In this episode, we’re going to explore the concept of weight loss as described in Driving. Rangan Chatterjee’s book, “Feel Great, Lose Weight.” Driving. Chatterjee’s book focuses on maintaining a healthier lifestyle by improving our habits and emotional responses and by choosing quality food options. One important aspect we discussed is the need to shift away from processed foods and towards single-ingredient options. And let’s not forget the importance of home cooking!
We also talked about the significance of fiber in our diet and how it helps us feel full, reducing overeating. Mindful eating was another key concept we discussed, and I suggested drinking a glass of water before meals to help us feel fuller and reduce our portions.
He talks about time-restricted eating. It means limiting the hours during which we eat. This is a response to the modern availability of food at all hours, which is not how our bodies historically functioned. Sleep is also a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and we discussed how it affects our eating habits and the role of caffeine in disturbing our sleep patterns.
When it comes to exercise, He suggests seeing it as a way to feel more alive and energized rather than just a way to burn calories. We talked about how moderate exercise, like weightlifting, can help build muscle, which in turn burns more calories. And let’s not forget about fun and non-strenuous forms of exercise, like dancing, playing with pets, or simply being more active in daily life.
Finally, we talked about the importance of having a positive self-image and a healthy relationship with food. We shouldn’t use food to solve emotional problems or as a comfort mechanism. Instead, we should find other ways to deal with stress and emotions, such as connecting with people, joining clubs, or doing volunteer work. He concluded with a suggestion to eat until we are 80% full, as our bodies often register fullness only after we have overeaten.
Episodes
In this episode, we will explore the weight loss concept, as described in Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s book, “Feel Great, Lose Weight.” According to Dr. Chatterjee, losing weight can be challenging not because of personal fault, but due to our environment. Our world is filled with calorie-rich foods and sedentary work, making it tough to battle societal norms and pressures.
Dr. Chatterjee further emphasizes that everyone is unique, which makes the weight loss process even more complicated. What works for one person may not work for another due to differences in body types, lifestyles, and metabolisms. Hence, finding a weight loss routine that suits our needs and circumstances is crucial.
He suggests that the goal should not be about conforming to societal standards of beauty, but rather feeling the best we can for ourselves. The book explores the idea of a ‘weight point,’ which suggests that our brains have a set point for our body weight. This means that our bodies maintain this set point, no matter how much we diet or exercise. Understanding and adjusting this weight point could be the key to sustainable weight loss.
He talks about food that hits our dopamine system which makes it hard to ignore even if we are full. The body, out of ancient systems, craves for us to eat certain things. If we fight against that urge and return our food to one simple food, our dopamine will reset back to normal, and we will lose some of the urge to overeat. We will hear our hunger/full signals again.
I delve into the concept of achieving our goals and creating our best life, drawing inspiration from the book “A Whole New You, Six Steps to Ignite Change for Your Best Life” by Bret Blumenthal. I discuss the importance of creating a mission statement, to guide our life’s goals. These mission statements can be about work, health, or other aspects of life and should reflect the qualities and characteristics we want to live by and the legacy we want to leave in the world. I then discuss the concept of a vision statement, a visual representation of our goals, like a vision board.
The next step in the process is to identify what we want to achieve and map the gap between where we are and where we want to be. This involves assessing our emotional and physical state and imagining what our ideal self would look like and feel like and how it would impact those around us and our activities. Having a flexible mindset during this stage is essential, as it allows us to adapt and find ways to make our goals happen. We should focus on our strengths and accomplishments and bury our past failures, only taking away the lessons we learned from them.
Throughout this process, it’s important to visualize our goals and recognize that we are the ones in control of our lives. We should create a vision statement or vision board representing our end goal, which could be something as simple as a collage of pictures from the internet. Sharing our goals with others can also be beneficial as they can provide support and encouragement. It’s also crucial to break down our goals into small, achievable tasks and to set specific start dates for each task. This way, we can keep track of our progress and stay accountable.
Finally, it’s crucial to acknowledge and reward ourselves when we progress towards our goals and to hold ourselves accountable. Accountability can be built through various means, such as having a workout partner, hiring a life coach, or even using a habit tracker like Streaks. Understanding how accountability works best for us can greatly increase our chances of achieving our goals. The challenge for you, the listener, is to come up with one small goal, write out a mission statement for it, and create a vision board or vision statement.
