureau is calling on governments and other regulators to collect evidence on the impacts of their policies and to move toward more evidence-based regulation. Better regulation means more competition for the benefit of all Canadians."
- John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition
Related Information
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
Enquiries/Complaints
Stay connected
The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.
SOURCE Competition Bureau
CANADIAN LIFESTYLE AND FITNESS BRAND, SPINCO, EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THEIR ONE-OF-A-KIND CYCLING EXPERIENCE TO TORONTO
The Kelowna-based brand expands this September with their second Canadian location
PINCO is thrilled to announce that Toronto will soon be able to experience their rejuvenating, full-body, 50-minute spin class beginning September 30, 2016. The lifestyle and fitness brands second Canadian studio will be located in the Forest Hill neighborhood of Toronto at 2577 Yonge Street, just south of Eglinton Road.
SPINCO’s rhythm-based workout is a high-energy and structured experience designed for both men and women of all fitness levels. Lead by enthusiastic and inspiring instructors, each SPINCO class is set to a carefully curated musical playlist to motivate and energize the room. “The idea is that everyone works as a team moving together to the music to engage the leg, core and arm muscles and to re-energize the mind,” says Founder and CEO of SPINCO, Michelle August.
The SPINCO lifestyle is founded on positive values, evident in the brand’s commitment to giving back to the community by partnering with local charities and showcasing neighboring businesses. For the Toronto-launch, SPINCO has partnered with Peace Collective (PC) to design a stylish collection of workout wear to be sold at the new studio. A portion of proceeds from all PC x SPINCO clothing sales will be donated to a ‘Boys and Girls Club’ in communities across Canada, giving children access to weekly recreational sports and activities.
“Fitness is a necessity to everyday life at any age,” says August, “and the SPINCO lifestyle is deeply-rooted in the notion that physical activity feeds the mind and replenishes the soul. We think of this as the SPINCO mindset, and when this mindset is intertwined with the community, we all become agents of social change and a force for good.” SPINCO will host their by-donation, ‘spin-it-forward’ class nation-wide every Monday evening for non-members and members alike, with 100% of proceeds being donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.
To help re-energize the body in between classes, SPINCO will offer a variety of healthy snacks thoughtfully curated by the culinary team at Chase Hospitality Group. SPINCO has also partnered with Lululemon for a series of events and collaborations scheduled to take place over the next year.
Once opened, SPINCO will offer four to six spin classes daily within their spacious 50-person studio furnished with top of the line stationary bicycles and equipment. A variety of class pack options ranging from $25 to $850 will be available for purchase, and every first class is complimentary. Class sign-up can be facilitated online or through SPINCO’s user-friendly mobile app.
ABOUT SPINCO
SPINCO is a one-of-a-kind fitness and lifestyle brand that launched in Kelowna, BC in 2014 offering structured, full-body, 50-minute spin classes designed to energize your mind and feed your soul. Lead by dedicated and inspiring instructors, the goal of the class is to work together as one team, one bike, by moving in unison to the music to engage your butt, core and arms. SPINCO’s workouts are made to inspire. Wherever you are starting from, we will motivate you to achieve higher levels of your own personal well-being and physical strength. The SPINCO mindset is founded on community, and SPINCO is committed to partnering with local charities and showcasing neighboring businesses.
SPINCO is a lifestyle. SPINCO is an experience. SPINCO is a state of mind.
Social handle: @SPINCOToronto
Website: SPINCO.ca
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PR CONTACT:
Tori Piccin | PR Account Manager | tori@deckagency.com
I love how Casper does things...Cant sleep? Alone and lonely?
Text the Insomnobot-3000 at 844-823-5621 if you can't fall asleep!
http://insomnobot3000.com
I may have always been an athlete. But since moving to Toronto to be a personal trainer and fitness expert I’ve had many ups and downs in my life on my personal fitness journey. Big set backs continuously seemed to occur. They always needed up preventing me from reaching my fitness goals each time. However never did I get down on myself. I always picked myself up each and every time and kept going. I did not complain and I did not blame anyone or anything for my circumstances.
