obesity

Are you saying ‘fat is beautiful’ because you can’t find the key to losing it?

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I’ve been seeing a LOT of social media posts on how we should ‘accept our bodies’ and not worry about wrinkles, losing weight, sagging skin, etc.  I’m calling it BS.  Yep, I said it…… BS.  It’s the excuses people are saying to themselves to help themselves deal with the fact that fighting for their own health is sometimes difficult, frustrating, exhausting, and not everyone can do it.  “I’ve tried to lose weight, but I can’t …. so I’ll just love my body and say ‘fat is beautiful!”

Let me clarify — I believe in aging gracefully.  Yet, I still color my hair, put makeup on, use wrinkle cream at night, stay up with trends, and wear supportive bras. I will age.  We all will and we are!  Whether you want to or not…. it’s going to happen. Honestly, many people grow more attractive as they age!  Accepting that your skin will lose elasticity, gravity will take over, and a few pounds will creep on is fantastic and I applaud people who accept it!!  (Smile lines and crows feet show a happy life, right?)  So, if that’s what all those social media rants are in referring too…. I agree!  If it’s referring to people who have suffered the pain of losing a limb, burned skin, scars from trauma, scars from removal of cancer….. I applaud those people too and those are battle wounds that you have earned!!
But, they aren’t.

Many of them are referring to weight.  Saying that you accept being 50+ lbs over weight (And mind you, some of these are people that are morbidly obese)….. is NOT OK.  We ALL struggle with our bodies – it could be extra skin around our belly buttons, the stretch marks from pregnancies, a flat butt, saggy arms, bird legs, or big belly.  But, sagging skin, stretch marks, wrinkles…. they aren’t going to effect our life expectancy.  Weight problems WILL!!
Would you click the ‘like’ button if someone posted “My extra fat is causing me to have diabetes and I’m getting my foot amputated next week!  Yeah Me!”  Would you think “good for them!  It’s great that they accepted their extra pounds!”  ?????
That’s kinda what’s happening.
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People are ranting in these posts that today’s world is consumed with being ‘fit’ and losing weight.  That there are people all over social media and infomercials ‘fat shaming’ others or constantly promoting weight loss programs.  Well, maybe if 1 out of every 3 people weren’t overweight, then you wouldn’t see all that!  It wouldn’t be in our faces all the time!  Maybe if childhood obesity wasn’t at an all time high and people didn’t care… you wouldn’t see it all the time.  Children are getting illnesses and disease that they should NOT be getting because of weight issues!  Can you imagine a world where most people were a healthy ‘average’ weight and actually took care of their hearts vs. enable others and accept an early death?

Breast cancer awareness is everywhere too – clothing, tv, social media, etc.  WHY?  Because it’s killing us and being proactive saves lives!  Do you hear people complaining about that??  (Shaking your head no?)  Yet, there are complaints when the disease is in another form such as ‘fat.’   I just don’t understand.

I am NOT saying people need to have hard bodies and be a size 2.  I am NOT saying that everyone needs to eat clean 100% and fit into skinny jeans.  I am NOT saying that magazines need to have thin models and 6-pack abs on their pages.  A few pounds overweight is one thing and it’s natural because our weight fluctuates, and I find no problems with that.  I find NO PROBLEM with people who are overweight and trying to live healthier lifestyle!  Many of my friends fit into that category and I myself should lose 8-10 more pounds!  I’ve been on prednisone many times and gained the weight… but I’ve NEVER accepted it.  I’ve worked very hard to take it off each time I’ve finished that round of treatment.

A friend recently told me “It’s okay to love yourself even though you may not be happy with your body” and I 100% agree because I am one of those people.  Loving yourself and loving your body are not synonymous.  She also said, “You don’t have to hate yourself as a person to admit that you dislike your body (or parts of it) and want to change it.”    Once again… I agree.  I’m thankful to have amazing friends and that we can have discussions like this without losing a friendship.