I’m diving deep into the topic of personal transformation with Brett Blumenthal’s book, A Whole New You: Six Steps to Ignite Change for Your Best Life. We’ll be discussing how incremental changes can lead to significant reinvention and how to recognize when change is needed, whether due to dissatisfaction or a natural transition in life.
One of the key takeaways from Blumenthal’s book is the importance of understanding what motivates us. By drilling down with the questions we can uncover the root issue that needs addressing. It’s also essential to distinguish between physical and emotional signs of needed change and to determine whether these issues are situational or ongoing.
I find Blumenthal’s emphasis on data to identify change patterns is particularly helpful. By tracking our progress, we can see how far we’ve come and what areas we still need to work on.
In the process of self-discovery, it’s crucial to recognize our strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Identifying what we love to do can drive positive change, while understanding our failures can help us learn and grow. Blumenthal emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past failures, a point that deeply resonates with all of us. She also advises examining past experiences, like family dynamics or traumatic events, which might contribute to current struggles.
Remember, the journey to a brand new you begin with small steps and small changes. So, let’s take those steps together and see where they lead us.
Jill’s Links
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https://www.brettblumenthalstudio.com/brett-blumenthal-books-and-publications
Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
Today, I’ll discuss the 80s apocalypse movie “Night of the Comet.” In this movie, we follow two sisters, Regina and Samantha, who survive an event that turns most of the population into zombie-like creatures. We’ll explore the important apocalypse themes that this movie raises, such as trust, the importance of loved ones, and the need to establish a plan for rebuilding society.
I’ll be highlighting several lessons that we can learn from it. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of questioning information and not blindly trusting what others say even when they promise the North Pole (Christmas movie?). People in the movie were misled about the safety of the comet, leading to disastrous consequences. Secondly, the bond between the two sisters emphasizes the importance of finding and supporting loved ones during challenging times through sarcasm and shopping. Thirdly, the movie encourages the search for other survivors, as it brings together individuals who can provide support and companionship, mainly if they are cute boys. We’ll also discuss the need for defenses and strategies to protect oneself in a post-apocalyptic world, as seen in the 80s.
“Night of the Comet” is a cult classic combining horror, comedy, and 80s nostalgia. I invite you to ponder what rules and principles you would establish if you were to rebuild society after an apocalypse. Even at the end of the world, girls just want to have fuuuuun.
In this episode of our podcast, I talk about a movie that always reminds me of the magic of Christmas – “Miracle on 34th Street.” The movie tells the story of Macy’s store hiring a new Santa Claus, who is a kind and genuine person resembling Santa. As we follow the plot, we see how belief, mistrust, and the power of helping others during the Christmas season shape the story.
One of the central characters in the movie is Susan Walker, a young girl who initially doesn’t believe in Santa Claus due to her practical-minded mother’s influence. But as the movie progresses, Susan’s faith in Santa Claus is restored as she witnesses acts of kindness and experiences the magic of Christmas.
As the story unfolds, we also see a subplot involving a lawyer, Mr. Galley, who defends Kris Kringle (Santa Claus) in court, risking his own reputation and job. The court case becomes a turning point in the movie, as the post office delivers numerous letters addressed to Santa Claus to the courthouse, validating Kris Kringle’s existence. The judge dismisses the case, and Kris Kringle is set free.
The movie concludes with a heartwarming scene where Susan’s wish for a house is fulfilled, symbolizing the power of belief and the magic of Christmas. Watching this movie always leaves me feeling inspired and hopeful, reminding me of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the power of believing in something greater than what meets the eye.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage all of you to embrace the spirit of Christmas, show kindness to those around you, and have hope for a better tomorrow. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Today, I talk to you about the book How to Be Your Own Therapist by Owen O’Kane and the importance of reprogramming our negative thoughts and challenging the rules we have set for ourselves. You and I are not victims of our thoughts and we have the power to break free from the negative narratives in our minds. By reprogramming ourselves and adopting new, more beneficial rules, we can overcome the limiting beliefs that hold us back.
Let’s prioritize our own well-being and engage with life authentically. Taking care of our physical and mental health, engaging in activities that bring us joy and calm, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people are essential for personal growth. I believe in being kind to ourselves and others, as well as prioritizing the needs of others without becoming people-pleasers.