First I had a full and complete ACL tear. When this happened at the same time I also ended up rupturing my meniscus while fracturing the tibia at its plateau. It took me over a month post op to even be able to do a full cycle on a pedal bike. I had to have a second surgery less than a year later to remove scar tissue and shots of synvisc (a synthetic synovial fluid) as well. To this day I still don’t have full range of motion. Did this stop me? No. Does it prevent me from doing anything? No. Do I use it as an excuse? No.
Then the following spring I was on my way to coach my track team and a cab driver cut me off as I was riding my motorcycle through an intersection. I t-boned him and flew over the cab. Hit my knee that I had the ACL repair on pretty bad, got whip lash, hurt my back, got road rash and also had my hand caught in the street car track as I was sliding. Did this stop me? No. Does it prevent me from doing anything? No. Do I use it as an excuse? No.
Finally, as I was still going through physio for my motorcycle accident I had some crazy symptoms.The biggest and most obvious one was that I was exhausted all day long and had no energy (very unusual for me). So I went to the doctor and they did some scans and said you have to go to emergency now! I still had no idea why. They admitted me and performed an emergency surgery to remove a mass of cells in my stomach. This mass was very rare. And no it wasn’t cancer. From September until November I had to have blood work every week to monitor my body and make sure it didn’t come back. And it came back. Again very rare. Based on where it was my only option was chemotherapy. I had 7 rounds before I got to ring the bell that I completed my chemo! Wahoo! The whole time I kept on training my clients and I even began my very first prep while still undergoing chemo. The chemo made me very puffy and swollen but I didn’t get down on myself. I honestly didn’t even tell many people. Did this stop me? No. Does it prevent me from doing anything? No. Do I use it as an excuse? No.
I hope that you realize that sometimes the journey can be hard and tiring. There may be obstacles in your way but persevere, follow the plan, find a support system and be honest! Good things will happen and your consistency will pay off! Don’t give up and don’t let anyone or any circumstance bring you down!
A Third of People Track Their Health or Fitness. Who Are They and Why Are They Doing it?
A recent international GfK survey, conducted online in 16 countries, shows one in three people (33 percent) currently monitor or track their health or fitness via an online or mobile application, or via a fitness band, clip, or smartwatch.
China is well in the lead for monitoring health and fitness in this way, with 45 percent of the online population currently doing this. Brazil and the USA come next, with 29 percent each, closely followed by Germany (28 percent) and France (26 percent).
In most countries studied, men are ahead of women in this activity, but five countries stand out as having a higher percentage of their female than their male online population currently tracking their health and fitness in this way: China (48 percent of women, compared to 43 percent of the men), Russia (21 percent of women and 17 percent of men), France (27 percent and 25 percent), Australia (20 percent and 18 percent), and Canada (20 percent and 19 percent).
Looking at age, it is those aged 30-39 and 20-29 years old that are most keen on tracking their health and fitness - standing at 41 percent and 39 percent of each age group respectively. However, teenagers (15-19 year olds) and the 20-29 year olds both show almost a quarter of their numbers saying that, while they do not currently monitor their health or fitness in this way, they have done so in the past. This suggests potential for bringing this significant number of 'past users' back into the market, given the right offers or messages by retailers or manufacturers.
Reasons for tracking health or fitness
Over half (55 percent) of those who are currently tracking their health and fitness said one of the reasons they do it is "to maintain or improve my physical condition or fitness" - making this the most popular reason internationally.
The next most widespread reason is motivating themselves to exercise, selected by half (50 percent) of those currently tracking.
Several of the reasons given by those currently tracking health or fitness are a reminder that users of these trackers value them for benefits that are not exclusive to the world of sports. Over a third give "to improve my energy levels" or "to motivate myself to eat and drink healthily" as a reason for tracking their health or fitness, while 29 percent say "to improve sleep" and a quarter say "to be more productive". In addition, 22 percent say "because it's fun". Only 14 percent of those currently tracking their health or fitness say they are doing it "to train for an event."
Why are people tracking or monitoring their health or fitness?
To maintain or improve my physical
condition/fitness 55%
To motivate myself to exercise 50%
To improve my energy level 35%
To motivate myself to eat and drink
healthily 34%
To improve sleep 29%
Because it's part of my daily routine 29%
To lose weight 29%
To be more productive 24%
Because it's fun 22%
To monitor or track a specific health
condition 17%
To train for an event (race, sport, etc.) 14%
To compete with other people 8%
For some other reason 2%
Not sure 1%
Source: GfK survey of 4,900+ internet users (ages 15+) in 16 countries who currently track their health or fitness; multiple answers allowed. Fieldwork was conducted in the summer of 2016.
