First steps to a healthier, more visible YOU - by Sandra Peut

                 

This month’s theme is all about making ourselves more “visible”. 

Sadly, when we’re not feeling – or looking – our best, this becomes so much harder.

Life is all about small choices – “baby-steps” – that add up to the larger reality that is our lives. Our health and fitness needs to be visible in our life to us personally. We need to see it and own it.

Can I encourage you right now to stop a moment, sit down with a pen and a piece of paper, and briefly reflect about your eating and physical activity choices over the past few days or weeks? 

1) Are you happy with your eating choices? (Remember, you don’t have to eat super-healthily all the time, just MOST of the time. An occasional treat makes life interesting J.)

2) Do you eat to nourish your body, choosing fresh fruits and vegetables; wholegrain breads, cereals, pasta, and rice; low-fat dairy products, and lean meats? (No ice-cream is not a food group ;)) Or do you find yourself grabbing whatever is quick and easy as you rush through the busyness of life?

3)Think about your emotions as you have been eating recently.  When you ate that sweet chocolate or dessert was it as a special treat, or because you were feeling sad, lonely, or bored? Were you actually hungry each time you ate, or did you eat just because it was “lunch-time”?

4) What about physical activity: do you park your car closest to the shops or your workplace? Or are you happier to park further away and enjoy the extra walk? Do you view physical activity as an opportunity (e.g. taking the stairs instead of the elevator), or an inconvenience or chore?

Reflecting on WHY we do things can tell us volumes about our motivations and emotions, and helps us work out strategies to bring positive changes to our lives. So this week it is time to find out what you are really eating and how much exercise you are really doing?

We've all heard the saying, “knowledge is power”, so commit to keeping a food and exercise diary. 

This is as simple as each day, jotting down in a notebook what you eat and drink, and minutes of exercise completed.  You can download one from: http://www.personal-nutrition-guide.com/food-diary-template.html

After a few days you will visibly see areas that are great, areas that may need a little reining in, and areas where it might be decision time to commit to a more healthy you.

In the coming months, we are going to look at simple ways you can gradually start to improve your health and fitness (hey we know your busy so we are going to make it easy and do it together).

Remember, the longest journey – to looking and feeling fabulous – starts with a single step! Take that step and make your health and fitness visible in your life.

Sandra Peut keeps busy juggling her varied roles as a wife, mother (to four children aged 6 and under!), nutritionist and health promotion officer in women's health, and writer. Blue Freedom, a romantic thriller and her first novel, is due to be published by Rose and Crown Books later this year.

For more info, visit http://www.sandrapeut.com/

Her first romantic thriller Blue Freedom

Why me?

So I am having one of those days, where I catch myself in the mirror while getting dressed for a second too long.  Of course I notice the things about my body that I just can’t stand (groan) – don’t ya just hate that moment. 
It is the moment that catches you off guard and you find yourself cringing at life’s little treats.  Here I am looking at those  stretch marks on my stretch marks ( 2 babies has totally ruined my bikini body :(  ), then a bit of  depression, some sorrow and wishing it was not so consumes me for a minute. ‘Why me’ is all I think.


Let’s face it we all have ‘why me’ moments. Why me moments can last for a brief second, to others that are long seasons, and then there’s everything in between. If we are real, we know that they do range from our physical looks to crazy everyday circumstances, to life’s big heartbreaking and challenging times.  
The fact is, as women, we really care about what we look like, what we are doing in life and we all face the unexpected. 
Why me is a valid question because we all want our life to be great, we all want to look hot, and we all want to succeed.


I absolutely believe that as women we are born for such a time as this (heard that before??).  The saying comes from the book of Esther in the Bible. 
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+1&version=AMP


It is encouraging because it champions us to rise up and becoming visible in our life and time, to be the difference for others. 
The problem is: how do we do this while facing our physical imperfections, our struggles, our circumstances, our heartbreaks?  How are we meant to be visible when we feel like shrinking away? 


TRUTH MOMENT: We have to chose to let our ‘why me’ moments become our ‘yes me’ moments.


This crazy world needs people to be visible. We are here to do/ give/help/change/be an answer for others through our love of God.  If we listen and give into our why me’s, (and we all have them, even that perfect, no cellulite girl over there ;) ), then we just won’t do anything - our dream/passion/goals - no matter our intent. We have to be visible through and with our why me moment by changing our thinking to yes me =  Yes me and my imperfections, yes me in my mistakes, yes me in my heartbreak. Yes me! Yes me gives us a reason and power to act. Yes me grabs our intent and makes it become real.


Esther came to this realization, lived it and now encourages us to do the same.
Now personally, I do have a love/hate relationship with this girl :). I mean she was obviously hot, crowned a queen and had every resource she could ever want at her finger tips. It’s not like she had a why me moment = wrong! 
Pause and think a minute on where she came from, how she had to change, who she had to stand against, how she had to face death, the real risks for being a women in her day.  


