Create rituals that please you & ditch the forced deprivation concept. -Pick a piece of jewelry that makes you feel pretty, powerful & productive, & wear it 24/7. Use it as your reminder: twist the ring, rub the earring or necklace, rotate the bracelet, etc. This really does work, & is valuable in reinforcing commitment & fostering better habits. Have some fun learning about the meaning & benefits of colored stones. -Light candles,& scented oils in diffusers, use pink 40-watt bulbs. Changing the way you view this time as a gift to yourself during your busy day, not as a chore. The scents you choose can enhance whatever ambiance you seek. Lavender to soothe, peppermint for energy. Here's a great Aromatherapy Guide to familiarize yourself with the potential advantages. Enlighten & enlist your entourage, they can help. People who know you & care about you will want to support your success, so let them know that these new ideas are non- negotiable, like breathing, sleeping, eating, & loving. Changing The Way You Think About A Healthier Lifestyle These are tips I really use. They work! Prioritize your indulgences. They energize you, & keep you motivated. Start with small steps & time slots. Five minutes of Yoga or Pilates stretching to warm you up & more importantly, to concentrate,& focus on you. Fifteen minutes of something that gets your heart racing: dancing, running, whatever appeals to you & doesn't present as an oh-my-goodness, I don't want to do this activity. This time is just for you & your mind/body connection, so you can tune in & discover what this time & activity can do for you. If you like machinery, I love ellipticals. No stress or strain on body parts! Buy all the foods you like, just buy the non-GMO,organic versions of them. You need carbs, & they're comfort foods. But, after a "certain age", or if you're trying to lose weight, just eat them at breakfast & lunch. That way, you'll never have to "diet", or have to eliminate things you love. During meals, you can trick & train yourself to choose smaller portions by using smaller plates. And, don't forget to dine, not just eat. Making your meals an event & treat yourself well with linens, stemware & great company. That way, you can use another tip-put down the fork often & have some great conversations. You'll take your time & really enjoy the dining experience & rev up socializing to boot. Remember if you drink a lot of water, don't do so during meals. Water dilutes the digestive enzymes, making it take longer to process foods. No soda in any event. It is one of the unhealthiest choices you can make. A glass of red wine is a much better choice. It's good for the heart & the Europeans have much more fun eat foods higher in fat than we do. Email me for more ideas. Best, Concierge Jo-Anna