Jan Wassmann, global lead for wearables research at GfK, comments, "These findings demonstrate the attraction that health and fitness monitoring has within much wider groups than just the obvious young sports players. Manufacturers and retailers can use these insights - combined with our point-of-sales data on purchases of wearable devices - to understand who are their real-life users and why, and tailor their products to deepen that appeal."
Download charts showing the full findings: http://www.gfk.com/global-studies/global-study-overview/
About the study
GfK conducted the online survey with over 20,000 consumers aged 15 or older across 16 countries. Fieldwork was completed in summer 2016. Data are weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the online population aged 15+ in each market. Countries covered are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, South Korea, Spain, UK and USA.
http://www.gfk.com / https://twitter.com/GfK
Endangered But Not Extinct: A Doctor That TRULY Listens
What if we were to compare a typical visit to the doctor with a visit to your favorite local business: your hairstylist, banker, or real estate agent? If you regularly see these local professionals who have become a fixture in your schedule, then you have trust in their professional wisdom. I bet they spend some “quality” time with you -- making eye contact, perhaps a bit of small-talk, and even sharing some family updates. Usually, you would not feel rushed, and you may even enjoy the encounter.
In the world of healthcare, which requires intimate professionalism, you would, at least, expect that the same basic premise of the business/client relationship would apply. For example, you would not expect your accountant to see you (as his 65th client of the day) and still be able to address all of your needs in 15 minutes. Likewise, you would also not understand if your mechanic scheduled you to drop your car off at 2:00, but still required you to wait 2 hours before spending only 7 minutes with the car -- meaning yours most likely would not be adequately repaired. As well, you might move on to a new hairstylist if you had to wait more than 5 weeks just to have a basic haircut. And, when you did finally make it to the chair, I would expect that you would walk out if there were a computer that the stylist insisted typing on, with full attention to it, instead of you. The sad reality of our insane healthcare system is that we have come to expect and accept all of these behaviors in our appointment experiences with our healthcare providers.
“Wall Street”-style medicine ran by health insurance companies and executive CEOs without medical training has gradually taken over the reins of clinic management in all specialties. The quality of a patient encounter is currently based on factors that have little to do with the relationship between a doctor and a patient. Instead, measurable “metrics” are stressed which press the efficiency of the provider to get from room to room. Incentives are provided with increased pay to those providers who are able to force-fit more patients into their schedule. The administrative work generated from each visit from inefficient computer-based electronic health records keep the provider’s head down and attention distracted, so a personal conversation with real connection is virtually non-existent. The doctors who agree to work in this environment are not able to bring their compassionate selves to the visit with their patients due to the pressures of being a human calculator at warp speed to fulfill the demands from management.
So, how do you find a good doctor in the fast-food-style industry that healthcare has become? There are indeed some standing supporters of authentic, empathic doctors that doggedly retain the art of medicine in their practice. They are no further than your local towns, but you do have to look for them. Just as health food stores are not as populated as fast food restaurants, it might be a bit of a worthwhile hike to find a doctor who strives to make an empathic bond with each patient. In order to practice the type of medicine that is not dictated by insurance companies, some may have creative fee structures. But, those who truly care about the health of all most likely will have charges that agree to your budget, and often have ways you can be reimbursed by your insurance company if they are not under your coverage umbrella.
Why should we seek a doctor that “listens” to us? The truthful answer is that a problem is uncovered and often solved in a setting of a trusting relationship. The bond of empathy forms a connection that “plugs” the physician and the patient into a higher level of communal problem solving, together. Science has proven that compassion helps to restore a sense of peace and a resting state, as well. This “dose of ease” is often what we all seek in solving problems or curing any disease state -- from ulcers to high blood pressure, and much more. When there is a release of strain, body systems are able to shut off the frantic “fight or flight” modes that exhaust our body’s systems. In the sacred relationship between a patient and physician, the gears of natural healing and hope can begin to engage. Fear can be put to rest for peace of mind, and the collaborative, open space for discussion can mean that understanding and clarification can take place. This is not too much to ask for in your next visit with your healthcare provider.