I am growing fatigued with the notion of folks who say, “I can’t lose weight, I’ve tried everything, so I’ve just learned to accept it.” That’s not learning to accept it because I guarantee you don’t think it’s beautiful when your doctor tells you he won’t replace your knee until you lose weight.  Or, when the nurse is helping you roll side to side in a hospital bed to clean between the skin folds to prevent skin breakdown and infection.  What you are ‘accepting’ is that you haven’t figured out what will unlock your body and create weight loss.  There is a key for each of us!  It may take many times of turning the lock to see which key fits, but there is one out there!  I know it gets depressing, frustrating, annoying,& maddening.  I myself have experienced it and have been on the journey with my clients.  I’m FULLY aware of that side of weight loss.  But, when it happens and you find even a little success…. it’s joyful.  Pure joy to calculate the inches that have been lost and to see your ‘before’ picture compared to the current one!!  And that joy makes it worthwhile.

 Accept things that you cannot change….. find the courage to change the things you can…… and the wisdom to know the difference.

That Serenity prayer holds true for all things in life.  The problem is…. many people can’t find the wisdom to know when to accept a healthy weight and when to fight for better.   You do NOT need to fight the battle alone.  As you know.. there are plenty of us on social media that will help you fight that battle.  Be Better.  Do Good.  Pay it forward.  Lead by example.

YOU are in control of Your Fitness!  Let’s do something about it.
Be true to who you are – but ‘fat’ isn’t who someone ‘is.’  It’s tissue inside a body which comes and goes. Let it Go! (Did you really not expect a FROZEN reference in this blog?)  🙂

www.YourFitness-411.com

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OBESITY – such an ugly word.

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The term ‘obesity’ is an excess proportion of total body fat.  “Morbid obesity” means that a person is either 50%-100% over normal weight, more than 100 pounds over normal weight, has a BMI of 40 or higher, or is sufficiently overweight to severely interfere with health or normal function.  There are many reasons as to why/how people become obese.  One of the most obvious causes of obesity is simply overeating. When you eat more food than the body requires then the excess is stored as fat. This can occur by eating too much or eating foods that are high in fat and calories. 

Other common causes for a person being obese are age, gender, genetics, environmental factors, physical inactivity, illness, psychological factors, and medications.

When it comes to my scope of practice, environmental factors and physical inactivity play a significant role. Environmental factors include lifestyle behaviors such as what a person eats and how active they are.  Physical activity or inactivity is self-explanatory.  Active individuals require more calories than less active ones to maintain their weight. Additionally, physical activity tends to decrease appetite in obese individuals while increasing the body’s ability to preferentially metabolize fat as an energy source. Much of the increase in obesity in the last 20 years is thought to have resulted from the decreased level of daily physical activity.  For those individuals struggling with these causes of obesity, the treatment I would recommend would be to educate yourself on proper food choices and exercise regimens that suit your lifestyle and personality.  Then, incorporate what you have learned into your daily life.  Some important factors would be proper water intake, carb/protein/fat intake, food proportions, limiting the processed ‘unhealthy’ carbs and replacing them with better choices of foods, knowing the proper caloric intake for your body and activity level, and of course, beginning an exercise program that you can maintain.  Too many individuals find excuses as to why they cannot make healthier choices and stick with them, so I would also recommend an accountability group or workout partner and help to hold one another accountable to a healthier lifestyle. 
For those causes of obesity which are outside of my scope of practice, I would recommend proper treatment by a medical professional.  Some of those treatment options are gastric bypass surgery, stomach size reduction, prescription weight loss medication, and behavioral changes (support groups/counseling).  These options are to be used after a healthy effort has been given to weight loss programs which include diet, exercise, and accountability. 