Just like our world today, her's was not easy either. Yet she chose to be a yes girl! She got up and acted and was the difference to others. She risked being visible, her status, looking and sounding silly, oh just her life, and yet because she did she ended up changing history and making a difference to a lot of people.


You are really born for such a time as this. Our time is real, our time is to be a yes me girl. Yes me today!


Thought:


What ‘intent’ (dream) do you hold in your heart that you wish you could do?


What is the first thing or one thing you can do today as a ‘yes me’ girl to start on this road to living your dream? 


If you are on your way and/or living your dream who can you help reach for there dream?


Who can you share this with that will encourage you in your dream and stepping into action?


If you are really hurting in your circumstances who can you talk to and ask to help you threw this season?

Share with us, your thoughts, your dream...


Tiara in above picture we found at: http://www.sassyweddings.co.uk/

'bibs and bobs' Friday!

Ok it's peek time at some cool ideas and things that bring life out in us.


This week, these 5 are sure to make your day or evening (check out no.5) go pop with some visible joy!


1. Food: Feel like everything is a bit bland and ho hum looking in the kitchen. Well check out this website called Colorful Kitchen Recipes: http://www.squidoo.com/colorful-recipes
It’s going to cheer up your plate and your tummy. How yum does that ‘Curried Honey Mustard Chicken’sound??? 


2. Scent: Sarah Jessica Parker’s new scent ‘Fashion’s in the Air’ is bright and smells of color and you are sure to be noticed smelling wonderful. I always feel so feminine in a pretty perfume. http://www.sarahjessicaparkerbeauty.com/


3. Sniffles: A new season, especially winter ones, can bring about the unwanted flu. Keep those noses in check with a bright colorful hanky: floral, stripes, patterns, bold colors...just throw out the tissues clogging up the handbag. (Mine looks like a tissue factory that exploded.) 
Get hankies that make you feel feminine, or happy, or something that makes blowing your nose just that bit more exciting (lol). Check out this hanky site for a little crazy fun with a good cause too: http://www.limegreenmonkey.com/shop_snotcouture_sneezing_postman.html


4. Indulgent: You have to get into ‘Chi Chocolate tea’! So delicious and you won't be able to help but go back and pour another cup. Boil the jug, brew this tea and just add a comfy couch with a good book, movie or just a moment to yourself! http://www.teapeople.com.au/


5. Sexy: This one’s for all you women who want to feel a little bit sexy and even better for you married women who want to mix it up a little with hubby: ‘Nudite Intense’ –  a scent you’ve got to get close to experience! http://www.kitcosmetics.com/products/nudite-intense/fragrance/new-nudite-intense


Have a great weekend everyone and remember it’s all about: you as you are being visible - hey this world needs you!


Cheers. xx

Add some 'visible' COLOUR!

Here in Australia it is winter and this can means layers and layers of black, gray, brown, charcoal….

I personally find it so easy to just blend in with all my shades of dark! (Hey I like black, it’s slimming right!!! ;))

Mostly it’s all unintentional: I get up and pull my jeans on, grab my black or gray or brown shirt, then a dark jacket and I am out the door. Sadly I can carry this over into spring and summer as well.
Now I am the first to admit that an all black outfit has its place – it looks smart and sexy - but mmmmm I think it is time to bring back some colour. Extra BIG BUT: I don’t really want to stand out as a vibrant, hyper color eyesore either.

This winter, or whatever season you find yourself, lets add colour in a small way. It suits any budget, chases that ‘blending away’, and you can do it in your own comfortable, beautiful, and visible way.

Adding a touch of colour is sure to brighten up your day, bring out more of your beautiful femininity, and we can be our own visible unique.

Here are 6 ways you can add some visible colour:

Scarf: Drape a bright scarf around your body. There are no rules just wear it anyway you like. Try patterns, bold colours, or crisp fresh pastels.

Hat: There are so many gorgeous hats and beanies available but just don’t settle for one that blends in with what your are wearing try something new, be bold, and opt for a bright colour: Pink, blue, yellow. You could even knit one in your fav colour. If hats are not your thing you can even wear clip on flowers in your hair.

Shoes: Bright pink, red, green, blue, purple, orange just go for it. I mean is there really anything cuter then a bright hint of colour peeking out from underneath your jeans or pants (nope!). If you are really bold go for knee high boots in a vivid colour paired with your fav skirt or over your jeans = hot!

Nails: Invest in a ‘moment’ for you and have your nails done by a professional. Choose that daring bright colour, it will definitely add a splash of feminine beauty to your day and outfits. Plus it’s fun and does your mind and soul good to invest in a little pamper for you.
- If the budget won't work for this have your friends around and take turns pampering each other with a hand massage and painting nails.

