Cory Quirino's Inside Out

Just do it -- now

HOW DO you do it? I am often asked this question. About five out of the 10 who ask are women in their 20s or older who may or may not know how to get started on a health regimen. Three out of 10 are gays who wish to have glowing complexion while the rest are men who are generous with their praises.

True story
Many years ago, I saw almost everyday a group of women in aerobics class. After class, they would ask me for the latest dieting tips and I would generously share my lifestyle.
Conscious of their appearances (they were all overweight) they diligently took notes and listened with great intent. Months passed but I noticed no improvement among them.
Each one had to lose at least 10 lb. But, instead of losing, they actually gained. And yet, the ritual continued -- I would share lessons after each workout.

In truth, I was like a broken record saying the same things over and over again.
One day, after class, I decided to act out the role of good teacher. Giving them one hour lead time, I followed them to their favorite coffee shop for a “surprise” visit that was more like a police raid. I literally caught them in the act.

Their lunch consisted of lechon, bulalo and pasta, plus a platter of leche flan.
When I asked them why they chose those things, they proudly answered, “Look, you told us low fat, right? Well, see what we did to the lechon -- we only ate the skin!”

Dismayed, I simply smiled and turned around. It was because of these ladies that I decided to write my book “Forever Young” (in English and now Filipino editions). Once published, the same group of women, let’s call them the Indefatigable Five, asked me the same question, “How do you do it?” My answer was short and sweet: “Read my book.”

There is no other interpretation for a specific regimen -- you just have to take it at face value. Do not give it your own color. So, if it fails, you only have yourself to blame -- not the author or the dietician or even your doctor.

Get going
The tips:
1. Stop talking about what you plan to do. Just do it -- not yesterday, not tomorrow, but now. Give yourself a reasonable deadline and a schedule.
2. Set your doable targets today.
Obviously, a weight loss of 10 lb in one week may be achievable (assuming you avoid solids) but it isn’t safe unless supervised by your physician or a medical spa (like the Farm in San Benito). So don’t design your own program. Work with your doctor.
3. Follow strictly these general rules:
• Don’t overeat. Stop the minute you feel full.
• Avoid fatty, oily and fried foods.
• Don’t binge on junk food.
• No sweets after dinner. (Note: To slim down fast, declare a no-dessert/sugar week. It works!)
• Eat vegetables before any other viand. In fact, try to make your veggies the main meal.
• Train yourself to eat more veggies than meat.
• Drink 10 minutes after a meal (not during). Better yet, drink water before a meal. This helps digestion.
• Go easy on carbohydrates (especially white flour).
• Don’t give up ever. Disciplining the self takes time. After a month, when you see visible and dramatic results, make it your lifestyle.
• Take your daily vitamin/mineral supplements. It isn’t true they will make you gain weight. Don’t believe in hearsay.
• Buy a body brush from any health store. Daily stimulation of your lymphatic system by brushing from foot to neck will detoxify you.
• Put your favorite dress or pants (or buy a new one, two sizes smaller) in a prominent place to inspire you to achieve your slimming goals.
• Affirm with me: “I am what I want. It is done!”

Love and light!

http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=11560

posted by Misteryo Philippines Network (MPN) @ 1:13 AM