I am convinced that with better food choices and exercise, other common causes of obesity such as age, genetics, and illness can be controlled too.  Many illnesses such as diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, and then the person may be able to decrease their medication per physician.  I believe that our food choices can be what make us ill as well as what can heal the body.  The number one way to combat obesity is education.  To educate the individual on obesity, the cause of their obesity, and then to seek the right treatment to help them lose the weight and become a healthy weight. 
If you are ‘obese’ and looking for some personal assistance, contact me.  Even if you have just a few pounds to lose.  Gaining control of your body, your cravings, and your life will create joy, satisfaction, & you will be a role model for others. 
I can’t help if you don’t ask.  I have access to hundreds of home workouts and nutritionals to help you along in your journey.  Simple changes = big results.  *BELIEVE*
Email me at Bashford.lisa@yahoo.com or learn more about me at www.YourFitness-411.com

Facebook.  I <3 it.  I hate it.  But it’s helping to end Obesity.

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Facebook.  I ❤ it.  I hate it.  It sucks me in & yet it’s my best marketing tool for my Fitness Biz.  All those emoticons, the slang, the appropriate, the helpful posts, the inappropriate posts, the drama, watching someone have a melt down, and then others celebrate their child’s success; it’s the world we live in these days.  My business page, facebook.com/YourFitnessInfo is a way for me to not only market myself, but allows the person following me to get a glimpse into my life and struggles as  Mom trying to stay fit and accomplish fitness related goals. The main thing I want people to get from my facebook biz page, is a better understanding of their body, how it works, and how to treat it well so that they get the MOST benefit from a healthy life/body.  The more people I reach, the more I can educate.  And…I truly believe that ‘Education is Key.’  When you are educated, you can make better choices, feed your body the way it needs, and participate in life, vs. sitting on the sidelines and just watching.  Many people just watch.  They have no idea what to buy at the grocery, let alone how to make a healthy meal.  They grew up in a home where mashed potatoes, gravy, and noodles was a staple.  (I did too!!)  But listen…..those ‘days’ are long gone.  Kids were active then and fruits had more nutrition than they do these days.  Now, kids play hand held games, rarely use the imagination, being outside is bothersome when they can chill in a cool, air controlled house, and they eat POORLY!  Constant snacks of chips, crackers, granola bars, and MAYBE a piece of fruit.  (I can feel myself getting onto a soap box, and I don’t want to do that….. for now).

Where was I?  Oh….that’s right, education.

I enjoy simply teaching the reader a little more about carbs/protein/fat intake on a daily basis or how to modify exercises so they have no excuses.  It’s my thing and I love it.  I always say, “Simple changes = big results” and to ‘BELIEVE‘ in the journey. (I even had orange wristbands made to give people with the word ‘BELIEVE’ on it as a way to say focused!)
Sometimes, on my facebook page, I have to show some tough love, and other times I get to have fun with slightly inappropriate posts.  (Relax, nothing too bad!)  But, I posted something the other day that I believe more people should read.  It’s a hard truth and people need to realize that Obesity is a growing trend.  It saddens me because there is no need for it.  No need for adult men to look 7 months pregnant, women to have a waist line as big as a hula-hoop or children unable play outdoors because they get tired too easily.  I feel it important to share this site with you and allow you read it too. If it can help just ONE person, then I am a happy lady!! It’s written by a doctor and is titled “FAT CITY – what can stop Obesity.”
www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2013/march/1361848247/karen-hitchcock/fat-city

fat city pic  >>>> If you would like me to help you out with some tips and techniques for weight loss, don’t hesitate to contact me.  I hope you will check out my facebook business page & hopefully you will walk away with the ability to stay disciplined, try a healthy new recipe or exercise, and BELIEVE in your journey.  I’m just a simple Mom of 2, living in Indiana, who still has about 10 pounds to lose….so I am there with you!  However, I focus daily on healthy choices and have NOT allowed anything to stop me from my fitness goals such as completing a marathon, getting strong muscles, or staying active even as I get closer to the big 40. I am a physical therapist assistant, Team Beachbody fitness coach, and VERY soon to be a certified sports nutritionist.   I know the struggles….. I live them…… and I have a passion to help you Beat the Trend of Obesity.  You can be my client, or join my business team for more accountability.  Either way….. make the choice and start your journey today.

