[CHANGES] Just Another Monday

[Sandra K. Ahten]

CHANGES

I hope this newsletter, "Changes," will help you find inspiration and
provide you with information about living a healthy lifestyle. I will be
addressing diet, exercise, emotions, habits, solutions and more. Sometimes
you will also receive email about other things that I am doing in the
Champaign-Urbana area. I am a Weight Watcher facilitator, I teach art
classes, have art shows, facilitate support groups, etc. You may of course
unsubscribe at any time. Although I am employed by Weight Watchers
International, the email you receive from me has no affiliation with Weight
Watchers International. I am solely responsible for the content.
    I love getting your feedback and hearing your stories. Please feel free
to reply to the email. It will come directly to me.
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Friends,

As I contemplate the week ahead I'm a little startled. It seems, as always,
like I am so busy and have so much coming up -- but the reality is that I'm
clear of extra obligations and events though Saturday noon. I have a lot to
anticipate at that point, as I'm going to Chicago for a big festival. The
following weekend Kevin and I are going on a three-day bike trip. (Did I
really agree to that?) The weekend after that I'm heading to DC for a
political march. But today, it's just another Monday.

In the midst of your busy life, do you have days that are less challenging
to your healthy eating? Days when you can be in your routine? These are the
days that we really need to capitalize on. Have a bowl of cereal for
breakfast. Make a simple low-point sandwich with fruit for lunch. Grill
veggies and have a garden burger for supper, then finish off with some
popcorn before bedtime. Don't even play with the idea of a pastry for
breakfast. If it comes into your mind, simply affirm your plan: "I'm in my
routine today. Eating healthy is a simple choice." Then move on to your next
activity.

I know that food can be a social lubricant. It can be entertainment for us.
It can be comfort. None of these things is bad. But are they necessary on
this Monday morning? In order for you to reach your weight and healthy
living goal, you need to establish easy-living routines around eating. Every
meal is not an event. Quickly the days will add up. When the weekend comes
and you have eaten according to your plan all week long, the ease of making
healthy choices will help carry you through the more challenging times. Can
I promise you this? No -- but I CAN almost promise that if you've been
eating out of control all through the routine of the week, it won't get any
easier when you are faced with graduation parties, picnics with friends and
travel. Don't worry about the events of tomorrow -- keep it simple, just for
today.

You can do this!

Sandra

© 2002 by Sandra Ahten

Although I am an employee of Weight Watchers, this message has no
affiliation with Weight Watchers International. I am solely responsible for
the content.