In my book, “Discovering Your Own Doctor Within,” I include real patient stories that delve deep into what is possible when there is a commitment to listening with an open heart. No metrics, no computers, no rush… The ability to hone laser-like attention into deeper sources of symptoms arises naturally and easily. Often, when a person is truly heard, he/she begins to share clues that surprise even them. This saves money on unneeded procedures. More importantly, it also gives us hope that the human side of medicine is still maybe only endangered, but not extinct.
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About the author
Dr. Amy E. Coleman is the CEO and founder of Wellsmart, a company that cultivates technologies and healthcare strategies that strengthen the patient/doctor relationship. She served as a United States Air Force flight surgeon, and was appointed the youngest and first female Commander of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Clinic. There, she helped guide global medical missions and build creative clinic systems, including those employing complementary care methods still employed today throughout the Air Force.
CMHA's inaugural Mental Health For All Conference 2016: Together by Design
The most creative and inspiring mental health and addictions thinkers and leaders in the country gather for a two-day exchange
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is hosting an inaugural national conference that promises to become the premier professional mental health and addiction conference in Canada.
One hundred and twenty-five speakers from across the country; 68 workshops; compelling keynotes. CMHA's inaugural Mental Health for All Conference 2016: Together by Design (MH4A Conference) - taking place just one year before CMHA's 100th anniversary - will be a two day "think-fest" to advance work in the dynamic fields of mental health and addictions.
"This conference is the first-of-its-kind opportunity for individuals and organizations in mental health, mental illness and addiction to put their collective minds together", says Dr. Patrick Smith, National CEO, CMHA, who will open the conference proceedings. "It's the one place in Canada where people with lived mental health experiences, decision-makers, funders, researchers, front line workers and practitioners can gather under one big tent, and work together toward making big change."
It will be held on Thursday September 29 and Friday September 30, 2016 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel, (145 Richmond Street West, Toronto). It is preceded by CMHA Ontario's pre-conference on Wednesday September 28 focusing on quality improvement in the mental health and addictions sectors.
Conference Partners
CMHA is proud to have the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) as national partners for this year's conference.
Both organizations see the conference as an important opportunity to bridge these sometimes disparate sectors.
"This conference, which gathers together key experts and organizations in mental health, mental illness and addictions, creates a unique opportunity to break down the silos that have sometimes been a barrier to collaborative action on mental health and addictions" said Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission.
"Issues of substance use and mental health are complex. They are diverse and they impact millions of Canadians in a variety of ways," adds Rita Notarandrea, CEO of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). "This conference is a real reflection of that complexity. By drawing together people with a variety of expertise and perspectives, we can learn from one another and make progress on designing a system that is collaborative, compassionate, and based on our shared experience and expertise."
Keynotes speakers and panels
Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), will speak about closing the gaps in mental health.
A keynote panel, entitled "Mental Health Reform is a Team Sport" will focus on youth mental health services and will be led by Ian Boeckh, President of the Graham Boeckh Foundation.
A second keynote panel, "I've stood up to stigma and reached out for help: Now what?" features panelists exploring from personal and professional perspectives what happens when Canadians go looking for mental health and addictions services. Panelists include Dr. Karen Cohen (CEO, Canadian Psychological Association), Mark Henick (CMHA National/MHCC board member), Robin Payne; and Ann Dowsett Johnston (author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol).
Conference Highlights
Suicide Prevention Panel
with Mara Grunau (Centre for Suicide Prevention), Jonny Morris (CMHA BC Division), Karla Thorpe (MHCC), Marion Cooper and Reid Hartry (both of CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg) Panel highlights suicide prevention across Canada and identifies "Zero Suicide" as an approach to transformation.
Clearing the Smoke: An Evidence-Based, Public Health Approach to Cannabis Policy
with Dr. Amy Porath-Waller and Rebecca Jesseman, (CCSA); Ian Culbert (Canadian Public Health Association)
Mino Bimaadiziwin - A Healthy way of Life
with Ken Syrette (Indigenous Counsellor), Shivani Gupta and Troy Hayden (Addiction Services for York Region). How to make mental health programs appropriate and relevant for indigenous people.