Here are some practical strategies that can help us manage negative thoughts. I like to use grounding practices and tapping to distract my mind from negative spirals. By rewiring our reactions and focusing on an action plan, we can address triggers and create healthier habits. Reflecting on lessons learned and practicing gratitude can also contribute to our overall well-being.
Let’s take small steps towards self-improvement and be patient with ourselves throughout the process. Remember, setbacks and challenges are a normal part of life, but with perseverance and self-compassion, we can navigate through difficult times and find our way back to a positive path.
I discussed the importance of therapy and self-reflection in managing our emotions and improving our lives from the book How to Be Your Own Therapist by Owen O’Kane. Therapy and self-reflection can help us manage our emotions and improve our lives. When someone goes to therapy, they get to bounce ideas off of someone who is objective and can offer a different perspective. It’s beneficial in navigating through difficult emotions and experiences.
It’s particularly interesting how our childhood experiences impact our current emotions and beliefs. Our brains are wired to react quickly to protect us, but sometimes, this reactivity can be overdone, leading to negative emotions and thought patterns. By challenging automatic emotional responses and examining the core beliefs we have developed, we can work towards managing our perfectionism and cultivating kindness towards ourselves.
Understanding your core beliefs is key in helping to address and reshape them. Through self-therapy, you can better understand my past experiences and how they influence current thoughts and behaviors. By reflecting on your life story, acknowledging both positive and negative events, and sharing experiences with a supportive listener, you can reframe your perspectives and find hope for the future.
Ultimately, while self-therapy can be a valuable tool, you can learn that you are the solution to your problems. It requires a commitment to self-reflection, patience, and a willingness to challenge and change your patterns of thinking and reacting. By taking small steps towards self-understanding and embracing the self-therapy process, you can work towards leading a happier, more fulfilling life.
I dive into the concept of rest and how it’s often mistaken for laziness. With everything going on in the world right now, it’s no wonder that so many of us are feeling exhausted and drained. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ll be discussing all sorts of ways to find rest and recharge, so that you can tackle your day-to-day responsibilities with renewed energy and focus.
First off, let’s talk about the most obvious form of rest: sleep! Whether it’s taking a nap or hitting the hay early, getting some shut-eye is crucial for our overall well-being. But intentional rest can take on many forms, and what works for one person may not work for another. Different types of rest and how they can be beneficial for different people.
For example, have you ever tried guided imagery or meditation? It can be a great way to calm your mind and recharge your batteries. We’ll be sharing some personal experiences with creating mental images of peaceful scenes, like walking on a beach or through a rainforest.
But rest isn’t just about sitting still and doing nothing. Sometimes, it’s about engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. We’ll be talking about things like going for a walk in nature, listening to music, spending time with pets, or taking a hot bath – all great ways to relax and recharge. Finding time with friends at either random fun or scheduled events is a fun way to relax.
Of course, it’s important to remember that rest should refocus and reenergize us, not demotivate us or cause procrastination. We’ll be discussing how to find that balance, and encouraging listeners to be mindful of the difference between rest and laziness. Rest should have a purpose and help us tackle our goals with renewed inspiration and motivation.
So, if you’re feeling burnt out and in need of some rest, tune in to today’s episode. We’ll be sharing all sorts of tips and tricks for finding rest that works for you. And remember, taking the time to recharge is crucial for your overall well-being and productivity.
Today, talk about something crucial to achieving success in life: making decisions. Even deciding not to make a decision is still a decision, and it can lead to missed opportunities and a feeling of stagnation. That’s why it’s better to make wrong decisions and learn from them than remain indecisive and not move forward. Indecision can prevent personal growth, limit advancement, and hinder the pursuit of happiness.
I know that decision-making can be tough. It can be difficult to choose between options and fear making the wrong choice. But I’ve learned that taking action is the key to overcoming indecision. By setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and seeking advice and research, we can make informed decisions that align with our aspirations. And it’s important to be kind to ourselves throughout the process and manage stress and anxiety.
Making decisions not only shapes our lives but also influences how others perceive us. Being decisive portrays confidence, self-trust, and a sense of direction. And the best part? Decision-making is an ongoing journey. We may face setbacks and rejections, but it’s crucial to remain committed to our goals and learn from our experiences. By taking action, we become more confident, productive, and capable of building fulfilling relationships. Remember, having a decision firmly in our grasp starts with taking small steps.