This weekend begins local tryouts for NBC's 14th season of The Biggest Loser. Saturday, June 23rd, numerous hopefuls waited in line at a Planet Fitness location on Ives Dairy Road in Miami for their chance to impress casting staff and be considered for selection as contestants in the weight loss competition to be aired on national television. Since June 16th the show's casting director Barb Wulff and staff have been on a tour around the country which will visit 13 cities in the search for those who will get to appear on the show. Wulff told reporters that the show is a reality show which also helps people. "Yes it is a competition, but at the end of the day, we're inspiring people and adding 10 to 12 years to people's lives."
While being on a TV show can provide extra motivation to lose weight, it is important to recognize that anyone can accomplish health and weight goals by learning how to transform their body and lifestyle. Weight loss has become a big business, with many diets, pills, surgeries, and exercise programs marketed to the obese. For safe, long term results it is important to address psychological factors and lifestyle patterns that are leading to weight gain.
Understanding how one's body responds to particular foods and food additives, to exercise and workouts, and to emotional factors, can all assist with making healthier choices. If one is lacking in nutrients or congested with toxins, the body may hold on to weight even with calorie deprivation diets. If there is an unresolved emotional trauma that led the subconscious mind to create fat as a symbol of protection then diets may not work.
Health coach and author Connie Bennett offers a program in her book Beyond Sugar Shock that she tells readers "engages, motivates, and nurtures you." Her 6 week program is a "Mind-Body-Spirit" program that seeks to help people break out of food addictions and take action to build healthy habits and nurture their souls. Connie guides her clients to shift from "S.A.D.," the Standard American Diet, to "S.W.E.E.T.," Savor Wholesome, Exciting, Energy-producing foods and activities that Turn on your better life of Mind-Body-Spirit balance. Her book educates readers with information about healthy eating, while providing guidance for addressing the psychological and spiritual aspects of health. Exercises and affirmations are given to help readers feel good about themselves and their path to greater well-being and less weight.
Week one of Connie's program focuses on the mind, beginning with the affirmation "I now have a glorious life, and I choose to lean on Sweet, Nonsugary Rewards rather than dangerous sugary foods." Week two focuses on the body and food choices, using the affirmation "I'm now choosing smarter, healthier habits to release Sugar Shock." Week three shifts to nurturing the spirit, affirming that "I feed my Spirit with Love, gratitude, and forgiveness." Week four shifts to body focus again with attention to consuming quality nutritious foods. Week five addresses the mind again, this time offering tools to calm the mind and clear away cravings. The sixth week shifts to address the spiritual domain, focusing on joy and fulfillment with the affirmation "I'm now joyously gliding into Sugar Freedom! Woo-Hoo!"
So, whether or not you win a spot on The Biggest Loser, you can succeed with losing weight and gaining health and self-esteem by following this holistic lifestyle guidance. Physical and emotional cleansing, physical and spiritual nourishment, and valuing this healthier version of yourself will carry you forward to realize your vision of a healthy, fulfilling life.
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