Change Maker Sponsor
The conference has been made possible with the generous and continued support of our Change Maker Sponsor, Lundbeck Canada.
For program information: conference.cmha.ca / Follow us on Twitter: @CMHA_NTL #MH4A16
WRAPPING YOUR MIND AROUND THE “NEW YOU” AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
5 Common Things That Happen When
You Lose A Noticeable Amount Of Weight
www.comprehendthemind.com
Whenever someone chooses to commit to a weight loss journey, it’s not just a physical transformation that happens, but a mental transformation as well. Regardless of how long it takes for people to reach their goal weight, there are significant things that occur along the way that impact their body image and confidence. For all of the positive reinforcement once receives, they might also notice some negativity or odd reactions from those they are close to. Read on for tips and insights from leading experts that will offer clarity and solutions for anyone seeking to transform or who already has.
- You shed friends along with pounds.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD a NYC based licensed neuropsychologist, a teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College, explains that, “It is normal to lose friends as you lose pounds. As you see the payoff from the lifestyle changes you’ve made you may feel disconnected with friends who may still eat and drink things you no longer do. You’re evolving,” offers Dr. Hafeez. She also adds that, “It’s common to notice jealousy, and digs. You may even experience exclusion from dinners out presuming you wouldn’t want to indulge.”
Have faith that your true friends will love you at any size. “It will actually be difficult to tolerate any gossip, negativity or activities that are counterproductive. The last thing you need are people who bring you down when you are doing something positive for your well being. Look out for yourself. At times that may mean distancing from certain people,” advises Dr. Hafeez.
- Loose skin becomes the new thing you notice.Once you reach your goal weight, you may love how you look in clothes but naked in or a bathing suit is a whole other story. This is most common when weight loss is significant. Even when weight training is part of the regimen, loose skin does happen.
Dr. John Zannis a board certified plastic surgeon based in New Bern, North Carolina frequently sees and treats patients who went through a weight loss transformation. According to Dr. Zannis, “Loose skin can gather at the stomach, under arms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, face and neck. The more significant the weight-loss is, say 50 pounds and above, the more likely a plastic surgeon is sought out to explore body lifts that specifically address loose skin after weight-loss.”
- You have more energy, are excited about life and can do more!
As you change your diet, add daily exercise to your new lifestyle and see the weight melt off, you gain energy! You don’t feel the need to hit the snooze button anymore. You may wake up energized for that 7am powerwalk or you may be inspired by that beautiful new dress you get to wear to work, another dress size dropped. Yay!
“Use newfound energy to your advantage, encourages Dr. Hafeez, your brain is forming new neuropathways as your perception about your body starts to change. That flight of stairs that was once an obstacle is much easier. Simple things like putting on shoes, picking up toys and pushing a vacuum are done with ease. As you take notice of what your body can do, you gain more confidence and want to do more. This energizes you both physically and mentally,” she adds.
- Shopping gets interesting.
It is common to get overwhelmed with options now that you can shop the way you always dreamed of. Perhaps your new strong, shapely legs have inspired you to wear dresses again for the first time in years. Or after always covering your arms, you may opt for sleeveless tops. Either way, trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be daunting. Dr. Hafeez advises to, shop on your own or with someone you really trust. “It is important that shopping is made to be fun by approaching it as a style experiment. Don’t expect everything to look perfect just because you are a much smaller size. Some things will work, others won’t. Look for clothes that feel good. When you smile in the mirror that’s a sign you’re on track.”
- You make yourself, your health and well being top priority and start to inspire others.
When you lose a noticeable amount of weight other people want to know how you did it and how you are keeping the weight off. Your immediate family may also adapt to your dietary changes and experience weight loss by association. When your kids see you wake up every morning to exercise they see that anything worth having requires commitment. Your significant other may be inspired to also lose weight. “When you take care of yourself and are in a positive mindset, it has a positive impact on everyone you interact with. When the mind and body are aligned you love the way you look and feel, you’re happy and someone others can look up to.”
For information on Dr. Sanam Hafeez visit: http://comprehendthemind.com/about-us/
For information on Dr. John Zannis visit: http://www.zannisplasticsurgery.com/plastic-surgeon-new-bern-nc/