Jewels: Anything from pendants, beads, brooches, earrings, to bangles - the sky’s the limit, just go for it.

Eyes: There is nothing more beautiful than women’s eyes so turn them into colour stunners with your favourite shade of colour eye shadow: mint green, emerald, lilac, purple, gold, pink...go with what you’re in the mood for. If it’s too bold bright, (hey we don’t want to visit the 70’s) just mix the colour with your fav shade of light brown or gray for an earthier toned down colour look.
-Don’t forget, a touch of blush will give you a rosy cheek look. It's perfect when wearing any dark outfit.


Check out these websites and eBay links for inspiration and great ideas. 
(You can even purchase them but hurry as bidding or stock may run out!)
Don't forget to check out our Amazon store for some great ideas and/or purchases too.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Women-PURPLE-Knit-Brim-Beanie-Cap-Newsboy-Visor-Hat-/110516320769?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Women_Accessories&hash=item19bb493a01#ht_1633wt_912

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KAFIERS-CHECKER-WOMEN-SCARVES-BRAND-NEW-/150430458131?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Women_Accessories&hash=item23065aa113#ht_2039wt_912

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Ladies-Red-Ballet-Flats-Size-38-/220613052119?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Women_Shoes&hash=item335d9006d7#ht_500wt_928

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Purple-Wedge-Heel-Boots-/150452225886?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Women_Shoes&hash=item2307a6c75e#ht_500wt_1154

http://www.makeupstyleideas.com/

 SHARE: Tell us your own idea for adding colour? ….

Invisible?

The other night I was watching Master Chef (the TV show where contestants compete by cooking amazing meals to win the show‘s title - it so makes my dinner time look sad ;)).  Anyway, one of the female contestants had an embarrassing mishap with an ingredient right in front of the judges, other contestants, and let's not forget just the whole of Australia.  
She shook her head and simply stated “I am not invisible now.”

Wow, what a statement. I mean really (and be honest) haven’t we all felt invisible at times? 
For some of us maybe you have always felt this way. Invisible to the big old world, invisible to the success of others, invisible to those you value most or want value from, even invisible to you.

I soooo have.

Then, what’s  worse is when you make a mistake, or things don’t go to plan, or you just have an embarrassing mishap suddenly you’re ‘visible’ for all the wrong reason. You’re left feeling silly, or angry, looked over, disappointed and shamed (oh pass me the chocolate now and I mean the whole block). You can even feel and start to believe that those standout moments of weakness are what define you.


Sometimes it is easy to be invisible too. Easy to not have to make tough decisions, easy to not take responsibility for where you are personally at, easy to not have to worry about what others may think if you were to step out, easy to leave it to others to be the ones that make a difference - cause their the mistake free, perfect, standouts right !!!

Truth Moment: If you don’t become visible no matter the cost, then who will make a difference in your own life, in your world = no one.

Only you can make you visible. Only you can find you.


It is time to get visible that means you, you, you.

Sure it’s a risk and there are going to be mistakes made, maybe some embarrassing mishaps, feeling uncomfortable, and feeling ‘out there’ with the spotlight on (sunglasses anyone?). But if you keep stepping out ‘visible’ you are also going to learn how to get it right, become comfortable, and feel really happy that you are doing what you knew was always in you.  
You will achieve the ultimate dazzling goal of making a difference for you and in others.


So this June we are all shedding invisibility and living visible. (Shameless dance around the room time - now that's visible!;))

Time to:

Look around your life, what needs you to be 'visible' (or more visible), who needs you to be visible, where can you step out, up and in?

1) Is it time to change some old thinking and look in the mirror and become visible to your self-esteem and your value? Those past failures or mistakes don’t define you - so throw them off NOW!

2) Do you need to become visible to a dream, goal or passion and step out and learn, achieve, do and most important BE?

3) Are there people around you who need you to be more visible to make a difference for them - to make them more visible: Your children, your hubby, friends, those without friends, those in desperate need, and those in other nations, …………..?   

4) What organization, church, charity needs you to be visible and join them in making a difference to others? (We know your busy but what could you do? :))
             
 Get Inspired:

Read Proverbs 31:10 -, from the Bible http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2031&version=AMP 
This is a passage about a woman who stands out. She is visible. This is because she has chosen to stand confident in who she is and she stands confident in what she does (in her day to day society and particular lifetime) – she is seen being actively visible.  
She is not about being the perfect women or the most incredible and gifted (She sooo would have needed chocolate too). She is here to inspire you to be the best YOU.  Touch YOUR world with visible YOU.

 Everyone share:

Tell us what you are doing or going to do to be visible?