Gettin’ Fit & Fiesty

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I’ve been wanting to blog for a couple of weeks now.  But, it always seems to be the last thing on my list of 20 ‘to-do’ things every day.  I’m always too tired by the time I get to it! 
*  Spend time w/ kids = Check
*  Workout = Check
*  Errands (mail out samples, bracelets, grocery, dog’s nails clipped, etc.) = Check
*  Laundry and Vacuum = Check
*  Answer emails & do a little marketing on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram = Check

You get the idea.  Tonight is different. I completed a 9pm – 3 mile jog after a stressful day (which included a flat tire at the ball park).  It was refreshing.  NEVER did I EVER think that I would say a 3 mile jog was refreshing!  Running is my time to reflect, talk to God, think about problems/find solutions, and remind myself of my personal goals and what brings me satisfaction.  Helping others to their goals makes me internally satisfied.  I want to beat the trend of obesity!!  (such an ugly word!)  But, I can only do it with a few souls at a time.  The BEST way I can help more people at once is by creating a team of people like myself and through them, we can help many more folks.  So, I have a nice little team of like-minded people on my Beachbody team under the “YourFitness-411” umbrella.  Some are there for the discount only, yet others are wanting to grow a biz and help others too.  I’m proud of all of them, because in each person’s own way, they are beating the trend of obesity!  I try to work personally with many of them to help them succeed with their health/fitness and to make extra money.  It can be difficult at times, but everyone knows someone who could lose a few pounds, and Beachbody offers tried and true successful programs, and being able to recommend a program that suits someone’s lifestyle & taste, then watching them succeed is truly gratifying.  My coaches (teammates) come from all over the country and have all kinds of different backgrounds.  Some are athletes, others are not.  Some have established careers, and others are getting educated.  I have people who have met their weight loss goals, and others who are just beginning.  Some have been my friend for years, run marathons, have injuries, are parents, new brides, bravely starting new careers, or even in the “INSANITY” workout infomercial!  We build one relationship at a time to help others.  I am proud of each of them. 
I wanted to share Tera’s story.  She’s been on my team for a while now, and I’ve seen her struggle in business and personal life, live in pain, raise a son, and yet through it all she smiles and has a passion to help others.  She’s honest and ready to teach others her strategies and bring them aboard our team! 

This is HER story, in HER words……

My story started a couple of years ago. I can’t remember exactly why, but I wanted to start running and to lose a few pounds. My sister told me about Lisa Parrish Bashford being a Beachbody coach, and since I knew who she was since she went to my high school, I decided to talk to her about it. Let me just say that Lisa rocks! She doesn’t just rock, but she IS my rock. I know this isn’t supposed to be about Lisa, but without her I honestly wouldn’t be where I am. Ok…back to my story. I had neck surgery 2 1/2 years ago, and was having trouble recovering those muscles in my neck/shoulder area.  I started with PT…but that wasn’t helping on its own, and I ran out of cash to pay for more.  I then found an awesome Chiropractor, who finally got me on my way to less pain.  Once I started talking to Lisa, I learned much more about strengthening my shoulder/neck muscles, and along with my Chiropractic treatments I started to feel human again.  I still have some pain, but I don’t let that stop me because I know now that the stronger I can make those little muscles in my shoulder/neck area, the better I’ll feel. 🙂   Then, Lisa told me about Shakeology and I wanted to try it, but couldn’t make myself pay that much money. I’m a single Mom, and extra money is hard to come by. So, when Lisa said she was having a 7 day Shakeology challenge I couldn’t pass that up. I absolutely LOVED Shakeology! I decided I had to find a way to get it each month. I adjusted my budget and the rest is history. I can’t live without it now! I continued joining Lisa’s challenge groups to keep myself on track. Then, last February I decided to save a little cash by joining up as a coach.  Now I just can only hope to inspire and help as many people as my own coach does.  We are all part of a great team, and a great company. It’s win-win all the way!!

Tera pretty picTo join Tera’s team or simply learn more about her, visit her Facebook page called “Gettin fit and feisty” at http://www.facebook.com/TeraShull24        She’s an amazing coach & leader.  Allow her to help you too!  Experience is the best teacher. 🙂